Prof. Michael Harsegor, Haaretz, September 1996: "The leaders of the ultra-Orthodox are the enemies of democracy, no less than the blackshirts or the heads of the National Socialist Workers' Party [the full name of the Nazi party]." That much about him.

Perhaps the two should get a divorce: the state of israel and the jewish religion. This does not appear to be a healthy relationship for both sides. Perhaps after the divorce the two can be friends and better care for their children together (the israelis). The jewish religion clealry does not need the state, though it seems to me that the state needs the religion but restrained. IMHO, the jewish religion certainly deserves better than a "marriage of convenience", where she isn't free to be 100% herself. And I guess the state can make a similar claim, that it is unable to be 100% itself, which is modern secular euro-democracy, with such a "nagging" partner as the utterly charming jewish religion. The USA is a secular democracy, and still happens to be the most religious country in the west. Both the secular and the religious (of all faiths) can find their place and fulfillment in the USA. The religion is easy to find for those americans who seek it. The same can be ture for israel, even with a speration of church and state. The jewish religion will ALWAYS be there for those who seek it, among the truly religious who continue in the traditions of their ancestors, no matter what.

Of course, when there were only 2.5 million people in the country, everything, from the Telephone Company to the army intelligence, was run in a more effective way. Big deal! It's like running a big Kibbutz! The comparison with the US may look elegant, but my feeling is that Prof. Harsegor did it just for the sake of parallelism. The true problem is the way we manage a complex society growing 900% in 50 years: It just cannot stay in the family! This is what's happening now in the Army, in Politics and in the Electrical Company. They all run their business like others run a family –dinner! We need to find an appropriate (and maybe more transparent, though it's not the only solution) system, that's all! The religiosity of the so-called influence of the extreme-right wing previous to Sharon's disengagement is irrelevant here! The same goes with the extreme-left-wing putsch under Rabin! (If you define Thai-Shi, pacifism and Tofu veneration as a religion, which I do) We may as well decide that we prefer anti-religious plurinationalists Europeans over religious conservative Americans, it won't help us! What we need is to leave this little Kibbutz mentality, and find something else. It won't be anything already existing. We need a new ideology of our own.

I have to agree with you that "evolution" does not explain "existence". And that when one actually delves deep into science of "existence" (cell biology, nuclear physics, etc), it is very hard to come away from it without a sense of awe. In fact "no-thing" explains existence, that is the real marvel. But to add to the fascination, modern discoveries in the science of "existence" corroborates many things said by the jewish sages in respect to the "physical " and "metaphysical" sciences. I njoyed reading the following books on this subject: 1) Genesis and the Big Bang: The Discovery Of Harmony Between Modern Science And The Bible (Paperback) 2) The Hidden Face of God: Science Reveals the Ultimate Truth by Gerald L. Schroeder

With hand on heart I can honestly say that I never encountered such grotesque, myopic and warped distortions of reality outside Egypt's Al-Aharam and Al-Gomhorhea. I'll quote only one line that underlines how far this writer has stationed himself in outer space. Well what to expect... this is the same newspaper that gives that turncoat and traitorous Victor Ostrofsky front page credability anytime the Mossad's ethics come into question. So what would anyone make of this? "...the dominant doctrine for many years has been Greater Israel. Because of that we couldn't make peace with our neighbors."

religion and state are inseparable, a piece of land becomes a state and country only when it accepts a certain faith as a pillar of society. If you take this pillar out on the assumption that it's against progress, mediaeval invetnion - then the state starts falling apart. But mind you - I speak only of religions that bring the good to the world - judaism, christianity and buddhism ( plus some more minor faiths). I totally refuse to give this benefit to Islam, as this faith degrades women, allows and glorifies the worst atrocities, hasn't given in the last 5 centuries scholars, scientists, poets, inventors to the world ( please dont' bother with Avicenna, or Omar Hayam). A true religion gives a person consolation, moral support and good guidance in life - to be a good parent, spouse, love your country, your kids, and work for the benefit of the human society. I don't see how pointing your ass five times a day to the sky benefits the world. Ref this misguided, self-pompous, knows-all professor - one shouldn't be surpirsed, as contrary to being a light of wisdom and education some 100 years ago, nowadays world academia is ruled by left-wing,intolerant bigots, specially in the filed of human sciences To crt - I hate America and Down with Israel, Stop Imperialism - is a band of good taste with these people, shame they live on taxes of people they so profoundly hate.

On the day of Jesus Crucifiction pilate said to you Jews" Your nation has always been seditious and always against those who have been serviceable to you. Your GOD gave you a law from heaven yet you provoke HIM in all ways. GOD was incline to destroy you but Moses interceded for you and your GOD heard him and forgave your iniquity. Yet later in your anger you wanted to kill your prophets Moses and Aron. Pilate said then and maybe even now you are still a murmuring people against GOD . I love Israel for "God" s sake. Those who peach the word of GOD has a very much responsibility to lead israel people. Have you lost your love for GOD? Why are you losing your wars? Your enemey is all around you again and getting stronger. Will GOD be with you? Or have you lost your first love?

The perfect article. It would be a good start to reinstate a secular modus vivandi in Israel. I would expect the same in the Arab world. The USA must return to the secular governing. Actually, the good Carter was a sinner. Reagan, Bush went on the slippery road further. The secular governing of the Arab world must assure the health of the family structure without the barbarism of MB, Baath and Khomeinism, and Wahabbism.

This guy's a hack who puts his myopic, malformed agenda above truth, reason and the facts. I'm a pro-choice liberal but I can't stand the ignorant ones who struggle with reality (such as the reality that is the Islamic culture of violence and hatred) and lie about and/or distort the facts to justify their psuedo-academic garbage. Professor, here are some real facts about North American abortion clinic violence for you... I hope your puny brain doesn't self-destruct in their presence. (From http://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/violence/history_violence.html) From May 1996 to May 2000, there were 35 arsons/bombings -- from April 2001 to July 2005, there were 11 arsons/bombings. From November 1995 to October 1998 there were 5 murders/shootings -- there have been no reported murders/shootings since 1998. From November 1996 to July 1998 there have been 20 acid attacks -- there have been no reported acid attacks since 1998. So, what can we conclude here? That attacks have sharply dropped since the late 90s, well before Bush's first inauguration? Do you mean the professor either lied, or didn't check his facts? Such ignorance on display for a "professor"....