well written and thought provoking article. I couldnt agree more with the ideas behind the pros and cons of religion in this situation. While I myself am not a religious jew, I take deep pride in being jewish and tend to associate more with people who share my same values. While I think modern applications of Judaism have their major flaws, it is very evident to see that the accomplishments of today's jews are directly linked to their identity as a jew and their upbringing. When a large emphasis is put on education and on being an example or a "shining light" to the rest of the world then you strive more to be a better person. There is no perfection in Judaism without a doubt, however I can firmly say that the ideals represented in Judaism, for the most part, are constructive to a better way of living

Judaism may have established many of the positive elements of our society (coupled of course with chauvanism, xenophobia and homophobia), but it ceases to contribute ANYTHING positive to society today. The birthdate of the Haredim is staggering, and with their power in the Knesset increasing, there will be no stopping their crusade to return theocracy to this country! Slowly but surely it is happening already - Jerusalem has already been overtaken. All the freedoms you cherish -- the kind you criticize China for restricting -- will be halachically "corrected." Judaism (and religion in general) has done all the good it could ever do (which in my opinion doesn't justify it's existence). For the sake of freedom, reason and justice, it needs to be retired.

Adi, Happy to see that you can notice the distinction between the supposed ideals of materialistic atheism and the inevitable results. But don't you see that the oppressions you noted in China are the inevitable result of your own belief system (i.e., your own religion)? And yes, you are religious as it is impossible to form an opinion or say "what is most important in life" without a religious foundation. The mere fact that one doesn't or can't articulate (or defend) the principles of one's religion doesn't make one any less religious. And on that note, China really isn't non religious as it supresses any religion with which it does not agree with horrendous brutality. However, I do believe it is possible to identify characteristics of a false religion and am gratified to see that you have identified some of those in China's humanistic religion (e.g., oppression, servitude, inhumanity, etc.). Amazingly, you seem to recognize the benefit of "religion", but have chosen to be "unreligious", not unlike the Chinese and to some extent, sypathize with religious suppressiion. That is,'separation of church and state' in actuality is a suppression of religions that don't adere to the secular religion of the state. Youth, humanity, and luxury are not bad things in and of themselves but pursuit of these without regard to true religion ultimately results in their destruction and the death of the pursuer. IMHO - the following is one of the best ruberics for determining whether a paticular belief is consistent with true religion (i.e., what is truly good or evil: 'After desire is conveived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.'In other words, if something is evil/wrong, it will ultimately (not necessarily today or tomorrow) lead to death, destruction, and oppression. With respect, Just a guy in CA, USA.

I think, this was a really stupid article, with no base whatsoever

I'm not sure how long you have lived in china, but your article is not accurate to say the least. Of course the "one child policy" is debatable, many will argue that by not immplenting the policy, china's population would shrink by at least 1 third due to famine. What does industry and occupation (people working in coal mines) have anything to do with religion? Cleary this article is amateurish, and should not have been allowed to be published!!!

We oppose how the Haredim use Judaism as an EXCUSE to avoid their duties and responsibilities to the State and the Jewish people, and how they exploit us.

Let's not forget to state the obvious. China has a population that has grown out of control over this past century- doubling in the past 40 years alone. Its predominant ethnic group is the largest in the entire world. We (Jews), on the other hand, nearly faced extinction as a people just over six decades ago, and have been a small, persecuted minority in nearly every place we lived at some time or other, to varying degrees, for the past two millenia. Even in the present day, six decades after the re-establishment of Jewish sovereignty in Israel, we fear the menace of the "demographic threat"- the ominous fate of becoming a minority once again in the only land on Earth that we can collectively call ours.

I actually learned something from ynet

There are many other advantages to the Jewish religion than what Adi Dvir noted. The bond such a faith created between a people is immeasurable, making the Jewish community like one whole strongly knit family. Bless Moses, bless David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and all the Hebrew Prophets, and bless Jesus. The Jewish people owe their existence to the Jewish religion and to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who authored it.

I agree with and applaud most of what writer Dvir recounts; but I'd like to poijt out the not so enlightened conditions many migrant and foreign laborers have in Israel. That those conditions may be better than their home countries or other 3rd world locations, that's no excuse for a willful and intentional disregard for the well-being and humanity of those we've invited here.

just imagine if not for abortions, Israel would have in the past 60 years, millions upon millions of Israelis. There would be no need to worry if the Arabs would out number us. Wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Are you for real? With the rampant discrimination against arabs, foreign workers, Ethiopians, much of it stemming from religious elitism of ignorant people, you can actually write this bullshit? The writer is supposedly "liberal"? Right. As liberal as John McCain. Instead of drawing attention from Israel's own human rights abuses and lack of governmental enforcements of civil rights, why doesn't she go and have 8 babies and live in a settlement in the territories. This is why Israel will never be a true democracy and remain a theocracy like Iran, except the people chosen by God will be different.

One of the beutiful things about Israel is that we do so well at mending our religious and secular activities together. What other country is so religious yet so secular at the same time??? NONE! In so many other countries its either one or the other. You either have extremists and fundamentalists or places that do not take religion into the mix at all. I think as we go deeper into the 21st century religion no longer becomes a scientific type of thing but more of a moral/cultural aspect of life! long live israel

has them working 7 days per week ? they have a religion of ignorence which they blindly practice their main symbol is the dragon-----this being is their god who demands human sacrifice. israels G-D would like to help us all live longer and happier lives if we would seek for Him even though He has taken the time to make that easy for us thanks to father abraham's obedience

I see you haven't taken your pills today dear?

to society. No country in the world would let some of its' citizens to do this! As for working conditions. Outside of the deathrate,look at some factories how they pollute. Check out how many workers have their salary cut by stealing of their companies. The workers in Israel have no one to protect them. The knesset does not care about us any more than the Chinese government cares for their workers.

Adi, you have had a great eye opener in China; now you should consider examining your Judaism. Attend a class, get yourself invited to a Shabbat meal, read a book. You will end up gaining more than you can imagine.

with what you have to write it's very appearant you have never been to Israel and you have a very strong opinion with being very ignoRant of the truth with what is the reality, most likely driven by your hate. Look in the mirror and you still really can't see yourself!

Again, Ynet. Who you hiring as reporters? Did they finished primary at least... It is just very said and naive. Adi, please go back to school before you create any further conclusions and built article on ignorance. I felt embarassed just by reading it.

Because Chinese workers come to Israel because the China is a worker's paradise.... Exactly what "religious elitism" is responsible for that? The same that allowed dozens of chinese workers to die in the UK? The same that has many mexicans dying trying to cross into the US? That sort of "religious elitism"?

Israel has many problems, discrimination would be one of them, but then, show me a place there isnt any. Infact, The "New" South Africa - a place of true democracy and freedom, is so full of discrimination now days, some people say the rate is higher than during appartheid. You must understand the value for life that we have, respected through our religion. in comparison to others. an example. If China faced the same problems we do, they would kill and murder half the world so they can stay safe. We (Israel) will protect ourselves, but will always make sure that even the ones intent on our distruction willl get fair treatment. we will continue to give tham water, electricity and food (even jobs). the fact that there are Palastinians today in the world, is fact that we are human. China would of wiped them off the face of the earth alon time ago.

Judaism is life as it says I gave you these Mitzvtos to live with....... Even when it comes to Life you can put aside any Halacha stands in front of it. Could you find this in China or Gaza ? No matter how far you go on left or Right, Judaism grants Life and Humanity and being a Jew means to Cheris Life itself,and that's the secret of Jewish survival among the World that always and in Every generation there has been strong enemies looking to put end at Jew's Existance, but of course In VAIN......... Am Israel Chai

Don't be so short-sighted Jerome. After all, David #12 has a point. What with all the old-fashioned sexual morality that has been imposed upon Tel-Aviv for the past two decades and the flurry of stonings just approved by the Supreme Court of Israel last week.

You obviously need to take the red one, the truth pill. You are still living in la la land. 14 speaks absolute truth.

if this your opinion after reading this article then please do not make alliya as you will not fit into the israeli way of life because even the non religious perfer religion. and this country was founded on religous belives by the un in 1948!!!! so again please rethink your living in israel

85 % are non believers. Gender equality is not even a question, gay marriage is legal, they are taking refugees instead of creating ones. honestly it is one of the best systems on the planet. The weather sucks though. Well thinking about it maybe hot weather makes people stupid and religious as in the Middle East.

Adi Dvir is absolutley right. We do have some anomalies in our society but it is still much better than anything else. #12 Do you have any concept of the degree of discrimination in the USA? Are you aware that Jews could not become professionals until the 1960's hence the large number of Jewish hospitals? In Israel however there is a huge percentage of Arab students, doctors lawyers and accountants.. Arabs are not discriminated against, nor are Ethiopians - Ethiopians are very new immigrants and clearly come without funds since they escaped certain death in a poor country - but if you read your Ynet then you will see that Danny Adino Abebe (Ethiopian) is a top journalist and in the JPost Khaled Abu Toameh (an Arab) also. Everyone who wishes to thrives in this country. If you would just get up and come to see us you would recognise the truth instead of relying on your preconceived ideas. Adi BRAVA!!!

I don't see the connection between work accidents and the one child policy in China and their lack of Torah education as having anything to do with one another. When Chinese were being verbally attacked over Tibet at the start of the Olympics, notice how the Chinese people banded together to defend their country. Unlike what you see in Israel, where people are tripping over one another to bash their country to the outside world, usually for profit, including your beloved Haredi who attend Holocaust denial conferences. Perhaps if our own Haredi had Confucist values, they wouldn't have so many run ins with the law for welfare fraud, money laundering, and abusing foreign workers. How else will they pay for those large families? Ynet, please, I don't expect to agree with every editorial but could they at least be cogent.