Well, hmmm, as an Israeli, born in Jerusalem but with foreign citizenship as well I have always been ambivalent about these programs. I mean, there's something immoral about taking citizens of another country and turning them into religious fanatics who live in settlements. I mean, lets face it, these kids aren't being taken to Haifa or Tel-Aviv; they're not learning the other half of the story. Just one side. We know it. And I'm talking about the Jewish Israeli story here too! I am for aliyah but not for any kind of accompanying brain-washing. It just seems.... Un-Jewish. Something Communists might have done in an era past to susceptible young Westerners. In fact Islamist terrorists do it to young Western Muslims now that I think about it.... Give them a gun, tell them they're holier than regular Muslims (just like the mechina teacher said of us lowly Israeli born Jews), teach them Arabic and so on. I think its about time we had a normal immigration policy that satisfied the economic needs of the Israeli people already living here than one based solely on ideology. Israel is here and it is here to stay. We can stop aliyah. We can feel secure enough to make foreigners jump through hoops to satisfy our national requirements of them.

I feel very happy there are young men who desire to join our Jewish Nation out of Ideology, I actually know some nice non fanatical religious people. In fact they are very devoted to fighting for this country yes even for you living there in Tel Aviv the "heartland". In fact many of them have died so you can remain there. You know religion at least your religion - is a loving one. We do not believe in killing others as do our moslem relatives. Mr. smith why do you so despise your religion. Why not come to look at it from a less fanatical approach. I am sure you will find it rewarding. My greatest commendations to those brave young men who are throwing their lot in with their Great Nation. May there be more of them and less fanatical blatant brain washed hatred. With love to all Jews even in Tel Aviv and around the world Michael

Israel needs more young men like Chaim and Mordechai! I happen to know the program they are on...Great Choice guys! Top notch place!

Where do you get off comparing our Israeli Soldiers to terrorists!! In this Mechina, nearly all of the students go into combat. Here are some statistics for you: Out of last year's students, 12 are in Egoz; 6 are in Duvdevan; 1 in Matcal; 1 in Shayetet; nearly all others are in combat. In Tel Aviv area, 50% don't even serve in the army, let alone combat. If you don't have the courage to serve in the army, at least don't mock those brave enough to do so.

Smith you obviously have no knowledge of programs like these and thus are talking out of ignorance. The first rule for an educated person is not to judge until you have checked out all the facts. I happen to know about this program from personal knowledge and there is no brain washing going on there. These kids are taken all over the country, they are very aware of all aspects of Israeli society, and are taught to respect everyone!!! The last I checked the Golan is still part of Israel and there for Keshet is not considered a "settlement" but a Moshav within the internationally recognized borders of the state of Israel. Comparing the porgram at Keshet to Islamic terrorist brain washing is pathetic, your lack of knowlage of the "other side of Israel", should be a great source of embarrassment to you!! If you want to be taken seriously, don't talk of things you really have no idea about!!

Aliyah needs some serious consideration. One group of aliyah is for settlements and it brings us more troubles. The other aliyah is not that successful since most olim go back to their countries after spending 1-3 years in Israel. Then what does Israel gain??? Also, soon, we will be suffering from financial crisis and unemployment, things will get even worse in Israel.

I'd agree with Oy Vey. We've got to start paying attention to people who live here - improving our schools and health care and stop investing in trying to convince Jews from abroad to live here. If they want to come, that's great. Nefesh B'Nefesh, by the way, is in tight with Danny Ayalon of Israel Beitenu renown - just another politician who demonizes Israeli Arabs with the demography spectre. So, lets not pretend that there isn't a sharp political program here.

"Then I started staring at this ancient Wall, just standing quietly there as it had been for 2000 years and started thinking…its crazy! anyway I want tell that idiot, thank you.

one doesn't have to agree with everything religious people do. I certainly do not. And I call relious extremists out for their awful behaviour. But this program is amazing. It takes a real schmuck to brand them as religious extremists for wanting to be a part of our nation and being religious at the same time.

My son is serving in the sayeret (special forces) in the Netzach Yehuda (Nahal Charedi). I remember when people screamed that the religious do not serve in the army. Now people yell they are too enthusiastic.

These young men are to be praised. How many others are there like them in the States? Not many, I'm afraid. The others are too busy living like non-Jews, assimilating, intermarrying, and just plain disappearing as Jews.From the look of things, about 90% of American Jews will not have Jewish grandchildren in the future.

are the creme de la creme of our country, Mr Shmidt. The rest of us, especially we and you in the centre of the country, have a long way to go if we wish to reach anywhere near their calibre. Where on earth in Tel Aviv do you manage to put such superficial nonsense together? The namal area maybe? I thought so. Get the fusty cobwebs out of your system, by spending time up there. It works, as they are the genuine 'real thing'. Ah, methinks I'll go up there this week. What a treat, better than a spa...

Perhaps the only way - while you're young, you can learn Hebrew easily, integrate through experiencing the IDF, meet potential life partners. Once you're past your mid-twenties it gets exponentially harder to become an Israeli.

My husband had a grandma with a Jewish surname[Braverman],now deceased and her two sons as well.My husband doesn't know whether she was a Jew or not.In her picture,she looked Jewish though.When her first husband died,she remarried,named Feldman[deceased also].That's why God didn't want Jews to intermarry in the first place???

Yasher Koach! I admire these young men who take this step forward and actually stick with a program that makes them go for their goal to be a real light. Not only for their nation, but for their faith!

Apparently this weak willed young man has been brainwashed by the many religious cults that abound within Israel. From my experience I suggest to this boy’s parents that you have the potential of breaking up a family or destroying the child. As I have observed this one year wonder program is a family threat throughout the diaspora. Bring him back to his family and out of Israel before it’s too late.

Weak willed? Brainwashed? Religious cults? Breaking up a family or destroying a child? What bean stalk have you climbed?...You are talking about a young man that has decided for himself to make a life for himself in Israel. I can assure you that young men like Chaim are well grounded and have live by high standards. The parents are fine people, that only want the best for their son. The family is as strong as ever with constant communication on a regular basis and visits to them and visa versa. A lot of times those that live far away from the "nest" are closer than those who stay close by. I have seen a lot of negleted parents with the children living in the same city. Torah values instill into people a sense of connection and respect when adhered to properly. It's quite clear by your comments that you are very ignorant. I can only imagine that it is your parents that a the sorrowful ones! Perhaps you should bring yourself back before its too late!

Dear Jack. From your letter I gather you are secular and you "lost" a boy to judaism and to Israel. From my perspective you have gained a representative in the best place in the world. Perhaps you should spend time evaluating your own position instead of negating that of many millions of others who are risking their lives for the ideal of living in the Jewish land. Judaism is not a cult. From your writing you seem to be an extrimist. I hope you manage to solve your personal problems without having to eliminate Judaism and Israel from your vocabulary.