WHY would you want to split religion and State? It works in a land where people are not defined by their religion. Christians of the US are not considered a unique population...they are part of the American population. On the other hand, Jews are. Our State was built on specific Jewish values that even the most secular person sort of has in their genetic makeup. I agree that the religious courts DO abuse their power, and do so in order to stay in power. SURPRISE! That's exactly what Labor, Meretz, Likud, the labor unions, NGOs, even terrorist groups do! One fine example was the US healthcare bill that was just passed. To split religion and State is akin to splitting one's body and soul. Neither can exist very well in this world apart. I believe smarter, fairer interaction is necessary between the two sides of the same coin, not a split.