OK Escalating the sharing of burden. The point is made assertively and in an extreme way to suggest that we Take up arms against each other. Lets also evaluate the economic contribution generated by the efforts of the Hereidim International brands enhancing Israel’s exports, put a number to this and the extent that exports of food and beverage industries contribute. A significant inputs to management and specialised professional consulting should be measured Education projects funded off-shore Overseas students bring school fees from abroad Jewish inventive solutions problems in industry medicine science and technology Other funds raised for the poor in the community. These funds which are substantial support the Israel economy. Lets measure it. Contribution to education of children including challenged cases and special inputs in life training and torah Evaluate the value-added contribution of torah trained people whom enter the economy in their mid to late twenties. This is not an exhaustive list. An attitude of working towards a reality check a bettering needs an evaluation of the starting point. Look at skills and Quality heredim whom say at 27/28 often join the economy and work daily for 5 to 10hours. Many hidden contributions. Lets measure this and establish trends of transition with constructive long-term achievable goals based on facts. May I suggest that before going out to lambaste our Heredi community measure the contribution quality and value added to the economy.

The author is right in every word. The haredim have sin'at hinam against the rest of the Israelis - those who feed them and protect them. They will bring economic, political and maybe even security ruin on us if this rift is not healed. They must work and must serve. Bitul melaha is bitul torah.

Interesting comment. The first time, I actually can't argue against Israel being called an "apartheid state". Obviously it's very different to SA, but your explanation is right.

Don't agree with the point about teaching the county's heritage secular children are taught a one sided view what about the zionists who stripped many olim of their religion shaving off peot & much more. Integration is a two way process & although I'm not haredi I appreciate their contribution in ensuring the survival of our religion & hertitage which many have sought to water down In the misguided belief that this will end antisemtisim. I do believe they need to contribute to Israeli society but I don't believe the issue is as clear cut as this article suggests.

mostly originating from Orthodox families .

for our tiny Israel to combat the millions of enemies that surround her. Israel needs for sure G-Ds help too.

I have read that it is a myth that "everyone was orthodox" at one time or another.

I do not agree; they are not the same. One is by force, the other is not. Yes, I hope things will change. But it is not what people think of when they hear "apartheid". And just because the dictionary definition covers both instances, one is racial apartheid, the other is not. Therefore, they are not the same.

religion ,after some time,Jews assimilate,marry non-Jewish women....

Sir, you agree with me, I explicity stated that one was both wrong and immoral and enacted by legislation whereas the other is a fait accompli. My whole point is that Israel is the most sectorial society in the Western world, de facto an "Apartheid" society and that this is detrimental and destructive and completely negates the original concept of "kibbutz galuyot". One woman on one bus who is told by one haredi to sit in the back is one too many as far as I am concerned. One Israeli of North African origin who says "I will not go that synogogue, it's Ashkenazi", is one too many as far as I am concerned, etc.etc. Perhaps you now get my point.

I get your point. I agree with you that one is too many of the circumstances you describe. I do not agree with you in your blanket condemnation of Israel as being apartheid, de facto or de jure. The circumstances you describe are not rampant in the society. Is everyone in the US a thief because there are thieves? I get your point...and I disagree.

We who have many children that must be fed and still we pray continuously to Hashem for the safety of true Israel. We who you curse do more for Israel than all your army and bombers and missles. It is true we get some crumbs from the government to feed ourselves. You are all millionaires living in fancy apartments overlooking the sea should be ashamed that you don't give more. And those without Hashem will always complain because Hashem does not them more. Hashem will bless those who honor him.

Don t underestimate what the IDF does.

You equate religion with orthodoxy. I must respectfully disagree. And it is also true that what keeps Jews as Jews, orthodox or not, is anti-semitism, of which we have had few respites. Throughout history, the anti-semites have done a "good job" of keeping Jews, Jews, orthodox or not.

Jews?

Some people say yes, some say no. I say yes to those who have realized they are Marranos and worship Hashem, not Jesus. And thereby, yours is not a good comparison. I speak of those born Jews who were not orthodox. Maybe they went to the synagogue on Saturday, or the High Holydays, maybe not. But they felt more identified with Judaism because of anti-semitism. You do not have to be orthodox to be a Jew.