Since Israelis are so obsessed with celebrities, perhaps this will inspire them to pass the bill.

I fully agree with this suggestion it is time that the public spoke up- it is the right thing to do. instead of thousands of Israeli citizens going abroad to get married, why not allow it here.

Leisure? Surely not culture! I have a lot of understanding, that quite a few people want civil marriage, but they can have this easily along with a trip to Cyprus. The more important thing is the Jewish character of the state of Israel. My question: Does Bar Refaeli represent this Jewish character or does she more represent the "secular" character of Tel Aviv? I am putting this in cautious terms. I believe, that the secular and the frum should work to join hands rather than giving inappropriate statements. Having an opinion is one thing, being a celebrity and announcing an opinion in public has something to do with responsibility. I am leaving the question and the answer to this open.

PUBLIC SPHERE, than I'd rather have the keepers of Darkness (die frumme Yidden) sail off to Cyprus! What a chutzpa, to even suggest this, because of the Torah. It's just a book and so is my telephone book. As for celebrity-status well: at least it is being used for something of value rather than getting underage sex....and last but not least, it is the Rabbinate's POWER/MONEY- hunger, that's the reason for this embarrassing situation.

A wannabe shiksa whose entire contribution to Jewish life has been doing a shagetz is telling Jews who sacrifice their lives day in day out by living in a country surrounded by blood thirsty enemies, how to live as Jews. I call that chutzpah...she is to be ignored.

Clearly you have a problem of illiteracy. She is quoted not as telling people "how to live as Jews". She seems to be recommending to people to try and live as decent human beings. But in your world there are no human beings, only Jews, which apparently creates your literacy problem, among your other problems.

It's nonsensical that some Israeli Jews (as seen here in the talkbacks) would rather keep Arabs receiving state benefits, just to spite secular Jews.

Regardless of your disagreement with Al. Your "literacy comment " the refuge of a poor debate. You appear unable to express your opinion without resorting to this cheap dig. BTW "she seems to be " should read " she appears to be. You will also note a sentence cannot begin with "but". Q.E.D.

I could not find "BTW" in the OED