Re: "Separation between State and Religion"

Submitted by trans-parere (Canada), Nov 10, 2009 at 18:20

Dear Brian.
I understand Israel and the (non-state) of Palestine to be religious "states" by definition, while both claiming to be democratic. I have no 'side' in this debate based on any ethnic, religious or emotional prejudgment. In the cold light of day in terms of a working democracy the Palestinian Authority can not be held relative to what Israel has achieved to date. From what I can see Israel is a growing Jewish democracy in as much as Palestine is a stagnant Arab/Islamic nonentity. I believe that several Arabs are members of the Knesset? And that there are both Arab and Islamic political parties active inside Israel. In comparison how many Jews are working in the government of the Palestinian Authority or politically active with in the Palestinian territory to bring about Jewish religious and ethnic ideals? How long would a Jew last inside Palestine?
Let's not compare these two as if they are the same or equal entities. They are not.

Is Israel perfect? Not by a long chalk. Do they have laws to protect themselves as Jews within Israel? I have no doubt. Are the Israelis encroaching on the Palestinian territory? No doubt, but would they even try if Palestine was a State who had taken up the responsibilities of a State. I doubt it.
It's a mess but, the "Palestinians" hold an equal share of the blame for that mess. And an equal responsibility to see it peacefully resolved.

Cheers
trans-parere

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