Submitted by Dave Levi, Dec 5, 2006 22:44

Over 90% of Israeli Jews, are not Orthodox, yet they consider themselves Jews, if not observant. Those who convert to Judaism, not by an Orthodox rabbi, face challanges. The Orthodox control aspects of Israeli life that many in Israel would like ended. The US Jewish population, according to studies, is losing over 50,000 people a year, and the birthrates are low in both socieities. So, why is Israel making it difficult for people who desire to be Jews, if not exactly Torah Jews, to live there? India won't allow more conversions, and sent the rabbis packing. Hillel's commentary is correct. With over 200,000 Jews in the US having converted out of the faith, and perhaps 1-2 million alienated from the religion, and more than likely millions more simply closet Jews, ashamed to tell anyone of their religious background, Israel seems to be nitpicking over something trivial at a time when our numbers are decreasing worldwide. Israel also has over 1 million people who have left that country since it's creation in 1948. As far as thousands of people worldwide who might seek greener pastures in Israel, Israel can enact laws that will avoid the problems it is afraid will develop. The bottom line here is that Israel needs as many friends and supporters as possible. It has plenty of enemies. Sometimes it has to give a little.

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.