Thread: Boot it out!!!

Originally Posted by Universal Mind

I think Israel should be a democracy where Jews and Muslims are allowed to live together without a government run by a religion. Since there are two Israelis posting in this thread, please tell me to what extent that describes how Israel already is. I have a relative who lives in Israel, and she is the only Israeli I have ever talked to about the situation, so I wanted to get some more perspectives.

Israel is a democracy. A lot of the time it is described as the only democracy in the Middle East (though some others have made progress), and it has good or in some cases better statistics on free speech, gay rights and womens rights, etc. than America.

Any muslims who wish to live in Israel can do so, and Israeli citizenship is granted to any Muslims or Arabs (with some obvious exemptions that are present everywhere, of course). As a result, a lot of Arabs and Muslims are co-existing peacfully and happily in Israel. It's their choice. That's what I know at least, though Dodo's points about how hard it is is probably correct. They're allowed, at least, though if Dodo is right I think it should become a lot easier for them.

The government in Israel isn't exactly "run by a religion" it is run like any other but it is, yes, a Jewish government because this is a Jewish state, just like Iran is Shi'a Islam state. But as Dodo said, it hardly interferes.

I'm guessing when you said "I think Israel should be a democracy where Jews and Muslims are allowed to live together without a government run by a religion" you meant having a joint Muslim-Jewish government. I believe this was suggested early on when the decision of where to create The State of Israel was being made. A joint Palestinian-Israeli state was suggested, by the Israeli's even though this would seriously detract from the notion of a Jewish state that. Splitting Israel basically in half was also suggested, and this would have left the tiny Israeli half stranded right in the middle of all it's friendly neighbours. Again, not so great. Also rejected, by the Palestinians.

I think that there should be a Jewish state. The jews definitley deserve a state of there own to live in. Just like There are a lot of Muslim states for Muslims. I think that any Palestinian who wants to should live there. But why can't Israel be a Jewish state, which they deserve, and allow anyone to live there (which they do) and Palestine be a Muslim state?

I just think Israel should be allowed as a Jewish state and as a homeland for a race that has been prosecuted for 2000 years. The Jews should have a haven.

Edit: Oh yeah, here you go. Quote from Wikipedia: "The population of Israel today is over seven million, with a large Jewish majority. While Israel is home to both Jews and Arabs, as well as a large number of Christian and other minority groups, it is the world's only Jewish state. Jerusalem is the capital, seat of government, and largest city. Due to its broad array of political rights and civil liberties, Israel is considered the only liberal democracy in the Middle East. Despite Israel's political problems and the vast sums it spends on military defense, Israel is an active competitor in the global market and is considered the most progressive in the region in terms of freedom of the press, business regulations, economic competition, and overall human development."

You should read the article, it's quite good.