Met,
You went from the facts about the ultra orthodox movement to some very Watchtowerish conclusions. You state: "Many people don't understand that Israel is headed into big trouble and instability. There is an emerging sense that Zionism as a political movement is in trouble inside and out amidst growing isolation."
Really? Your sources? Taken literally then "many" do understand? Or think that is what is going to occur? You state that Israel heading for big trouble and instability is a given. What are your facts? They have been in political and social turmoil since the U.N. gave them a charter after WWII. They are kinda sorta used to it, Met. Your statement sounds like something the WT would say. It is simply not based on any facts, and you haven't provided any. I'm waiting on them, as I'm kinda sorta an expert on this topic.
"Zionism as a political movement is in trouble inside and out amidst growing isolation???" Really? Anything new here? From whom are they isolated? They have very powerful friends, the Arab spring has resulted in a lot of chaos and likely has increased the anomalous asymmetrical threats to Isreal but again, what else is new?
The Ultra Othrodox are also very resented, inside and out, by Jews all over the world because they want to bask in the security and economic prowess of Israel without doing what many believe is their part in supporting military efforts.
The anti-conscription and anti-land grab movement shouldn't be misconstrued as the end of Israel, and that is what you are doing. The anti-war demonstrations and the fleeing of many young American males to Canada wasn't the end of the U.S. or the U.S. military; but it was necessary to make a statement. The U.S. and the U.S. military both have gotten better as a result of those protests, and there is no reason to conclude Israel won't follow suit. Lots of Israelis living in Israel today want a better solution to the land issues and the Palestinian 'problem.' That is the real issue. Where it leads will be interesting; the conclusions you draw from it are not.
Whether or not Israel should have been given the territory is a separate issue. Look at all of the data - including the economy, technology, natural resources, milatry prowess, and then make another O.P. that isn't driven by the media you are reading that supports what you want to believe. And then post another one. This one suffers from a reactionary bent with conclusions that aren't supported by the weight of evidence.
I have regular contact with individuals who live in Israel and my third best friend is an atheist but a Jew who keeps kosher. He is like lots of other Jews; his culture and history mean so much to him/them and they are committed to their last breath - whether they live in Tel Aviv or Brooklyn - to make sure that culture and the physical land of Israel survives.
