When Israel first became an independent state in 1948, there was a famous Hebrew folk song that was poular called "Dundai". To quote a line from the song " Eretz Yisroel belee Torah, he kegoof belee neshamah". For those who do not understand Hebrew, the translation is:
"The land of Israel without the Torah, is like the body without the soul". Although Israel is a democracy it is not at all like the USA. It is above all things the JEWISH homeland. The Torah and its laws are what sets the Jewish people apart, and makes them unique from all other people. It is what has enabled us to resist assimilation and has helped us to survive throughout all the generations of persecution that we have endured. Basic to our faith is the definition of "Who is a Jew ?", which can only be defined by Torah law as interpreted by the Rabbinical authorities. Marriage and Divorce as well at matrilineal vs. patrilineal descent, are part of that definition. The laws of citizenship and the right of inheritance stem from these Biblical laws. Similarly, observance of the Sabbath (Shabbat), is the defining commandment of Judaism. Take away these concepts and you cut out the very heart and soul of Judaism, making Israel, just another ordinary nation in the world without its unique Jewish character. That is why it is important that public entities, such as the transit system or El Al, not operate on the Sabbath. Nobody forces individuals to be religious or observant. To prove this point, the secular Jews in Israel far outnumber the observant ones. One should however be sensitive to the feelings of those who want to observe the Sabbath, by not driving vehicular traffic through areas such as Meah Shearim which is 99% ultra orthodox. People are entitled to peace and quiet on their day of rest, without being disturbed. It is no worse than the situation in Bergen County, N.J. where the residents have overwhelmingly voted to maintain the Sunday blue laws and keep the stores and malls closed on Sundays. SOL ZELLER