Question
When will the state of Israel be Orthodox and not a secular democratic state? Can we have one now or do we have to wait? How do you know?
Answer
Modern times have clearly shown, that God runs Jewish history and implements the redemption: gathering the exiles, reviving Hebrew, the Israeli desert and army, through logical, natural ways harmonized with human "free will". Accordingly, one sees statistically that the State of Israel is gradually, but consistently and democratically (!), becoming more religious, as seen in the Knesset and even more so, in registration for religious education, religious youth movements and programs for ba'alei tshuva. The traditional have a much higher birthrate, as well as Aliya-rate from western countries (including France), as opposed to those "yordim" unfortunately leaving Israel, who are mainly irreligious. We pray and believe that the "snow-ball" effect, and unforeseen joyful Godly events, will hasten these phenomena even more, in our lifetime.
Nevertheless, and as indicated above, these changes must be voluntary (democratic!) and not through religious coercion; otherwise, they are not real, happy nor lasting. In addition, it's important to remember that the ge'ula is for all of Israel, and all mankind, and not just for the religious.
With Love of Israel,
Rabbi Ari Shvat (Chwat)
