Israeli Tolerance

We tolerate other religions, except when we don't

The above Haaretz article provides us with an interesting look into Israeli society. It states that despite claims, often heard by the pro-israel lobby, of Israel's "tolerance", most Israeli Jews view the non-Jewish population with a double standard. This justified bigotry allows for the existence of non-Jewish groups, so long as they remain in the shadows and to do not participate in civil society.

Some facts from the article:

•  Only 50 percent of the sample agreed that Jerusalem was central to the Christian faith
  

•  75 percent believe the state should not allow Christian organizations to purchase land to construct new churches in the city. 
  

•  Seventy-eight percent of religious Jews believe Christianity is "idol worship"

How can any State, in all seriousness, claim to be a model of tolerance when it refuses to acknowledge the freedom of religion of minority groups-i.e. the right of people to build and occupy houses of worship?

One must also be aware of the racial aspect of this religious bigotry-The vast majority of Christians in Israel are Palestinians. Thus, this can and must be viewed through the lense of Israeli Apartheid; the system which has forced an entire people into the role of the "inferior race", and where all acts must be approved from above-by the "superior race". We can now add to the list-in addition to the other human rights the Israeli state has systematically denied or stolen from the Palestinians-the right of freedom of worship.