Strenger's article is based on imaginary facts, even if commonly believed. 1) Ben Gurion did NOT compromise with the Orthodox. He established a militantly secularist, godless government bent on creating a "New Jew" unrelated to the Jews of history. A professor I met in Italy told me that Israel is the most antisemitic country in the world today; Israeli politicians and celebs can say things that would get them, umm, crucified in other countries. e.g. Shulamit Aloni, Yossi Sarid, etc. 2) Orthodoxy does NOT control the lives of Israelis. Israelis are already today infamously secular and happily engage in eating non-Kosher, violations of Shabbat and pretty much every other Jewish law. Israelis are infamous sex fiends, getting into the wierdest sex scandals with all kinds of victims - even when they travel abroad. Without Judaism, Israel simply doesn't have the will to survive. A secular Israel will disappear as a state, Jewish or otherwise.