Ultra-Orthodox pressure stalling church, mosque at Ben-Gurion airport

Do muslem countries allow building of Synagogues or churhes in their countries? I think not ! Why do they want to build a mosque in Israel, it is total arrogant... Israel must not allow it. Well the question of a church is another issue. Looking at Christianity, it is a idol worshipping religion, and Israel is forbidden by G-D to accomodate them! Christians are idol worshippers out of free will, nobody forces them to believe what they do. According to the Torah, Islamites and Edomites have a place in the great plan of G-D, BUT it does not include, them to occupy Israel now.

I personally don't see any need for houses of prayer at the airport but if 2 synagogues exist then there should be a church as well as a mosque. If it was planned it is a disgrace that none were built, but typical of our country.

Ben Gurion Airport is a final destiny, not a transit airport. Nobody wait for combination fly. As quick as people abandon the building becomes safety. It is not a mall not a promenade.

You logic is similar to that of the Islamic empire. No new churches or synagogues, just new mosques. Israel is a semi-democratic country, they can't do that. I'm a secular Palestinian (Israeli Arab) Christian, and I DON'T want to see a church in the airport, I like Israel, the secular Israel, I don't want to see any religious stuff in any of our governmental institutions. Secularism is HEALTHY!!

Unnecessary discussion - 2 Synagogue planned whom for? Ben Gurion airport is used and serves tourist of the 3 major religions, Jewish, Christian, Muslim.- The airport itself does not need any Synagogue, Church, Mosque what maybe needed are neutral rooms which could serve for prayers of any religion by people who are forced by circumstances to remain at the airport. Otherwise existing Synagogues churches, Mosques existing in the surroundings could serve.- Airports in general are no place to stay for any length of time and are of transitory nature.

Belgiums main airport (brussels) actualy has 3 synagogues

There is a church and a synagogue in LAX, and they do do services and the whole shazam. http://www.jfk-airport.org/chapels.htm Why are people so insecure? what does it hurt to let people pray? Why do (some) religious people feel the need to put other religions down? Pray away is what I say...

I have not read all 106 posts before me but I noticed some that have qualms about puuting a mosque in BG because there are no shuls or churches in airports in Muslim countries. But halachcially, the establishment of a mosque is far less troubling than the establishment of a church because Islam central belief is much closer to Judaism's idea of monotheism that most of Christianity is,

The government has better things to do than build churches and mosques at airports. Besides, the fraction of people at the Ben Gurion airport who would use a church or mosque would be rather small. We have a ridiculous situation where orders are being issued to build mosques at airports in a democratic Jewish state, yet we have the Temple Mount under the control of the Muslim Wakf?

My entire life living in the United States, my religion has been insulted. I have never seen people of another religion in Israel insulted the way I was in the United States. There are cultural differences between Israel and many countries to be sure, but Israel is a tolerant country compared to most. They allow Christian overseas colleges to open in Jerusalem, I can think of only one Muslim states where that is the case.

You would be surprised, there are very few Muslims visitors to Israel. Remember, only a few Muslim countries are officially at peace. The number has never been significant. You would also be surprised how few Christians visit. It is not even 10% of the number which visit the Vatican anally. Most of the Christians who spend long amounts of time in Israel are not religious plgrims. They are people who are interested in history, politics, culture, etc. Religious Christians are interested in an idealized version of ancient Israel, not the complex reality that exists today.

You are right about Arab countries not having pilgrimage places for Jews but what you didn't say is that most Arab countries have no Jews at all or just dwindling remnants of once Large old Jewish communities. If either one of you can't see the obvious its too bad.

How could a county be based on an ethnicity and "ONE RELIGION" and be democratic. Can anyone tell me if they consider Iran a democtatic country that is being ruled by religious fanaticals. How is Isreal different from iran then. Any country that says it is Jewish or Christian or Muslim can not be considered democratic. I am surprised the US calls itself democratic yet supports a Jewish state. Now I don't blame Hamas for wanting a Muslim state.

Why it has not been built has yet to be established. The fact is that the government of Israel has allowed it. It is a question of time and persistence the air may need to be cleared. When will the usual mob agitate for permission from their side of the fence.?

Brother Avraham, I deeply deplore your words. You show us the same fanaticism and fundamentalism that is preached by Hamas, Hizbullah and other Israelian ennemies. I believe Israel is a Jewish, but also, a Democratic State. Don'te deceive me. A Christian salutes you. Luiz Felipe Haddad, Brazil.

very veluable , and somebody has to pay for it . For a synagogue a private organization paid for . Now others , Muslim and Christians , should not demand free real estate gifts from Israeli gov unless the pay for it , and blackmail will not help . So lets understand , it is just fair not to be a freeloader and pay for goods and services like people do in any other normal country in the world . Israel should not be an exception .

Israel should just do what democratic countries do at their airports: have a multi-denominational religious facility where Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and members of any other religion can pray.

You are mistaken. There are prayer facilities at many airports -- certainly at Heathrow -- and they don't discriminate for or against any religion.

could be any Arab country , like Egypt , Jordan , even Baghdad . Remember how many Jews could visit the Western Wall during Jordan rule ??? It lasted for 19 Years . But you are well aware of what would await those Jews whom would dare to go to those places . But that does not bother you a bit , Arabs did it , and anyway you are on a Holy Crusade to crucify the Jew . So any other considerations are just a monkey range in your Holy mission .

wHY SHOULD iSRAEL BE FORCED TO BUILD PRAY ROOMS FOR EVERY RELIGION. hOSDPITALS HAVE ONE ROOM.

to Arab countries , but they are briefed to hide that they are Jewish , forget any Jewish articles . But that is not the issue , it clear to all who the Arabs are , but is there synagogue in Sydney's or Melbourne's airports . Plenty of Jews travel there . I noticed that you never found any faults with Arabs or anybody else for that matter , only with Israel . Whats wrong , my friend , what bothers you ? Let me know , because I have seen many self hating Jewish haters in my life , but that time they were working for Josef Stalin and his disciples . Who is hiring you ? Or is it just a self torturous existence for no real reasons ? Or is it just an inexperienced , irrational act of a rebellious youth ? Tell me , I might able to help you .

But having a church or mosque at an international airport is an issue of sending a more or a less friendly signal to foreign visitors.

...seems it is assumed. No evidence here...

Except for the Muslim ruling that the ground where a mosque is, will always stay Islamitic. I see no problem. Only Christians are acc. to Halacha Idolworshippers, so we shouldn't allow or promote statues... (and maybe other things to discuss). Muslims have static prayer times, Christians are not oblidged to pray at a certain hour or day, so for them there should be no theologicall problem. And why don't Orthodox come with some positive solution... a Bnei Noach hall without statues, and if you can't recognize everybody call it 'Silence Centre' with a Mechitsa for different groups with different traditions with different entrences. Whatever be creative...

Marjorie I applaud you

to the loonies who rant about Mecca or Arab airports not having churches or synagogues: airport churches, synagogues or mosques (or other religious temples) are build on demand, meaning if there aren't any worshipers who are going to use those facilities they will simply not be build.

The Holy land is one of the top destination for religious pilgrims for all three religions for over 1000 years. I would think the tourism industry would be pushing this harder but I guess the Ultra-Orthodox are to strong for them. Maybe the Pope will get in on this at some point.

A recent state dept report on religious intolerance in Israel was vehemently attacked by several posters here. Their hypocrisy is unbelievable. However, for those that still believe the report is unjustified you can read t again here: The report can be found here. http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127349.htm Israel is an intolerant society.

There are alot of christian tourists who are supporters of Israel and I am sure they will appreciate the idea of a church at BGA. How many muslim states are friends of Israel & how many muslims are big supporters of Israel? Until the islamic world changes its attitude to Israel then we should not go to the expense of building a mosque. Gestures like this should be earned and so far the islamic world has done nothing to earn it in their attitudes towards Israel. Countries like Jordan will not even allow jews to bring basic prayer items into the country like teffilin & prayer books so why should we build a mosque?

misplaced , there no synagogues in most airoports in the world , just nobody brings it even up , and nobody expects it . But when it comes to Israel every indictments , others get a free ride , are thrown at Israel with mouth-foaming venom , as I read it in your post .

I can even pray in chuches (if there 's no statue and pictures) and in a synagogue. So a prayer room is enough if it's kept clean enough... Becuase of my job I'm travelling a lot and in most of the airports there're prayer rooms.

Don't worry, there is no shortage of churches in Israel. There is a shortage of people who are not scared to visit. I can not tell you how many Christian friends I have in the U.S. who would love to come but who are afraid. The media view of Israel is totally divorced from reality. My first summer here was spent learning Hebrew, before my degree program started, in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. There were tons of Christians and they all had a great time. However, most of them did not have the type of information about saftey in Israel that the Jewish kids did. The people who expressed surprise over how normal it was to me were all Christian.

The Ultra Orthodox in Jerusalem have not killed anyone because of their religious beliefs. There is no comparison between them, the Nazis, the Taliban, or anyone else that used their religious ideology to kill people they did not like. You are streching.

CJ, Actually Christian tourism was rising when they were planning the Church and the Mosque. That airport planned during the Oslo period (starting 1992). It just took many years to actually do it. They had this vision that a peace treaty with the PA was going to result in a massive increase in both Muslim and Christian tourism. Certainly the number of Muslims traveling through Ben Gurion then and now did not warrant building a dedicated mosque. This stuff was all predicated on growth in tourism that never materialized.

I wish to speak directly to Avraham: Avraham, I am the mother of an Orthodox daughter. She covers her hair, dresses modestly, and observes Jewish law. She, however, would be appalled by your view that no new churches or mosques be built in Israel, where she lives. In fact, she has two close Muslim friends and many Christian friends, and their friendship is characterized by mutual respect. Just as setting foot on Israeli soil is a religious experience for Jews, so is arrival in the Holy Land a religious experience for Christians, and it is only natural that they would wish to pray communally at Ben-Gurion. What I find particularly shocking in your attitude is that you are born to a people whose history is characterized by restrictions on worship wherever they lived. Our Torah teaches us, "Do not oppress a stranger; remember that you were a stranger in the land of Egypt." We were strangers in the diaspora, and we should learn from this to extend freedom of worship to gentiles.

Hey you downunder. Jews are not allowed into most muslim countries. Full stop. Soon that may include UK, Belgium, Holland and France too!!! And if Muslims wish to in to Israel and pray immed on arrival - well they cant. Rather they should fly via Jordan and visit the synagogue at amman international airport en route to Jerusalem or whatever place they are destined to visit on their pilgramage.

Build a prayer room large enough to be sub-divided with mobile screens. It is not designated to any religion but if more than qone religion wish to pray they can be separated. There should be no storing of hand grenades, rockets or any similar peacemaking items allowed!

The World as we know it is not divided into different religions or sects but rather into fanatics and non fanatics. Fanatics are always right while the others are wrong. God speaks to them directly and tells them what to do which might include killing, invading, etc.. Non fanatics, the majority of us, want to live our few years on earth in peace. Sadly, ultra-Orthodox, Taliban, Wahabists, Fundamentalist Christians, Mullas, Bin Ladens, are being allowed to rule and influence the rest of us all in the name of ..... you guessed!!!

Is Djerba Tunisia's main airport? Of course not, the main airport is in Tunis and there's another at Monastir! Jews pray at the Ghriba in Djerba. Israel is a place of pilgrimage to Christian, Muslim and Jewish people. It is not called The Holy Land for nothing. Israel also thinks of itself as a democracy and as an enlightened country. I'm not sure Tunisia has such illusions about itself.

"Think about when the new airport terminal was opened, 2006" OK so far "That means planning for the area was being done in 2005." OK so in 2005 //the plans for the new terminal included both a church and a mosque// " Christian tourism was steadily rising to Israel when it was being planned." (2005) " Then after the events of late 2000, and then the events of Sept 2001, it was decimated." Mmmm 2001 is before 2005.

Ilan, You know, I am from California and I am visiting Israel. When you look at the news, you see pictures of Orthodox people causing trouble because it is interesting. Recognize, there are probably over a million Haradi or very religious Jews in Israel. Shas alone has about 10% of the Knesset seats. However, having spent the last two years studying computer science in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, I have a very different view. The biggest problem in my life here is the normal people who get drunk on my street and wake me up at night on their way home from the bar. The only large group of religious people I see are children playing in a very well behaved fashion in the park. You have a distorted picture of what everyday life is like in Israel. I have seen many more rowdy and misbehaving secular people than religious people in Israel. It just isn't reported on the news. The rate of Orthodox people going to college is up about 400%. They are integrating with society.

At the rate at which religious fanaticism is taking hold in Israel’s governing entities, it will not be too long where we’ll see Jewish Talibannizm taking hold. The religious Jews get more and more radicals and feel free to use any tool to advance their causes. No compromise is allowed and no understanding and appreciation to other’s point of views and way of life. Their way or no way !!!!

It is amazing how quick everyone forgets what happened, but I still remember because I was there. Think about when the new airport terminal was opened, 2006. That means planning for the area was being done in 2005. So, does anyone remember what happened to Christian travel in Israel in 2005? Think back, does anyone remember? As someone who visited Israel during those years, I will tell you what happened. The reason that the New Terminal was going to include a Church was that Christian tourism was steadily rising to Israel when it was being planned. Then after the events of late 2000, and then the events of Sept 2001, it was decimated. The people who were travelling to and from Israel in 2002 to 2005 were the people who were very familiar with it, and those were people who were Israel, or had Israeli family members. In fact, there were very few people in any Churches in Jerusalem from 2002 to 2005. Why would the airport build a church for Christians who were not visiting?

At your question : "So how many synagogues are in Belgian airports?", I may answer : there's one indeed ! So if reciprocity allow to have one worship place for Christian people as Jewish have one in Brussesls Airport, heart of Europe, a simple prayer chapel is enough - I don't ask for a church.

"How many churches or synagogues at Ryad airport?" How many Christian or Jewish pilgrims go to Riyadh

No one is denying anyone the ability to build a place of worship. It is just that someone has to be willing to pay for it. The airport already has a multiuse religious / meditation room, and their are Jewish religious organizations renting additional room to hold Jewish services. I do not believe any organized religious group has put forward an offer to do the same. If they do, I have seen there is still empty room in the new terminal for rent.

"Is there a Synagogue at the airport? Of course not!" No mosque, or church either. Seems they don't discriminate.....

You have to realize that a substantial percentage of Israel's population is very religious and insists on this. The airport synagogues are overflowing almost 24 hours a day. In the U.S. there are flights all day on Sunday, but in Israel on the Jewish Sabbath, the only flights are from foreign carriers. This is just part of the culture of Israel. You have a large, but minority, population of people who are very religious Jews. They have deals with certain airlines, El Al, to accommodate their religious needs, as they do at Ben Gurioun airport. They have boycotted both of these organizations before, and I am sure they would do it again if anyone tried to take their Synagogues away. Most Christians come to Israel maybe once, but the people using these synagogues live in Israel and fly again and again. The tourists are foreigners, while they are at home, so of course they are the ones who are most able to be accommodated. It is like that in any culture.

they would not allow a church or a mosque nearby. The only reason to deny construction of a place of worship is because those who frequent it would not respect others.

Ethnic democracy, yes!

No one is being charged to pray, and there are quite rooms where people of other religions can meditate. Religious organizations are being charged for stores in the mall where they are installing synagogues and raising money. This is exactly the situations that exists for Jews and Muslims in the U.S. and Europe.

Israel does not claim to be the guardian of the Christian cites. They are administered by various branches of Christianity. Israel only provides security to prevent terrorist attacks or other violence. Also, the percent of travelers passing through Israeli airports that are Christian is probably less than 10%. Most travelers through Israel airports are either Israeli Jews or foreign Jews. I'm sorry you feel the situation "sucks" but Israel is a state where most of the people are Jewish, and most of the visitors are Jewish. Lots of organizations go out of the way to make foreigners feel welcome, but you are in a foreign culture. The Israeli government and airport are not running a Christian tourist organization.

Many airports throughout the world have chapels, but they are non-denominational, simply a quiet place to pray or meditate for each one in his/her way. They do not have synagogues, churches or mosques. So here, too, the authroties can set aside a "neutral chapel" for worship, where christians and muslims can go to pray. No need to build separate denominational places. If it's good enought fo ch/m elsewhere it should be good enough for them here too. As for the synagogue - this is supposed to be a Jewish state, and the Jewish religion does have problems with having a minyan in such places - besides that it would interfere with others trying to pray/meditate at the same time. Simple and reasonable!

Israel does not need a church or mosque in its airports. No explanation necessary.

Traditionally Airports were former airforce bases which were turned over for civilian use. Usually these bases had a chapel to put dead airmen in until they got buried. They were then retained for the same purpose when civilian planes crashed. So it is a tradition to have such places in airports.

Check your facts, more freedom in Israel than in all the despotic, Arab countries put together. How many churches or synagogues at Ryad airport? Cant hear you.

To answer your question, Djerba is a pilgram location for Jewish worshipers. Tunisia has the oldest, if not one of the oldest Synagogues in the Arab World. Thousands of Jewish Pilgrims visit Djerba, along with hundreds of others that travel there to celebrate Lag'B'Omer! Is there a Synagogue at the airport? Of course not!

Why is it necessary to have ANY houses of worship at the airport. It's an airport, not a place for prayer and meditation. Let's make a deal, we won't land any planes at the synagogues, churches and mosques and you keep your houses of worship out of the airport. As far as partially built structures go, turn them into something useful like hamburger joints.

This diversity run amok is nuts. Why stop at having every sect represented at airports, including, of course so as not to offend, the crazy Christian sect that fondles rattlesnakes? Why not prayer areas aboard the airplanes, trains, buses? Perhaps a special seat for prayer in a taxi? Should people have special areas for all religions in their home in case of visitors? Do people actually need the trappings of religion always surrounding them everywhere they go?

is a Pagan religion? Jesus was Jewish if anything Christianity is the largest Jewish Sect.

http://www.brusselsairport.be/en/services/worship

Jews are given a space to meditate or whatvecver they do in Heathrow (for free they don't have to pay). Even with say 20,000 visitors who are Jewish at anyone time they do not number more than 300,000 or 0.5% of the British Population. And there are no sites of special religious significance in the United Kingdom for the Jew. Israel clais to be the guardians of the most important sites in Christendom, but refuses to provide a site at the airport for people other than Jews to pray? I am sorry that stinks. and if we proposed to do the same to the Jew we would be accused of being anti semitic.

I have no problem allowing a Church to be built at the Airport but not a Mosque, when the Molsem countries allow freedom of religion then I have no problem with allowing the building of a Mosque.

Several of the Orthodox Jewish groups in Israel have areas they rent in the airport for prayer. I believe they are rented, I know some of the space is, but I can not guarantee that the airport is not providing any of the space free of charge. They do this, because it is probably the best place in the world for them to reach Jews with money who are connected to Israel. You catch them as they are walking by, have them pray a little, and ask for money. It is partially (and I will get slammed for this I know) a fund raising deal. Most of the Christians on this site probably have never been the minority culture, and do not realize what it is like for a religious group that makes up 1-2% of the populations. As American Jews, you and I are used to it. For them, it seems strange and unfair.

"As a percentage, there are fewer Christians in Israel that Jews in the US." Obviously we are not talking about the Israeli population, but about travellers going through BGI.

as a a chareidi,i think this is ridiculous to blame the chereidim for this. the airport authority should make their priorities and fulfill their responsibilities. .but dont blame us for everything!!

It is highly inaccurate to believe that Pagan religions were pluralistic and tolerant. Remember, Socrates was put to death by Athens not for being a philosopher, but denying the existence of Zeus, the God of Athens. Heterodoxy was a capital offense in ancient Athens. The idea of religious freedom did not exists. Modern Israel, America, Europe, Canada, and Australia are beacons of tolerance by comparison. The founders of our secular philosophy (and even the Knesset is built using Greek architectural standards) would be quite proud of what his heirs are accomplished. 2,500 years after Socrates we are not perfect, but we are much improved. Much closer to what he would have described as the just society, if not an exact likeness.

I have travelled to many cities throughout the world and am curious. I have never seen churches, mosques, or synagogues in any of them. There may be a non-sectarian chapel which any person can use for meditation or prayer at any time of the day or night. Why all this fuss about churches or mosques at Ben Gurion airport?

No one is calling to demolish the main Christian church in Jerusalem. No one is calling to end freedom of religion. No one is denying Christians the right to rent space for a Church in the airport (Chabad is paying for their space). Remember, as a percentage, Christians are a tiny minority in Israel. Even if you add all the tourists in Israel at anyone time, Christians are less than 2% of the population. I am from California, whose population is over 2% Jewish. Walking around Jerusalem there are many more Christian institutions here than Jewish institutions where I am from. The thins that seem to be upsetting the people on this thread, are simply the features of being a minority culture. The fact that Israel is a pilgrimage cite for some Christians is no different than the fact that Utah is a pilgrimage cite for some Mormons. Christianity remains a minority culture in a state where Christians are outnumbered 70 to 1 by Jews, 15 to 1 by Muslims, and 2 to 1 by Druze.

CJ, To clarify, I am an American from California who just happens to be in Israel now. The U.S. is a destinations from religious pilgrims. The Church of Latter Day Saints has Holy Cites in the U.S. that are visited by its followers from all over the world. There are also cites of significance to Indians in my home state of California that are of significance to people south of the border. The U.S. does not offer any special accommodations to these people. One of the things about going to a foreign country, like Israel, is that you are a minority culture. Most Christians are probably not used to this, but Christians are a tiny minority in Israel, even if you include tourists. As a percentage, there are fewer Christians in Israel that Jews in the US. Religious freedom does not mean all religious groups can be accommodated at all times. Certainly Jews do not receive special accommodations when they visit cites Holy to them. Christians have it much better.

A few months ago, I cruised on board a Royal Caribbean ship and the company has assigned a synagogue for the Jewish passengers on Friday evening. This is the way it should be implemented also in Ben-Gurion airport for other religions.

Monotheism is indeed, by its very nature, an intolerant form of religion. This I say as a student of ancient Semitic religions. True, we no longer sacrifice children to the gods as did the Phoenicians, the Moabites and the Carthaginians. True, we now have a moral code far more advanced than any of those ancient religions had. But then, they had no religious wars.

You want to convert to Judaism. Only the Orthodox are allowed to do it. You want to get married? Only thE Orthodox are allowed to do it. You want to get divorced? Only the Orthodox are allowed to do it. You want to build a synagogue? Only the Orthodox get government money to do it. You want to give your children a religious education? Only the Orthodox are allowed to have government-supported religious schools. Actually, Christians and Muslims have more religious rights in Israel than Jews, because the State of Israel recognizws several denominations of Christianity and both major sects of Islam, but it recognizes only one form of Judaism - Orthodox.

Please stop your insults and menaces.

I'm Christian, and don't require a church for prayer. If I suddenly felt the need for praying on space dedicated to worship while at Ben-Gurion, I'd feel perfectly comfortable going to a synogogue for that purpose. Israel is a Jewish country. Where do we draw the line at this phony political correctness? If being PC demands a mosque and a church, what about the Buddhists and Hindus who also visit Israel?

Actually there is a Church at Heathrow airport, catering for all faith groups. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._George's_Interdenominational_Chapel,_Heathrow_Airport Here is the website for the Church at JFK Airport http://www.jfkchapel.org/ There are numerous references to airport churches at Los Angeles. Want to try again? Or aren't Christians and Moslems to be afforded the same rights as Jews in Israel?

do have their own Air port, and can therefore building their Chritians Church and Mosque. Please GOD help us. Thanks.

as GOD THE ALMIGHTY is ALWAYS around. But it would be good for the Democratic State to demonstrate EQUALITY for all.

Don't recall ever hearing of one. I see no problem whatsoever. Israel's land, Israel's laws.

If Christians and moslems have no right to freedom of religion in Israel. Then to ensure equity for the Jews of Israel they should have no rights to practice their religion outside the State of Israel. We will have to close the Synagogues. This is a worrying development though when you couple it with Olmert's calls to partially demolish The Church of the Holy Sephulcre. The holiest site in Christendom, the largest Jewish sect, and the constant attempts to demolish the Dome on the Rock thwarted by the brave actions of the Palestinian people and threats of an oil embargo by the Arab States. Our political leaders need to make it clear to Israel any attack on our religious and hidstorical sites within the State of Israel will lead to a state of war.

with "natural" growth. the REAL kind, NOT the same as bibi's imports. are you suggesting that the future generations of muslim israelis NOT be allowed a place to worship?

Polytheism has been the norm in human history and atheism is gaining ground in the West, all because monotheism doesn't explain the mucked up world we live in very well. Could anybody seriously believe an all-powerful benign deity WANTED the world to look like this? Monotheism gets its power from the idea that true believers only know the true faith and are therefore superior to all the rest. This is monotheism's main strength but is also, of course, its main curse. In the sense that this is where religious hatred and conflict comes from. Polytheistic societies are much more religiously tolerant for obvious reasons.

I thought a "democracy" allowed for freedom of religion? These people who are complaining that Arab countries don't have synagogues in their airports forget that there are no Arab democracies. Israel constantly promotes the fact that they are the only democracy in the Middle East. Of course, we all know that is not true. Just another proof.

Avraham, do u know that Israel is also the holy land for the christian people??? People like u massively strengthen prejudices against Israel and against Jews. Is that really what u want???

Funny, how we spend so much time worrying about relations between Jews and Arabs on here, but ignore the obvious. The ultra-Orthodox are already 15 per cent of Israel and grwoing faster than any other segment Jewish or Arab in the community. Yet this is a populaation that totally rejects the kind of western, tolerant, pluralistic society Israel likes to present itself as. You sense they feel their growing power and are beginning to flex their muscles.

Christianity, Judaism and Islam are the three government recognized religions of Israel. All three should be respected. But there needs to be recognition of the other religions that actually exist here. And they, too, need respecting. This failure to accommodate, even in a relatively small matter like airport prayer rooms, does great damage to Israel's credibility in the world. I say fix it.

The least it can do is provide facilities for pilgrims. Last week saw the beginning of the Hajj. In the airports of pluralistic countries around the world passengers were able to pray in the mosques provided for them during their endless wait for postponed flights. In the Holy Land such facilities were not provided. No matter, like Jews, Moslems know how to pray anywhere. But it is ironic, isn't it?

There is one synagogue and one mosque at Belgium's international airport in Brussels. And an Orthodox and a Catholic Church. Not bad eh?

religious pilgrims..

"The desire for a church or mosque in an airport has nothing to do with spirituality. One doesn`t need a church, mosque or synagogue to pray." So why is there a Synagogue?

http://tinyurl.com/y8ewves/sovereignty-state-non-state-entity/#IsraeliDeclaration Letter From the Agent of the Provisional Government of Israel to the President of the United States, May 15, 1948 ?MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I have the honor to notify you that the state of Israel has been proclaimed as an independent republic within frontiers approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its Resolution of November 29, 1947,

"How many synagogues are in the 55 Muslim countries airports?" Are many Muslim states a destination for religious pilgrimage for we Jews?

"If Muslims cannot tolerate Jews building settlements in the West Bank...." Now if only the Zionists hadn't insisted on a separate state and been happy with a homeland in Palestine, we'd've had the right to build anywhere...

Ari, give us a break! 'PLURALISTIC JEWISH UTOPIA.That is the dream!' Where did you find your branch of Judaism- I would be nervous if you were my doctor, home builder or investment advisor. If you have ever been to Israel, you will see that there are plenty of places non-Jews can pray, if they wish to. When they come to the airport, go through security and screening, there is little time to 'pray'. If they need to, they can 'communicate' in the waiting areas- they have no need for quorums as Jews do at certain times of the day. On their return to the holy land, they can exit and attend to their divine needs in more appropriate places. Pluralism has nothing to do with Judaism unless you are totally assimilated and more concerned by always worrying about what the goyim will say.You call that utopia.It is insecurity! I have davened independently and with minyans around the world in waiting areas-its no big deal.the christians and muslims can also.

Amazing!!!

Rome ,Athens dont allow mosques in their airports niether should Israel! Mecca doesnt allow churches or synangogues..... Israel Is A Jewish State! End of story

What a waste of money, what would be wrong with a common prayer room like most other international airports have.

Having been to many airports in the United States, I have not seen a single one that had different worship halls for non-Christian religions. What they do, in theory, is let people take turns in the same room. While the two synagogues seem to be in use all time, most of the regular travelers at Ben Gurion are Jewish after all, perhaps a room could be set up that could be shared by people of other religions. That seems to be the arrangement which takes place in the U.S. and Europe. It is true that Muslim countries don't accommodate Jewish worshipers, but they do not seem to be attracting many tourists.

Shame on Israel for not having such facilities already in Ben Gurion and shame on any Jew who seeks to deny others to practice their religions with dignity.

do you realise that 1in5 Israelis is muslim? if you didn't SHOCK AND TERROR...there are also some christians who live here or like to visit...personally I think its a waste of good shopping space, and I bet the managment feel the same....no rent from the religious.....

Are weddings, baptisms going to be performed there? Of course not! The desire for a church or mosque in an airport has nothing to do with spirituality. One doesn't need a church, mosque or synagogue to pray. It has more to do with Christianity & Islam's desire to spread their faith & exert their influence in every corner of the globe - even in airports. There's no church in JFK, LAX or Heathrow. There's no reason Ben Gurion should be any different. There are already plenty of churches in Israel, including one minutes from the airport.

obviously you are an open minded tolerant person, please define "Israeli soil" where does it begin and where does it end?

... prayer facilities for goyim... even industrial facilities in Jerusalem... ..what next?... how long will the J'lem Cinematek be allowed to prosper so blatantly near the holy-of-holies...?

There are already too many mosques in Israel.

For what reason is Israel planning on building a Masque at Ben Gurion airport? How many synagogues are in the 55 Muslim countries airports?

#2 Avram uses the word "construction" for a reason - to draw a parallel to settlements in Avram's "Judea and Samaria". If Muslims cannot tolerate Jews building settlements in the West Bank, why should Jews tolerate Muslims and Christians building mosques and synagogues? Avram's using the article as an example against anti-settlement ideology.

Just guess what information are given by Chabad in Belgium (http://chabadbrussels.com/Tourist.aspx): There's synagogue at Zaventem airport (that's Brussels...) in the international departure area. So any more questions? I'm really secular Jewish but as well as I respect my fellow religious Jews (even the orthodox ones :-) with their religious institutions - it's the same civil right for believers of other faith to have their own places of worship! I'm living in Cologne/Germany - a city of 1 million people. We have a Jewish population of about 5-6000 with 3 synagogues, five community centers etc. Most of them (even) financially supported by the local administration. Some weeks ago the Turkish Moslem Community at Cologne startet the buildung of a huge representative mosque in the heart of the city. The Jewish Community was one of those who strongly support the right of this buildung...

one wonders what your real motive is? Israel is a center of all the religions of the world. Jerusalem is the heart of Christianity as well. It is only right that there is a church at the airport for those christinan tourists that wish to pray. I am not religious in any sense of the word, but your comments are rascist and offensive.

So there are no Synagogues in Belgian Airports and for this reason we cant have Mosques and Churches in our Airport? We the Light Unto the Nations can not allow people of other faiths their ability to pray prior to flying? We are now being held captive by the Ultra Orthodox - who give nothing,do nothing and want everything? We are now not allowed to elevate our society and show others in this region that we are head and shoulders above them by allowing multi faiths to emjoy their beliefs in Ben Gurion Airport? Are the Ultra Orthodox so frightened by the spectre of a small insignificant church or mosque that they are controlling who and what can be done? Are 15% of the nation (who do nothing and give nothing and expect everything) now telling everybody else what can be done and not done? We will have become a branch of the Taliban of these people have their way,will we be forced to wear beards and big hats and our women cover the heads before we can fly?

Why to have religios places on airports? (shopping malls, hospitals etc). and if it is a church will it be catholic? ehy? why not orthodox or protestant? if mosque, then for which wing of islam? If there is a synagogue, then why not to have church and mosque? Let them pray, who cares?

I get this bizarre message when I try to read your article of the FRENCH FM!!!!!

"Israel must not allow the construction of any new Churches or Mosques on our soil....no new construction. Only new synagogues should be permitted on Israeli soil" Why not? What if Christian countries forbid the building of any new Synagogues, that OK? Or is it the usual one rule for Israel another for everyone else?

So, only Jews, eh? Therefore you would approve of "only Mormons" in Utah; "only catholics" in Italy;,etc? You might just get what you wish for: a strictly Jewish state, strictly racist, and loathed by the rest of the entire world. What are you thinking? Really, that god has given you something? Wonder what your so-called "friends," like the US "premilleniumists" are thinking about your not building a church? Or do you care?

Israel must not allow the construction of any new Churches or Mosques on our soil. The ones that are standing already may be left alone, but no new construction. Only new synagogues should be permitted on Israeli soil.

Israel should persist here. This would be wonderful not only as a gesture of respect toward Islam and Christianity, not only to show the world how tolerant Israel truly is, not only for the benefits to its reputation and improve your first reaction when you first set foot in Israel at its beautiful new airport, not only to make the new airport even more of an amazing experience, and not only to accomodate Muslim and Christian visitors and guests coming to Israel. It should do so because rather than being a "Jewish and Democratic State," which implies that Judaism and democracy are somehow at odds and that being Jewish somehow conflicts with being democratic, Israel's goal must be to become, and show the world that it is, a PLURALISTIC JEWISH UTOPIA. That is the dream!