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they look French, Italian, German or Russian etc. not Jewish. It's obvious that their appearance etc. originates in their country of origin and not in the religion they follow.

As time goes by, however, a melting process is taking place and we're all beginning to look like Israelis and not like Frenchmen, Americans, Germans etc.

This is because the Israeli national language and behavioral characteristics are taking effect on the Jewish People as they did when the Jews lived in their own state 2000 years ago and more.

The influence of these national, cultural features is so strong that one can even distinguish Israeli Jews from American Jews living in America or English Jews living in England etc.

National culture has proved itself a much stronger determinant of human distinctiveness than religious culture;

A religion without a state develops habits and customs that are different from those of general population, like the Jews in the different countries of the Diaspora, whereas a religion with a state develops habits and customs that become not only accepted as official state culture but become the brand marks by which the members of that nation are identified.

Christianity is inseparable from the Holy Roman Empire and Islam is inseparable from the various countries of Moslem domination.

The nation which transferred Judaism to the Jewish People was the nation that Moses created.

This nation entered the Land of Israel and became the first Jewish Kingdom ruled over by Saul, David, Solomon and a long line of other kings.

This first Jewish nation transferred Judaism so successfully that it even survived the exile in Babylon. This is why the kingdom of David is the ultimate ideal of Judaism. It is Judaism's ultimate vehicle of transference to mankind.

With the return of the Jews from Babylon the second Jewish Kingdom was established in Israel by Ezra and Nehemiah. Once again the nation transferred Judaism and so reinforced the first transfer.

This period of Nationhood ended with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the dynasty of Macabean kings.

By the end of this second period of nationalism Judaism had been transferred so effectively that even the long exile of 2000 years couldn't make it disappear.

Now, with the establishment of Israel in 1948, Judaism has, received a new vehicle for a renewed transference to the Jews.

There is no doubt that Islam and Christianity will continue, as they have in the past seeking converts from among the Jews, but now the Jewish culture carried by the State of Israel stands by the side of the Jew and contends for his soul.

The state of Israel does more than preserve Judaism and the Jewish People; it makes it possible for Judaism to be an influencing factor in the world.

Without Israel Judaism's influence isn't felt in the world. With Israel Judaism can make its contribution to the world.

Learn more about this author, Leon Gork.
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