What is even more striking is that by 2065, 49 percent of Israelis under the age of 15 will be ultra-orthodox Jews. In other words, by the time Israel as a nation is more than 100 years old, its essentially secular and Zionist character will be fundamentally altered, given that the typical ultra-orthodox Jew has views and values that are at odds with other Jews. Thus, members of the Haredim community overwhelmingly support the application of religious laws (Halakha) as a way of governing Israel, believe in gender segregation, prohibits membership of women in political parties, practices strict dress codes for men and men, abhors the notion of women singing in public and would like cessation of commercial activities during the Jewish Sabbath (which fall on Saturdays). There is, according to one survey, hardly any interaction between Haredi Jews and others. More importantly, ultra-orthodox Jews have historically opposed Zionism as ‘religious heresy’.

The ‘Haredisation’ of Israel and its demographic future: Is there a case for ringing alarm bells?