"The [Very Few] Chosen People"

With the U.S. leading, there's a chorus of international voices that continually decry the lack of freedom and backward social practices in the Arab and Muslim worlds. In that particular world view, Israel stands out in democratic and progressive contrast in the Middle East.

Well, not really.

Right now, there's a crisis in Israel in the rule of law caused by its own brand of fundamentalists, who defy a Supreme Court ruling which mandates public - school integration regardless of religious persuasion. Certain ultra - Orthodox Jews groups are opposed to having their children attend school with the children of other more liberal Jews, for fear that their kids might be "contaminated" with ideas that they consider objectionable.

So far, nothing has been heard from the U.S., which is always calling on the rest of the world to end discrimination and adopt equality in all walks of life.

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