Religious-secular relations appear to be better than ever. The Gesher organization, which works on behalf of religious-secular dialogue and understanding, has found that only 18% of 500 Jewish respondents feel that secular-religious relations are "bad" - compared with 65% who felt that way five years ago. Almost a quarter of those asked feel that the relations have improved, compared with only 10% who said the same two years ago.
On the other hand, there are those who would have it differently. MK Yosef Paritzky (Shinui) demands that television broadcasts not be closed down this coming Yom Kippur (Sep. 16). Israel Television, like radio, government offices, public transportation, eateries, cinemas, and many other services are closed by law on Judaism's holiest day of Yom Kippur. Paritzky's call incensed MK Rabbi Yehuda Gilad, of the left-wing religious Zionist party Meimad, who said,
"On the day that is a symbol of forgiveness, Paritzky looks to quarrel. Instead of trying to build bridges and truly act to prevent religious coercion, it appears again that MK Paritzky's real goal is to arouse provocations and discord. This is a vexatious demand in an attempt to unravel the last strands holding Israeli society together."