Text size this story is by  It is indeed true that Israel does
not have, and quite possibly could not have, an "umbrella
definition of a Hebrew nation that, from a political and legal
standpoint, is supposed to embrace us in all our factions and
variations, including religious and ethnic ones, while
separating religion and state," as Doron Rosenblum wrote
(Haaretz, February 3 ). Such lamentations over the lack of
"Israeliness," and therefore, of "normalcy," date back many
years, and represent the feelings of a nontrivial segment of
Israeli society.  The longing for a normal life is shared by
most of the public. But in general, the argument made by those
who term themselves "Israelis" is that we have failed to achieve
"normalcy" because we cling to outdated ideologies and beliefs.
In contrast, those the "Israelis" term "the Jews" feel that
"normal" normalcy, at least at the present time, is impossible,
and is also not the top national priority. We are here in order
to live in a Jewish and Zionist state, in whi