Were they made more conscious of their potential power and galvanized into promoting Jewish values within their parties, they could well become more effective in strengthening the state’s Jewish character than the NRP ever was.
So, despite the prophets of doom, religious Zionism is not on the verge of extinction.
Yes, over the next 12 months all Israelis, and religious Zionists in particular, will confront one of the most dangerous and explosive divisions in our history.
Yes, many religious nationalists who witnessed the collapse of their ideals and dreams for the future are suffering profound physical and emotional trauma, exacerbated by the brutal and undemocratic manner in which disengagement has been pushed forward.
Yes, many will realize that their dream of Redemption in our time may have been premature. Some might, in despair, drop out of civic society and join the ghettos of the haredim.
But without minimizing the bitter impact that displacement from their homes will inflict on some of the best and most loyal citizens of Israel, the vast majority of religious Zionists will still view the State of Israel as “the first flowering of our redemption,” and will continue serving as central pillars of support for a Jewish democratic state.