Religious minority could become dominant

JERUSALEM - The International Monetary Fund says Israel's long term prosperity depends on more ultra-Orthodox Jews joining the work force.
  
The IMF says in a preliminary report after a two-week mission to Israel that the country's economy is strong and has weathered the global economic slowdown well. But it notes that only about 40 percent of ultra-Orthodox men are employed.
  
The report highlights a growing rift in Israel between the secular majority and a fervently devout minority. In ultra-Orthodox society, men focus heavily on religious study and often do not work, living instead on government welfare. And since ultra-Orthodox couples typically have about six children, the religious minority could become increasingly dominant.