@serge The state collects additional taxes from the adherents of certain faiths because the state is intertwined with the religious institutions.
Wikipedia explains in detail: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_tax#Germany

@lonestarmensch definitely agree.
Between living and receiving health care in the US, Germany, and Israel, there is no clear winner overall.
I have, by far, the most choice in the US, but that makes it the most laborious and time-consuming to navigate.
Israel was the opposite, but there could be very long waits for anything beyond basic, primary care (psychiatry, MRI).
Germany was a good middle ground on simplicity, cost, and availability (but they do tax you extra for being a Jew (or Christian), so there is that). @serge

@serge especially when the US is better

@skua
What it also sounds like is that you've never been walking down the street and suddenly hear a siren, giving you moments to find cover.
Limited rocket attacks have been 'tolerable' in the recent past in terms of the cost of operating Iron Dome, the psychological toll on the population, the property damage, and the relatively few injuries and deaths.
There are so few injuries and deaths because Israel cares about its citizens and we have bomb shelters and active defenses.
Israel shields its own, and Hamas uses its population as a shield: comparing casualties like a sports score is absurd and disingenuous.
@lizstl13

@lonestarmensch @dukepaaron thanks. I think that might be a winner at the next coin check

@lonestarmensch @dukepaaron where can I get one?

@serge @kjr @dukepaaron does anyone know where/how one votes if living abroad full-time, but returning to Israel to vote?