Yesterday's statement made by National Religious Party (NRP) chair Zevulun Orlev that his party would merge with National Union in the next couple of weeks is a slap in the face to tens of thousands of skullcap-wearers and religious NRP voters and supporters. Ironically, Orlev, who is considered relatively moderate, will be the one who locks the door in their faces.

Orlev's message is clear. Given the choice between a Jewish democracy striving for an intergrated society and a nationalist separatism that pushes Greater Israel as the religious and civil strategy, they choose the second.

Likewise, given the choice between a broad-minded, modern Israeli interpretation of ancient Jewish tradition and ultra-Orthodox radicalism that is alien to the way most Israelis live, the second wins again.

Finally, given the choice between a courageous leadership trying to deal with the crisis in values among the religious public following disengagement and a radical leadership that repudiates the state and civil symbols most Israelis hold dear while inflaming hatred and insubordination, the second again prevails.

The gravity of the NRP's final disappearance from the map is not to be underestimated. The religious national movement was born due to the daring and determination of a few rabbis who chose to join Zionism despite a boycott imposed by ultra-Orthodox leaders on them. Zionism was basically a secular movement that sought to take part in shaping the history of the Jewish people and establishing a national home. The NRP signed a courageous alliance with the Labor movement, and contributed significantly to the pioneering settlement project in establishing its own kibbutzim and moshavim.

The NRP did not forgo its principles in this historic alliance. It strove to maintain full religious life in a democratic state, and fostered values of Jewish tradition, seeking to integrate into every walk of life. This was no easy feat. But as the religious public, which is not homogenous, found various ways of combining the religious and the secular, the party managed to preserve its identity. Its independence was especially prominent on the eve of the Six Day War, when its ministers were the only ones who did not support going to war.

After the war, a rift appeared in the religious public. The establishment of Gush Emunim and the strength it gained as an extra-parliamentary body taking over power positions in the political establishment turned the religion pyramid upside- down. The sanctity of the land replaced the sanctity of man. The occupation of the territories, at the cost of callow injustices, replaced the wish for peace and moderation. Settlements became the main thing. The state, army and government bodies became their enemies, and therefore, enemies of religion as well.

Instead of stopping the landslide, Orlev and his colleagues chose to be dragged after this dangerous trend. Some of the NRP's leaders have chosen to be absorbed by extreme nationalism that is cut off from any religious value. By merging with National Union, Orlev and his colleagues are sealing their fate: the national religious movement is no longer the home of Israel's religious citizens.