The nation of Israel is often called the Holy Land, but that isn't an apt description of its inhabitants' present lifestyle.

Israeli Justice Minister Yosef Lapid reported in August that there are as many as 3,000 prostitutes in his nation today. An additional element of sadness to the story is that the prostitutes did not choose this life. The Russian mafia lures women in destitute situations with assurances of a better life. It takes them to Egypt and then smuggles them into Israel.

The women have to "work off" what they "owe" for transportation to their new country. Their smugglers charge them between $4,000 and $10,000 each. Fox News reported that each one earns about $200,000 year for her "masters," which adds up to an annual take of about $62 million for the smugglers.

Of course, the reason the scheme is profitable is that there are Israelis and tourists who are the "customers." In plain language, they are committing fornication or adultery. Not only are they injuring themselves (and their spouses) physically and spiritually, they also are making it possible for vile men to take advantage of women who simply want to live free and earn a decent living.

The Israeli government is taking steps to interdict the smugglers. But until its citizens individually commit to obeying the Seventh Commandment, the crime will continue to pay, and the smugglers will continue their evil trade.