How on earth does sending one’s daughter to seminary in Eretz Yisroel teach her “misplaced priorities” and “incorrect focus”?
It is very appropriate to love Eretz Yisroel, even if you don’t live there. It is probably more important, actually, to instill this love into those children who DON’T plan to make aliyah, because one can’t help loving Eretz YIsroel if he actually lives there. I see nothing “arbitrary” about this.
Eretz Yisroel is our home. It’s where we came from, and where we are going. Unfortunately here in the Diaspora, it is so easy to get caught up in our little bubbles and forget that essential fact.
Shabbos and tefillin are mitzvos, things you do. Eretz Yisroel is a place (but not just any place; it’s our one true home). The comparison is apples and oranges.