Part of the issue surrounding religious extremism is that pace of life in the modern world and the speed and distance technology has advanced has left religion behind. The ultra orthodox Jews of 100 years ago would have barely been much different to 'normal' people because no one had phones, everyone wore a hat and there was a deeper level of religious observance throughout society. So its not that the Jews have moved but society has moved and sometimes their reaction to that can be a bit extreme. The Muslim groups currently murdering their way around Syria and Iraq etc clearly feel that the influence of western society on their flock is destroying their way of life and take an even more extreme line in how to combat it. The ultra orthodox simply ignore some aspects of modern life in their own homes and within their communities and sects. Hence heavily Jewish ghettos (particularly as we do not drive on the Sabbath so we need to all live within walking distance of synagogues).
There are other issues within Jewish society which has lead to changes in the way life is lead (not always for the better in my opinion), but these will have limited impact on the wider world. However the situation which occurred on the El Al flight is not a reflection of the religion, but their interpretation of customs which have grown up within the sects.
Men and women do separate for prayer but there are few other occasions when separation of the sexes in public is necessary; and an aeroplane is not one of them. I know many rabbis who simply get on a plane, sit down and act like any normal passenger. In fact some prefer that inpromptu prayer sessions on board did not happen, but that is a discussion for another thread. ...