“Israelis fail to understand that the Jewish Community’s presence in the Diaspora is very important and they have to build these diaspora communities for making it’s unique position in the world.”
The Interviewee – Ralphy Jhirad, Co-chair, Friends of RAMBAM in India and Managing Trustee of Bene Israel Heritage Museum and Genealogical Research Centre. I was born in Mumbai and have studies engineering. Have taken various positions in the Jewish Community including the President of my Synagogue as well as done several projects for the benefit of India and Israel.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“Thanks to our Jewish Communities existence in India for over 2 millennia without any discrimination, I feel very well connected to the Jewish State and always look forward to strengthening the ties between India and Israel as well as with the Jewish People worldwide.“
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes indeed….”
Do you affiliate yourself with a specific denomination in Judaism? What is your view regarding the dominance of the Orthodox denomination in Israel religious establishment?
“In India we have the traditional Judaism which is more observant than what I have experienced in many parts of the world.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I feel that moral responsibility lies on each of our Jewish People and hence we have to think of ways to overcome such conflicts.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“Israelis fail to understand that the Jewish Community’s presence in the Diaspora is very important and they have to build these diaspora communities for making it’s unique position in the world.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“I think the policies are good but implementation is not proper…such as creating resources for the strengthening of ties between each diaspora Jewish Community with the State of Israel.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Absolutely yes indeed.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“I have been to Israel several times and feel that the progress of the State of Israel would be escalated to much higher growth once the conflicts with it’s neighboring countries are resolved amicably….”
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“I am fan of Israel Philharmonic and proud to have an Indian – Zubin Mehta be the conductor who visits India regularly to perform!”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“The Jewish Community in my home town of Mumbai is unique and I am proud of it’s heritage.”
