“Often the views of Israel are crystallised around ‘World Israel’ and ‘World America’ and the relevance of other communities of the world are marginalised. This is a big error.”

The Interviewee – Ben Swartz (Born 1972), National Chairman of the South African Zionist Federation. Born in Johannesburg.

In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?

“In our 3700 year history, the land of Israel has been at the heart of our aspiration, dreams and prayers. The modern day state of Israel is the embodiment of the realisation of that. It is at the heart of who we are, where we have come from and where we are headed. It is our privilege to be part of the generation that has realised the return to the Land as our own sovereign people – it is a privilege that we can never take for granted or undermine.“

Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?

“Absolutely. It is the responsibility of every Jew both in Israel and the Diaspora to do something in his or her way to defend and build Israel.”

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?

“I affiliate with traditional orthodoxy but am not shomrei. I am however respectful of each and every stream of Judaism that defends and supports us as a people, as a nation and a religion. It is critical for each stream to respect one another’s differences – knowing that it has always been the Jewish way to have differences. It saddens me when one stream or another cannot respect and tolerate those differences. We are quick to forget that it is the synthesis of those differences over time that have kept us strong and relevant.“

Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?

“I am not. But the collective of the State of Israel is responsible. Israel is a democracy and I will respect the will of the democratic majority to take on that responsibility – even if I do not agree with it at times.”

In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?

“1. Israel is as responsible to the diaspora as the diaspora should be to Israel.

2. Often the views of Israel are crystallised around ‘World Israel’ and ‘World America’ and the relevance of other communities of the world are marginalised. This is a big error.”

How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?

“It is critical. Israel (as a nation) has been dispersed for over two thousand years. The fact remains that Jews the word over, overwhelmingly (should) support Israel. Yet at the same time the very nature of nations in this globalised world means you have Jews that are committed both to Israel (as their biblical or historical homeland) as they are to the countries they live in. This is an amazing opportunity for Israel to work with these communities to strengthen the standing of Israel and the Jews in the eyes of the world.”

In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?

“Absolutely – that lies at the root of Israel ‘reason d’etre’.”

Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?

“I have been there 100 times (maybe not that much). Cant explain it but it resonates through my blood, body and soul :)”

What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?

“To many experiences to capture – running the Jerusalem Marathon, hosting political leaders from South Africa in the Knesset, eating at the revamped train station in Jerusalem, visiting the Old City ….. the list goes on!”

Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?

“In Johannesburg we are fortunate to have a very passionate and committed Jewish community that is almost entirely committed to Israel. The number of events and initiatives around Jewish Identity and Israel are boundless and we are always trying to spread the net and include as many of our people in what we do as a possible. The greatest challenge remains in keeping Israel relevant to our youth and younger generations.”