“I love Israel and am very grateful for my time there, Israeli society´s values, people, way of life definitely contributed to make me who I am today, in every aspect of my life – as a Jew, as an individual, as a mother, friend, professional, wife, etc.”
The Interviewee – Bertha Mendlovic Pasol, Doctoral student, Sociology and Political Sciences.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“The State of Israel is very meaningful personally, since I lived there for 18 years of my life. I studied an MA there, worked, lived and had three children. I love Israel and am very grateful for my time there, Israeli society´s values, people, way of life definitely contributed to make me who I am today, in every aspect of my life – as a Jew, as an individual, as a mother, friend, professional, wife, etc. Personally, it strengthened my Jewish identity, but also my moral and political values in a non-Jewish way. I loved living in a democratic, egalitarian society, very different from the way of life in Mexico, where to be Jewish makes you very different form the general population.
“In a general level, in my opinion Israel is a turning point for every single Jew in the world, its mere existence has changed modern Jewish identity, no matter denomination, country, political stance or personal history.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Morally, totally. Financially, I do help. However, personally, it was very difficult for me having my husband serve in the army, in not very safe circumstances. I specially dreaded the idea of having sons, specially, serving in the army. This is very difficult since morally, I understand we are ‘in the same boat’.”
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?
“Conservative Judaism. I view the dominance of the Orthodox denomination in Israel religious establishment as a very negative trend.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“On a logical level, I do not. However, there is some sense of moral accounting.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“An undercurrent of anti-semitism which is not explicitly expressed but almost always there.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“I do not have enough knowledge of Israel´s policy in this sense; actually I do not think they have one.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“That´s part of the State of Israel´s discourse; though it might be a changing code.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Lived there for 18 years, travel frequently. I love feeling an equal part of society.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“Mexico´s Jewish community is quite interesting. The proportion and actual number of ashkeanzi secular Jews is dwindling.”
