“Israel is always under political and verbal attack, if not physical attack. It is all our role to be vigilant and rise to her defense.”

The Interviewee – Melvyn H. Bloom (Born 1938), I was born in Chicago, IL. I retired just a few weeks ago from the American Technion Society, where I served as Executive Vice President since 1985 (the last two years in an Emeritus capacity). 

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

“It should go without saying that it represents the independence of the Jewish People, and the right to live their own lives in their own land. It is central to the vitality and future of Jews around the word.”

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

“Of course…Israel is always under political and verbal attack, if not physical attack. It is all our role to be vigilant and rise to her defense.”

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 the Conservative (Masorti) movement. The dominance of the Orthodox has meant increasingly more extreme Orthodoxy over the years. It is not appropriate for them to have the degree of political power that they do and to use it to affect the rights of others“

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

“To a degree, but I don’t feel that I have the central responsibility and the ability to affect decision-making , so it would not be appropriate to feel responsible for those who are making these decisions.”

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

“A commitment to pluralism and diversity.”

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

“Formally, totally positive and polite. Also assuming it can rely unquestionably on the support of Jews worldwide. So in practice, not very understanding or tolerant of dissent or even diversity. On the economic side, there is increasing interdependence and much or openness and tolerance.”

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

“Yes.”

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

“I have been involved as a professional in Jewish communal life and have an unusual reservoir of experience and impressions from something like 100 trips.”

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

“I have read several works of current Israeli literature.”

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

“New York’s community is huge an an open book, is it not?”