“When we take inventory of the progress being made daily on this relatively small piece of land, it does indicate to us that Israel is a model for our planet to follow.“

The Interviewee – Sandy Wasserman (Born 1940), Consultant. I grew up in Brooklyn NY, graduated from Long Island University with a degree in Advertising and Marketing. I’ve owned and operated several businesses including Wasserman Media Services and The Mountain Crystal Company.

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 Jewish State represents the highest evolution of our species on this planet. When we take inventory of the progress being made daily on this relatively small piece of land, it does indicate to us that Israel is a model for our planet to follow. While I am a Jew, my Jewishness has little to do with my recognition of the leadership that Israel has been able to achieve despite the overwhelming hardships that she faces.”

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

“I am committed to defend and support truth, wherever it exists.”

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 am a Chabadnik, and also have participated in Buddhist, Hindu, and Sufi groups. We fool ourselves when we question the dominance of the ‘Orthodox’ power and control. We should look instead to what will make Israel more united, powerful, ethical, moral, successful and Torah observant.”

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

“Of course, as a human being, I do have responsibility for the moral actions of every state on our planet. When you have the understanding that you can not make friends with evil, nor expect evil to value it’s contracts with you…….your only choice is to overpower, defeat and destroy evil.”

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

“I have no clear understanding of what Israelis think about this question. For me, I live in a gorgeous home in Delray Beach, Florida…….with a wife that is the most awesome woman I have ever met……and maybe, this is Heaven????”

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

“I am unaware and at a loss for words.”

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

“The world will know Israel from its experience with Israel. What goes around, comes around. Do unto others as you would have other do unto you. Clear?”

Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?

“No….not yet.“

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

“I recently moved to Delray Beach from Coral Springs Florida……and I am still too new to tell you about Delray Beach. I became a member of Coral Springs Chabad in about 1987 when it was a tiny group and lived in a small store front. Today, there is a great big shul, and 4 or 5 ‘subsidiary’ shuls and a Hebrew Academy with 400 students. All under the leadership and guidance of Rabbi Yossie Denburg.”

If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?

“When will you wake up and understand that you can not make peace with a people who believe that making peace means that they are failures?”