Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, CEO & Spiritual Leader, African Jewish Congress. Rabbi Silberhaft was born in Jerusalem in 1967 and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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

“The existence of the State of Israel is VITAL to the security of every Jew in the Diaspora.”

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

“ABSOLUTELY, we are already actively involved in promoting the importance of the existence of a Jewish Homeland.”

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

“It would not be fare for me, living out of Israel, to offer an opinion on the actions of Israel as I did not elect the government and do not live in the country. Having said that, even if I disagree with the actions of the government, in the diaspora, the current government of Israel is my government and I have no right to criticize it in the diaspora.”

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

“Never thought they consider diaspora Jewry, and have never heard any remarks in this regard.”

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

“In general the liaison is more from Diaspora to Israel, rather than the other way round. In some countries, the Ambassador of Israel will speak out, however in most cases, they ‘fly below the radar’.”

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

“YES – ABSOLUTELY – without the efforts and funding from diaspora Jewry, Israel would be much poorer. Also, if a community is being targeted by Anti-Semites or the like, the Israel government SHOULD step in.”

Have you ever been to Israel?

“I was born there and visit regularly.”

If an Israeli tourist should ever come across your hometown, which experience should he/she not miss?

“South Africa is a very beautiful country, which hosts a viable and active Jewish community which is involved in many outreach programs to the wider, less fortunate communities.”

Anything you would like to add?

“There needs to be more ‘moral’ support by the government of Israel to World Jewry.”