Ashleigh Werner (born 1992, Sydney),member of the board of directors of the WUJS (World Union of Jewish Students), former National Campaigns Coordinator at the AUJS (Australasian Union of Jewish Students). Werner is a Business and Art student at UTS (University of Technology Sydney) and holds the position of UTS Student Brand Manager. Lives in Sydney, Australia.
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 gives us a homeland – somewhere to look to when times in the diaspora are tough, something to look forward to visiting as a way to connect stronger with our Jewish identity and a place in the world that ALWAYS feels like home.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes and No. In one way, yes I do as it is the spiritual homeland for my people, however we do not get a right to vote because we are not Israeli citizens, so in that respect, I feel as though my thoughts for the country are not validated or important. It is tough to say that I should defend a country when I have no rights to help shape the future of it unless I move there (which as a student in the middle of my degree, I am unable to do). I am not saying this is right or wrong.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Again, yes and no. Yes, because as a student activist on campus, I am automatically thrust into that situation, however if I do not agree with something Israel is doing, I will voice that.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“We are doing an important role for Jews around the world by interacting with non-Jews all over the world. Living in Israel is amazing for the state, but you also need people on the outside helping to influence policy and people’s minds in every other country across the world.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“I feel as though Israel is always sort of open for me but I feel as though there could be more the country could do for diaspora Jews rather than looking for what diaspora Jews can do for the country.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes. If we as Jews across the world have an obligation to help defend Israel and Judaism, then I feel as though the Jewish homeland needs to care about Jews all over the world. It is not just an ‘Israeli Homeland’, but named a ‘Jewish Homeland’, therefore it needs to defend and help all Jews.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Many many times. I lived there for 6 months, studied and have competed at Maccabiah twice as well as attended leadership conferences there and holiday’d. I love Israel. it feels like home to me and I always feel safe, even when there are wars and stabbings… from the outside, it looks like a desert thrust into the midst of terrible poverty and war, yet in reality it is a stunning mix of multiculturalism, beaches, beauty and incredible food.”
