Simon Henri Goldberg (Born 1953) Professor, I was born in Brussels; my mother survived after two years in Birkenau, due to a resistance network inside the extermination camp.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“To me, a Jewish State is a guarantee that I have a safe place to go if necessary; I can not answer for the Jewish people.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes.”
Do you affiliate yourself with a specific confessional division in Judaism? What is your view regarding the dominance of the Orthodox division in Israel religious establishment?
“No, I am not a believer and I regret the influence of the Orthodox division on the Israel government.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I do not feel responsible for the actions of Netanyahu’s government towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Israel should not take advantage of the security problems in the diaspora to enhance his actions for aliyah.”
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 was really glad and enthusiastic to spend a month visiting archaeological sites in Israel in August 2015, although the tensions with Palestinians were already growing at that time, due to some crimes done by Jewish activists. I was fearing for my security but the Israeli citizens that I know were not fearing at all at that time.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“In Brussels, we have an important Jewish community with a strong cultural link with the jewish traditions; in Dakar, we are a few Jews meeting at the Ambassador’s house but the links between us are not strong.”
