D’, holds a position in the British Jewish community, UK. Unfortunately, I need to remain anonymous due to my position in the community.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“As Hatikvah says, it is literally ‘The Hope’. After the Holocaust, the importance of this Hope and rebirth to Jewish people surely cannot be overestimated.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes – ‘in some way'”
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?
“Yes I do affiliate and I believe the Orthodox dominance threatens Israel’s present and future relationship with all non-Orthodox Jews. Protestants and Catholics do not argue whether each other are Christian – Jews should be aiming for a similar inclusive approach and tolerance. Israel’s neighbors and enemies show what happens when religion is allowed to dictate policy, vision and growth – it’s one option, but it’s not a good one (in my view).”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“No, but I do feel a strong responsibility to help inform the Israeli body politic on my particular area of expertise.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“That if you are fortunate enough to live in a genuinely free and multicultural democracy, then it is entirely natural to both be a proud Jew and a proud citizen of that country – it is not a sign of self deception, or cowardice, weakness etc.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Attitude is usually underpinned by condescension. Policies can be exploitative (but by no means always and with enough exceptions to show that ideological commitment does remain an important force in Israeli-Diaspora affairs).”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“It has an obligation to ask Jewish communities if they want help: and to listen to the answers.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Many times. Israeli reality is an incredible, barely believable success story of growth and diversity and hope: which makes the parallel story of conflict and fear and despair all the more tragic and complicated.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“The community I grew up in is ageing, shrinking, won’t meaningfully exist in 30 years. The community I live in is growing, vibrant and very fortunate.”
Is there a question you feel should be added to the project’s questionnaire?
“Seriously, you are asking a Jew if he has another question?! Okay – do you think in 40 years time that Israel will be able to be both essentially democratic and Jewish?”
