“Israelis do not understand that being Jewish outside is a religion to many Jews not an identity a way of life like in Israel, where going to synagogue and eating kosher is something special and unique.”
The Interviewee – Jeremy Dery, Guest Relations representative at the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel in Israel. I was born New York and raised in France for 10 years where I witnessed antisemitism.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“I think it is vital and crucial there is a Jewish state where world Jewry can look to as a permanent home and Israel helps mankind with its innovations and military might.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“I feel very committed to defending the state of Israel which is why I served in the Knesset and do Hasbara.”
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?
“I am half conservative and orthodox. I think the orthodox monopoly in Israel should be disbanded.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“No, Israel is a sovereign country where the political leadership makes their own decisions.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“Israelis do not understand that being Jewish outside is a religion to many Jews not an identity a way of life like in Israel, where going to synagogue and eating kosher is something special and unique. And also that there is a growing fear of antisemitic backlash to show your Jewishness in many parts of the world.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes since Israel is the sole Jewish state and every Jew is part of one big Jewish family, therefore, Israel is obligated to defend worldwide Jewry to the best of its capabilities”
Have you ever been to Israel?
“Yes I currently live in Tel Aviv and work at the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel where I interact with visitors from around the world and I just finished my masters at Tel Aviv University.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“I lived in a very Jewish neighborhood in Livingston NJ where there were 5 synagogues, 2 major Jewish schools, and a few Kosher restaurants and shops. I use to call it Mini Israel in a bubble :)”
