“There should be more relations between the diaspora and Israel. Nowadays in Europe the financial crisis is affecting the Jews. Antisemitism is also a serious issue. Diaspora should be considered as part of Israel.”
Michael Levi (Born 1969) Owner and CEO at LEVI Corp, a Company in the Oil&Gas Business. Born in Yugoslavia. Doctor Engineer, Mechanical. Lives in Ancona, Italy.
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 consider Israel very important for me personally since my heritage comes from there. I feel a very strong link to the country. Most of my family lives in Israel. It’ s also important for the Jewish diaspora since it gives protection. Another aspect of Israel is that the existence of the Jewish State pushes the other brotherly monotheistic religions (Christianity and Islam) to change their attitude against Judaism. Christianity before the Concilio II was a religion that wanted to supersede Judaism. Nowadays Israel is becoming the heart of Monotheism as it was at the time of the Temple. Christians had Rome meanwhile Islam had Mecca and Medina- I think this is one of the fascinating aspects.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“I feel strongly committed. I consider myself as a Zionist.”
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 have been on the board of the Reform movement in Poland for eight years.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I think the Israel-Palestinian conflict has many responsible countries and is a very complex issue. It was part of the cold war friction. The conflict is now sponsored by Iran and other Arab countries such as Qatar that want to control Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. I think Israel has one of the most ethical armies in the world. And if a soldier behaves wrong I feel he should be punished according to Israeli Law.
“I think Israel has the right to defend herself against enemies and terrorism, and I am ready to support Israel openly in discussions. The problem in Europe is that there is a lot of propaganda, often pro Palestinian, and most of the people don’t know about the conflict. I don’ t feel morally responsible but of course want Israel to be morally superior to any other country even in the conflict and in case of war (prisoners, protection of minorities, punishment of who does wrong etc).”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“There should be more relations between the diaspora and Israel. Nowadays in Europe the financial crisis is affecting the Jews. Antisemitism is also a serious issue. Diaspora should be considered as part of Israel.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“The Government is too much far right and provides priority to Ultra Orthodox views.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes. It’s important and should be a mission.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“I visit often Israel. It’ s a very interesting and modern country. There are Jews and people from all over the world, it’s amazing to see how diversity coexist together and merge in Israel to become unity. Other countries nowadays are much more divided, the world is again failing in this aspect. However I was also impressed to see the problems young Israeli people have after the military service to enter the business world. I was impressed to see how much impact terrorism has on daily life.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“I live now in Ancona in Italy. Maybe 100 Jewish families remain here. Few centuries ago it was a vibrant area with a lot of Jewish life. The community is divided and many have never been to Israel. Only few have a direct family relation to Israel. Religious people are few, Synagogues are usually not full during Shabbat.”
Is there a question you feel should be added to the project’s questionnaire?
“Questions to be added: Which future you see for Jews in the diaspora? What impact the Islamic immigration will have? Will the growing business relations between European Countries and Arab States and Iran affect the Jews, States will protect Jews as it was done in the past in the post ‘Shoah’ period till nowadays?
