“Antisemitism is on the rise all around the world, only in Israel can a Jew with a stremel walk proudly with his head held high.”
The Interviewee- Jay Michael Ipson (Jakob Ipp) I am a Holocaust Survivor of the Kovno Ghetto-Concentration Camp. I am now a Holocaust Lecturer. I was born in 1935, Kovno, Lithuania. I was in business with my Parents who were also Holocaust Survivors and came to Richmond in 1947. I am a co-founder of the Virginia Holocaust Museum and now a Holocaust lecturer. I give many lectures on the Holocaust, Judaism, and the founding of the State of Israel, as my Father (B’z”) was friends with David Ben Gurion.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“If there had been a Jewish State in 1933, most of the six million Jews that died in Europe would have survived the Holocaust and the population would have about 30 million more, and who knows how many Einstein’s would enrich this world.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Every Jew should be committed to the well being of Israel, unfortunately that is not the case.”
Do you affiliate yourself with a specific denomination in Judaism? What is your view regarding the dominance of the Orthodox denomination in Israel religious establishment?
“I am a conservative Jew, however Judaism is changing and if we abandon the Orthodox, Judaism will slowly diminish to a none traditional religion.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Israel needs to do what is right for its people in their defense, as Americans need to do for our self-defense.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“Antisemitism is on the rise all around the world, only in Israel can a Jew with a stremel walk proudly with his head held high.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“The average Jew in the Diaspora has very little knowledge of Israel’s history or the history behind the creation of the Jewish State and the relations with its neighbors the Arabs.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“It all depends where the Jewish communities are. In the United States, Arab countries, Germany? What kind of need?”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Yes I have been to Israel a few times, it was the most uplifting experience of my life. It made me proud to be a Jew that survived the Holocaust.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“I live in Richmond, Virginia. We have an active Jewish Community, well organized, and for the most part supporters of Israel. We have a Virginia Israel Commission. Israel business here. Holocaust Education is mandatory in our school system.”
