“Other concerning issues are the high level of racism (against Ethiopians and other non-Ashkenazim), pervasive sexism, and homophobia.”

The Interviewee – E. Senior Director of Education at Holocaust museum and educational institution in Massachusetts.

In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?

“Primary importance to both.”

Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?

“Yes.”

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 unaffiliated. I oppose the dominance.”

Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?

“As a Jew, yes. As a Jew not living in Israel, no; Israel is a sovereign state.”

How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?

“Insufficient.”

In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?

“Yes, although it is not fair that they should have to.”

Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?

“Numerous times. It doesn’t seem as cohesive or as strong as it used to be. As someone who attended ulpan in the 1990s when the Soviets were streaming in, I know for a fact that (at my ulpan), many of them were not Jewish, but had bought forged papers in order to leave the Soviet Union. The other concerning issues are the high level of racism (against Ethiopians and other non-Ashkenazim), pervasive sexism, and homophobia.”