“I was brought up religious orthodox but I’m more spiritual now. I feel we should all be equal with each other and that we should all respect our different roles in the community.”

The Interviewee – Rachel Adler, Journalism Student, Macleay College. Lives in Sydney, Australia, family of four including myself.

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

“It’s the one place in the world that we can call home and be accepted.”

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

“Yes, maybe not physically but vocally.”

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 was brought up religious orthodox but I’m more spiritual now. I feel we should all be equal with each other and that we should all respect our different roles in the community.”

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

“Yes.”

In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?

“I guess all the bigotry, I think the negative vocalisation from people is louder than in Israel, from the newspapers and stuff.”

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

“Yes, absolutely.”

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

“No I haven’t been able to go yet.”

Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?

“Different groups, everyone is divided in a way, but can come together when needed.”