“My most frustrating aspect of the Jewish world is the antisemitic Jews who do not have the capacity to understand the harm they are causing to Israel and Jews in general by blindly promoting their misunderstood and ignorant perceptions of what Israel is and what it means to Jews.”

The Interviewee – Michael J Bass (Born 1946), Senior Research Fellow ISGAP (Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism). Born in Johannesburg South Africa, educated as a CPA and now living in Toronto, Canada.

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 see it as possibly the most important aspect of being Jewish and being proud of being a Jew and appreciating the importance of Israel to Jews worldwide.”

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

“Absolutely Yes. In any way possible.”

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 believe that all Jews should understand the importance of being ONE and that party and religious differences should somehow be avoided (overcome) in attaining a consolidated and coordinated force to enable Jews to thrive and survive. I don’t think that dominance by an extremist group of any kind is in the best interests of Israel.”

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

“I don’t feel morally responsible, but do understand both the nature and history of the situation.”

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

“Facing antisemitism and anti Israel people and groups and how non Israeli Jews feel so driven to help and protect Israel from its many enemies.”

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

“I am not fully conversant with all the intricacies of the Diaspora, so cannot answer that intelligently.”

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

“If that refers to Jewish communities in all of Israel then yes absolutely.”

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

“Yes I was there recently, not as a tourist, so my impression was different than that of most visitors. My impression was very positive, of a strong and very complex country, dealing with problems and issues that no country has ever faced, after rising out of the greatest horror known to modern people and managing it with intellect, ingenuity, strength and humanity and compassion where necessary, in the face of constant hate, lies and distortions without parallel.”

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

“I am in Toronto and there is a very vibrant large and visible Jewish community, with a place for every form of Jewish observance and generally a total lack of animosity between any sector of the community from the most religious to the least observant.”

Anything you would like to add?

“My most frustrating aspect of the Jewish world is the antisemitic Jews who do not have the capacity to understand the harm they are causing to Israel and Jews in general by blindly promoting their misunderstood and ignorant perceptions of what Israel is and what it means to Jews. I would like to see questions regarding Jews feelings about the antisemitic Jewish forces and the understanding of the harm they are causing, by supporting hateful enemies of Israel.”