“I am 100% committed to defend the existence of Israel and would do so with my work efforts, my dollars and would do so with my life if necessary.”
The Interviewee – Martin Greenberg (Born 1949), Chief Executive Officer of ORT America. Born in NYC.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“Israel is the cornerstone of my Jewish life along with my synagogue and my family. I believe we must stand with Israel at all times.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“I am 100% committed to defend the existence of Israel and would do so with my work efforts, my dollars and would do so with my life if necessary.”
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 serious Conservative Jew who attends synagogue weekly and celebrates all the holidays. We keep kosher and most of our social life revolves around our synagogue. My daughter is a rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary and my son is an assistant Jewish education director at a large synagogue in L.A.
“I am extremely unhappy with the control of the Orthodox over religion in Israel. My daughter was married to an Israeli by a renewal Rabbi in Israel and had to come to America to make her married in the eyes of the government in Israel.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I do not feel morally responsible as I do not live in Israel and do not vote there. I respect the right of the citizens of Israel to determine their own government and policies. That being said I do follow the conflict very closely and have opinions on policy.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“In my extensive experience with Israel in my Jewish communal career I have reached the following conclusions: Most Israelis fail to fully understand the central role that non Orthodox Jewish religion plays in the life of many American Jews. For them it is all or nothing and for most it is nothing. For us there are multiple ways to approach Hashem and a meaningful Jewish life”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“At times Israel is ‘tone deaf’ to American Jewish concerns usually around religious issues. In general I am supportive of Israeli policy.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“I believe Israel needs to be concerned with the welfare of Jews everywhere, but can only do what is possible with it’s limited means.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“I have been to Israel over 25 times for work and personal trips. Both of my children lived there for a number of years. I think Israel is an astonishing miracle and an amazing country. It is also a country with many challenges and I am committed to helping it through my work and my personal life.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“I live in NY city and am part of a very active 650 member unit Conservative synagogue. I work as a CEO of a major Jewish charity.”
Is there a question you feel should be added to the project’s questionnaire?
“How do you express you connection to the State of Israel? Where in the list of your personal priorities does Israel fit?”
