“They fail to see the Jewish identity safety net that living in Israel gives them. It is much harder to remain Jewish in the Diaspora. The children of Israelis who move to the United States, for example, assimilate at a much faster rate than American Jews.”
The Interviewee – Pinchas Eliezer Dunner (Born 1970), Senior Rabbi, YINBH Beverly Hills Synagogue. Born in London UK. Moved to LA in 2011. I come from a charedi background, supporters of Agudat Yisrael. We visited Israel regularly, and all my siblings and me studied in Israel, and a couple spent their initial years after marriage i Israel. My great grandparents moved to Israel from Germany in 1937, and one of their sons was killed in the 1948 War of Independence.
Although for many years I would have described myself as a supporter of Israel but not comfortable with political Zionism, over the past 15 years I have changed into a vigorous and outspoken supporter and defender of the State of Israel and its centrality in Jewish life, as well as its crucial importance for the future of Judaism.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“The State of Israel is central to my Jewish identity, and I think that all Jews should embrace Israel as a critical component of their Jewish identity.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes. I am completely committed to defending Israel. Not a day goes past without my direct involvement with some aspect of defending Israel or promoting Israel’s interests.“
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?
“Orthodox. Jewish identity over millennia has survived as a result of halacha, and the system that eventually became known as Orthodox. Although I see the style of orthodox dominance in Israel as problematic, that problem should not be resolved by ditching halacha as the essential backbone of Judaism in Israel.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Occasionally I am concerned by some aspects of Israel’s activities, but I do not feel qualified or entitled to pass judgment. Those who run Israel, and who have either been elected as its lawmakers, or appointed as its military leaders, are the ones who must be given the right to act on its behalf in circumstances that are intensely pressurized and existentially threatening.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“They fail to see the Jewish identity safety net that living in Israel gives them. It is much harder to remain Jewish in the Diaspora. The children of Israelis who move to the United States, for example, assimilate at a much faster rate than American Jews.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Unsophisticated. Israel’s government and agencies do not seem focused on the Diaspora.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes, but only up to a point.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Dozens of times. A fabulous country rich in Jewish culture and history. I have hundreds of family members and friends there, ranging from ultra-charedi to completely secular, and the full range in between. I have visited and stayed in every kind of community setting in Israel, and enjoyed the diversity and vibrancy.“
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“An inspirational visit by the founder of Shalva in Jerusalem, and a wonderful Yom Haatzmaut song evening led by former Israel Children’s TV frontman, Dudu Zar.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there any community activities?
“My own community is made up of 130 families, modern orthodox, young families, empty nesters, and older people. We live in Beverly Hills, and we are very supportive of Israel, through AIPAC, JNF, FIDF, and various other charities. We actively lobby Washington DC and local politicians on behalf of Israel, and support the campaigns of dedicated friends of Israel. Israel is at the center of our community, and we unequivocally and uncritically support the government of Israel in everything that we do.”
