“Israel is only interested in the opinions of the Diaspora if they agree with their own stated position. They want wholehearted and unquestioning support from Diaspora Jewry. Anyone who disagrees is a ‘self-hating Jew’.”
The Interviewee – Yehuda Erdman (born 1948), I am a retired Microbiologist and the Chair of Meretz UK. I was born in Israel. My home town is Wembley which is in NW London. I am married with 4 sons aged 40 to 30.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“Very important indeed.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes I am Chair of Meretz UK, and also I was born in Israel.“
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 member of an Orthodox Sephardi Synagogue in Wembley near where I live. I think the dominance of the Orthodox denomination in Israel should end as soon as possible.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Yes, but also feel that the actions of the Israeli Government towards the Palestinian Arabs impacts in a very negative fashion on Diaspora Jews.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“That it is perfectly possible to live a good and fulfilling life as a Jew in the Diaspora. Also that antisemitism is grossly exaggerated in the Western world, especially in the UK where I live.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Very shallow. Israel is only interested in the opinions of the Diaspora if they agree with their own stated position. They want wholehearted and unquestioning support from Diaspora Jewry. Anyone who disagrees is a ‘self-hating Jew’.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“No. Israel has enough work to do looking after its own population which includes Arabs, Druze, Christians etc. It does not do a very good job in that respect and therefor it is a ‘chutzpah’ for Israel to pretend it can also look after and defend Jewish communities.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“I was born in Israel and since leaving as a boy of 8 I have returned in 1968 to attempt Aliya unsuccessfully. Since 1985 I have visited about once every two years. My impressions are that it is a young dynamic country and Israelis have a can do attitude very similar to Americans. However I find Israelis very rude and superior in attitude. Although I am a Zionist it would be very difficult for my wife and I to settle happily in Israel.”
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“I always enjoy reading in English translation my favorite authors: Amos Oz, AB Yehoshua etc. I also subscribe to the annual Israeli Film Festival in London and enjoy Israeli films and TV programs.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“In London there are approximately 250,000 Jews divided into a number of denominations. The Jews are mainly upper middle class and well educated. They live in certain suburbs like Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, Borehamwood Wood etc. Many Jewish youngsters marry out despite the fact that a large number of them went to Jewish Day schools. A large percentage are not affiliated to any Synagogue. Politically most Jews support the right of centre Conservative party.”
