“Almost every major world religion has a home to call its own and it is of the utmost important that the Jewish people have one too.”

The Interviewee – Rebekah Molasky, student. I from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and I go to school at Indiana university.

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 believe that having a Jewish state is extremely important to Jews everywhere. Almost every major world religion has a home to call its own and it is of the utmost important that the Jewish people have one too. It is a place to call home and a place that Jews can make pilgrimage to and be safe in their religion.”

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

“Yes, very.”

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 would consider myself more conservative. I don’t think orthodox denomination is necessarily a good thing to be dominant in Israel religious establishment because it doesn’t really resonate with the younger generations of a changing world.“

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?

“Jews outside of Israel have no idea what Israeli Jews go through and what it means to have a Jewish state.”

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

“I would say that birthright is probably the best thing to happen to the Jewish diaspora and there should be more programs like this.”

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

“Yes.”

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

“Sadly no.”

What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?

“Meeting people from Israel and people who are passionate about Israel.”

Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?

“Strong.”