“I think all Jews in the Diaspora are ‘morally’ responsible. They have a lot of influence on Israeli politics, even though it may not always seem so.”
The Interviewee – Sharon Miller (Born 1948), retired. I was born in Toronto, Canada. I met my husband in Israel, lived in California about 30 years and moved to Texas 3 years ago.
I worked for the State of California for 20 years. I have been very involved with my synagogue and AIPAC. Since I have moved to Austin, I have been the bookkeeper for the Austin Jewish Film Festival.
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 feel that Israel’s existence is the backbone of the Jewish people. Even if you choose to live elsewhere Israel is still home. It is always there to go back to, if you need it.“
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“I have been committed to defend Israel since I was old enough to understand what meant. I come from a very strong Zionist background and have been supportive of AIPAC and IDF, as well as other Israel organizations.”
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 affiliate mostly with the Conservative denomination. I see good and bad regarding the Orthodox domination. I would like to see them be more accepting of conservative and Reform.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I think all Jews in the Diaspora are ‘morally’ responsible. They have a lot of influence on Israeli politics, even though it may not always seem so.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“In this day and age, with the internet available to almost everybody, I think that most Israelis know about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel. If I would have to pick one thing, I would say that they really don’t understand what it’s like to be the minority religion in the country.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“I think that Israel has become the senior member in its relationship with the Diaspora. More and more Israel is catering to American Jews. Also, Israelis leaving and coming to live in the States is not looked down upon as it once. Many Israelis travel back and forth for work or pleasure.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes. that is the main reason why Israel was founded in the first place – to help Jews who needed a place to go.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Yes, I have been to Israel three time. I lived there for three months. My very first impression of Israel was, even with the bombings etc., how much safer I felt there. It felt like I was finally home.”
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“I work with the Austin Jewish film Festival, so my best experience this last year has been Israeli movies.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“We have a wonderful, thriving community in the city that I live in (Austin,TX.) All the synagogues work together, some people belong to more than one. We have wonderful programs for all ages and a Jewish Day School that has Seniors working with Students in special projects.”
