“I don’t know what Israelis fail to understand about the reality of Jews in the Diaspora, but I suspect many fail to understand that how we are regarded is profoundly affected by what Israel does.”
The Interviewee – Jonathan Kaplan, Director of Development for the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center of Silicon Valley. I am in my mid-60s, having grown up in New York and Boston, lived in the Midwest for 11 years after college, and now on the West Coast of the United States for the past 30 years.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“A Jewish state is an integral and vital part of Jewish peoplehood around the world.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Absolutely, yes.”
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 belong to a synagogue that is unaffiliated with any specific denomination. The EXCLUSIVE domination of the Orthodox denomination in Israel is abhorrent. It is 180-degrees the opposite of the spirit of being all-inclusive, and what it says in the Torah — we are all B’tzelem Elohim.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Personally responsible, I can’t be. But as Jews, we are collectively responsible because that is how the world views it.“
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“I don’t know what Israelis fail to understand about the reality of Jews in the Diaspora, but I suspect many fail to understand that how we are regarded is profoundly affected by what Israel does.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“My guess is that there is little consideration given to Israel’s relationship with the Diaspora.“
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“We are all dependent on each other. One of the things that most impresses me is the assistance Israel provides to all communities in need around the world, including victims of natural disasters and mass murders.”
Have you ever been to Israel?
“I was there 30 years ago (and want to go back). I was impressed with the modernity of Jewish life while being surrounded by the history of millenia past.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“85% of the Jews in the Silicon Valley where I live and work are unaffiliated with any Jewish organization. It is not the same being Jewish where one is in the minority rather than being surrounded by a Jewish majority in a Jewish state.”
If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?
“What is your view of American Jewry?”
