“I feel that Israel needs to stop being an occupier and act more humanely to the Palestinians while protecting Israel – a tricky but necessary balancing act.”

The Interviewee – Abigail Kelman (Born 1956), Managing Partner at the Law Offices of Abigail Kelman LC. Born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The daughter of a Conservative Rabbi who was an ardent Zionist and believed just as strongly in the importance of the Diaspora. My children and I go to Israel regularly to visit family.

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 Jewish state is a critical aspect of the Jewish People and to me as well.“

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

“I feel committed to verbally defend Israel and to fund certain institutions 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?

“Left leaning Conservative and I find the strangled hold of the Rabbanut abhorrent and is against religious pluralism.“

Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?

“I feel that Israel needs to stop being an occupier and act more humanely to the Palestinians while protecting Israel – a tricky but necessary balancing act.“

In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?

“That it’s vibrant and pluralistic.”

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

“Not sufficiently developed and one sided.“

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

“Yes.”

Have you ever been to Israel?

“I’ve been to Israel many times. It’s an amazing and wonderful place. However, I feel that, as a Jewish state, it must act more morally.”

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

“I’m from NYC, which has an active and wide ranging Jewish community. I live in Midwest suburbia and the community is primarily Reform and has fewer knowledgeable members.”

If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?

“Can you have a nuanced view of Israel – not so black and white?”