“Israel is an independent democracy, but as a Jew held accountable in the diaspora I end up with some ‘responsibility’ whatever I think!”
The Interviewee – Mark Fox (Born 1959), Businessman, London.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“It IS vital. As the son of two refugees I see that more than average. But it will become less so if it marginalises itself from world opinion by extreme approaches or itself being an example of intolerance.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes, but again, it is getting harder if it does not itself act as ‘a light unto the nations’.”
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 Reform Jew, former chair of a British Reform synagogue and vice-chair of a progressive rabbinic college. the Leo Baeck College. I therefore find the current comments by the religious right deeply offensive and alienating.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Yes and no. Israel is an independent democracy, but as a Jew held accountable in the diaspora I end up with some ‘responsibility’ whatever I think!“
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“Actually, the same as within Israel. Learning to work with others and tolerance of difference.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Outright racist and discriminatory – hardly the right Jewish approach given our history!“
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes.”
Have you ever been to Israel?
“Several times. It has become a hard and intolerant society. I would not choose to live there unless I had to! That is a sad statement for a Jew to make.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“London, Around 150k of the 250k of UK Jews, but heavily concentrated in their own Jewish ‘ghettos’ – which I am uncomfortable with.”
If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?
“How do we make Israel a more tolerant, caring society?”
