“I really wish the Orthodox weren’t so dominant. I’m glad that the Progressive movement is growing stronger in Israel.”
The Interviewee – Lauren Helfand, Alameda, CA.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“Israel is home. Even if we’re not living there at the moment. It guarantees that we won’t be wiped off the face of the earth.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Absolutely! I support Israel 100%. I buy Israeli products, I go to protests with my Israeli flag and defend Israel against her detractors, I try to visit Israel as often as possible.”
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 consider myself a conservative reform Jew. I really wish the Orthodox weren’t so dominant. I’m glad that the Progressive movement is growing stronger in Israel.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I hold the ‘Palestinians’ morally accountable for their leaders actions in the conflict.“
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“That we support Israel and that just because we can’t move there right now, that Israel is in our hearts and souls. That we in the diaspora can never take our Judaism for granted. That we’re considered a very tiny minority. As Israel is to it’s neighbors, we in the diaspora are to our neighbors. That the Women in Black here in the US only want the destruction of the State of Israel. They are anti-Semitic and and anti-Zionist.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“It’s a little mixed up.“
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“I’d say all Jewish communities have an obligation to help other Jewish communities in need.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?
“I have lived there and I have visited several times. My impressions are that it’s home. I have never felt like that anywhere else. It feels very comfortable there. I feel safe there. It’s history is my history, and it’s future is my future!”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“It’s a very small community. Most Jews in my area are fairly assimilated. Many are inter-married.”
