Dr. Peter Landesman (1929), born at the Auersperg Sanatorium in Vienna, Austria. During WW II his family fled to Hungry (from which his parents came to Austria) where they moved between different safe houses. When the war ended the family returned eventually to Vienna.
Dr. Landesman is an honorary professor for Judaic Studies at the University of Vienna.
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 am proud to be Jewish and feel myself as a part of the Jewish-Israeli entity.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes.”
“Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Unfortunately yes.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“Ask an Israeli.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“I see no problems.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“No, this is a task of the diaspora Jews.”
Have you ever been to Israel?
“Often. As a Jew I am biased and can not judge Israel objectively.”
If an Israeli tourist should ever come across your hometown, which experience should he/she not miss?
“Holocaust remembrance.”
