“I think the dominance in Israel of orthodox Judaism, religious settlements, racism, and messianism are destructive to the fabric of Jewish life.”

The Interviewee – Zachary Braiterman (Born 1963), Professor, Department of Religion, Director, Jewish Studies Program, Syracuse University. Born in Baltimore, phd from Stanford,  alumnus of Habonim Dror.

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 would regard the existence of a Jewish state committed to pluralism and democratic norms as a basic pillar of the modern Jewish experience and contemporary Jewish identity. This is both my own personal take and my sense as a scholar of modern Judaism.”

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

“Yes, but this becomes harder and harder (or more complicated) as Israel turns more and more into a bi-national entity.”

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?

“Egalitarian Conservative and old-school Labor Zionist. I think the dominance in Israel of orthodox Judaism, religious settlements, racism, and messianism are destructive to the fabric of Jewish life.“

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

“Politically responsible, not morally responsible –but yes.“

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

“That Jewish life in the Diaspora depends upon modern, democratic norms and cultural pluralism.”

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

“Unaware, indifferent, uncomprehending ==but it used to be worse in the 70s and 80s.“

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

“In cases of dire need, yes. Otherwise, no.”

Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?

“Spend many years in Israel in my 20s, lived on kibbutz in the southern Aravah. I have family and friends on Coast and in Jerusalem. I love the country and the people, but I am dispirited by the occupation and the racism. I always thought the Euro-centrism of my family and friends and lack of interest in the cultures of the Middle East strange and off-putting.”

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

“I live in New York, which is New York. But I teach in Syracuse where the community is small and parochial –especially regarding Israel and Palestine.”

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

“Is Israel already a bi-national entity, and what do you think is going to happen when Palestinians start demanding equal civil and political rights, including the right to vote for the Knesset and enjoy protections of Israeli law that they do not currently enjoy under military rule?”