“I don’t think some Israelis really understand the commitment it requires to be Jewish in diaspora. But this is not true about all Israelis.”
The Interviewee – Sophia Maler (Born 1969), Marketing Manager, San Carlos , California.
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 our home and a living proof of living G-d.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes.”
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’m affiliated with a conservative movement. Orthodox dominance in Israel doesn’t have any negative impact on everyday life. It is blown out of proportion by leftists and the media.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“As an Israeli I do feel responsible for Israel’s actions in the world and I have nothing so far to be ashamed of.“
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“It really depends what country you are talking about. I lived in the FSU and the US. There has been a bias toward people coming from FSU to Israel, both positive and negative. Folks from FSU are regarded as being atheists and very assimilated. I don’t think some Israelis really understand the commitment it requires to be Jewish in diaspora. But this is not true about all Israelis. Regarding the biases toward American Jews, I think there are biases there too. Israelis don’t think American Jews are either anti-Israel or too idealistic. But again, not all Israelis feel that way at all.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Friendly and welcoming.“
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?
“I lived in Israel for over 10 years. It was the best time of my life.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“It is very diverse, mostly consisting of Conservative and Reform Jews. Very active BBYO organization (youth movement). No Jewish day school. Most Jews send their kids to Jewish summer camps (we have a few in the area). Some kids commute to Jewish day schools; my daughter commutes to a Jewish High school in San Francisco.”
If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?
“In what ways can I help Israel and make it stronger?”
