“I feel very committed to the defense of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”

The Interviewee – Stephen Horblitt (Born 1942), Retired, former Director External Relations at Creative Associates International and also for 14 years a Legislative Director on Capitol hill. Before that I was a teacher and administrator in academia. Born In New York.

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 very important to me and is critical to the well being of the Jewish people!”

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

“I feel very committed to the defense of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, I put this commitment into action through advocacy as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Jewish Committee Washington Regional Office and the American Jewish International Relations Institute.”

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 member of Adas Israel in Washington D.C., a Conservative synagogue. I am put off and discouraged by the Orthodox domination of Israeli religious life and politics that works against Israel as a pluralistic and democratic state. I place the blame on all too many Israeli politicians who lack the courage and principles to take on Orthodox domination!“

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

“Yes, I feel morally and politically committed to a non-violent, two state solution and am committed to it as U.S. policy. I am very troubled that there is no committed partner on the Palestinian side and that on the Israeli side, the governing coalition gives no indication of commitment to a two state solution.“

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

“There is a disconnect between the governing coalition and its constituency and the large majority of American Jewry.”

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

“Israel policy wants and relies on the support of Diaspora Jewry, especially in the United States but does not take into account the perspectives and interests of this community. A clear example was the Prime Minister’s ill advised address to the U.S. Congress in March 2015. That visit and address had the potential to create Israel as a wedge issue and threatened to weaken the bi-partisan support of Israel.“

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?

“Yes. my colleagues and I saw Israel as vibrant democracy with challenges but the political space to correct imbalances.“

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

“The Jewish community of the Greater Washington Region are an important part of the region politically, culturally, and religiously. It is diverse and appears to be challenged by change but also gives evidence of effectively managing change.”