“Though American I consider Israel my homeland and am 100% behind it being protected and recognized.”
The Interviewee – Keith Senzer (Born 1968), Owner Powershift Coaching. I am a Youth Empowerment Coach, live in Merrick NY and Keep kosher in the house and have a 19 years old girl and 16 years old boy.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“Extremely. I am a Conservative Jew and have been to Israel. Though American I consider Israel my homeland and am 100% behind it being protected and recognized.“
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“I make sure I vote for politicians in the US who support Israel. Sadly the election the one candidate that does is a egotistic jerk, so i will probably have to vote for Clinton and she has been terrible for Israel. Not happy about that. We have no one good to elect.”
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?
“Conservative.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I feel that Hamas and the other terror organizations are responsible for the deaths of civilians. They hide and place their base of operation in civilian neighborhoods. The blood is on their hands not Israels. I believe we should try to negotiate peacefully and try and co exist but if they will not recognize our place in the middle East then we need to do what we need to do to protect the country.“
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“I am not sure. Maybe that in America the way we do business. Sometimes I feel Israelis have a bad name in business in the states because of how they conduct themselves. A bit too aggressive and sometimes shady. I understand it is a way of life and survival instinct that they are like tat but it does not look good for Jews in general.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Good, except our country has shit on Israel. I was shocked Netanyahu backed Clinton for all Obama and the administration had not done to support them. Trump is an asshole but he recognizes Israel is our biggest ally in the world and he will back them.“
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“No. Our politicians and activist in this country need to do this.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?
“Yes – best trip I ever took. Meaningful, spiritual and beautiful.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“Mostly reformed and conservative. Majority leave temple after kids are BM. I belong and am active in my shul as is my wife. I wish people were more involved or took their heritage more serious. It’s important to me so we do so and hopefully my kids follow along.”
If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?
“What more can the Jews in the US and outside Israel do to support Israel, not financially but morally!”
