“Can the Diaspora and Israel live without each other? At the present time the painful answer is yes.”
The Interviewee – Shaul Ussishkin (Born 1950), Writer, I live in NW London.
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 and Israel are bound together, warts and all. Can the Diaspora and Israel live without each other? At the present time the painful answer is yes.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Defend is a very big word. I have sacrificed a great deal for Israel, but that Israel has changed, and defending it is right now is an enormous challenge.”
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?
“On the edge of Reform.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Yes and shame too.“
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“They have little or no understanding of this, and as time has past they care less for it. They could start by listening.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“The Diaspora is a money chute with Israel at the receiving end. That doesn’t ‘buy’ Diaspora being listened to.“
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’ve lived in Israel, I’m still a citizen’s. I was there a month ago. Israel lives in a state of constant turmoil, its citizens have learned to be immune, accepting a normality that is unreal, and it prompts a level of denial.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“There are liberal reform and orthodox communities. The synagogues of 1st 2 no longer exist where the community is centered. The orthodox community thrives.”
If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?
“Why are you in such denial? Why can’t you listen to your brothers and sisters in the Galut?”
