“The triumphalist attitude of the Orthodox in Israel–and to some extent in the American–could well accelerate a growing disaffection and connection among large numbers of non-Orthodox.”
The Interviewee – Dr. Gilbert N. Kahn (Born 1942), Professor of Political Science, Kean University. Born in New York. I am a professor of political science and am still teaching full-time.
I married and we have two children who together are the parents of six grandchildren. All if them and their spouses have spent a considerable amount of time in Israel and love being in Israel but, I suspect, will not be making aliyah.
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 affirms my own personal and historical connection to Israel although the existential link exists with a the presence of an actual state. As for its importance for the Jewish people in general their connection runs across an enormous range of beliefs and attitudes.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes. I feel linked to all Jews everywhere, thus to those living in Israel as well. History has proven that Jewish people-hood has transcended the existence of Jewish hegemony in the Holy Land a the existence of the State.”
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?
“Modern Orthodox leaning left perhaps very liberal. Orthodox domination in Israel is very detrimental to the future of the Jewish people especially for those in the Diaspora who are not Orthodox. It is intolerant of pluralism and will ultimately bring about a very serious disconnect with the State of Israel by non- Orthodox affiliated Jews.
“It is already happening among non-affiliated. The triumphalist attitude of the Orthodox in Israel–and to some extent in the American–could well accelerate a growing disaffection and connection among large numbers of non-Orthodox.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“No. I am merely appalled at the disconnect among many Israeli leaders between traditional Jewish attitudes and moral values and their capitulation to political expediency.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“Many Israelis do not understand that they need the Diaspora Jews as much as Diaspora Jews should need Israel. There is a frequent disregard for the feelings and attitudes of non-elite Jews in the Diaspora towards Israel. They need to understand that there is a shared reality.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“As mentioned above Israeli leaders believe that Diaspora Jews must accept the policies and politics of Israel. They appear to want input but form Diaspora but they really do not listen at all. Israel leaders are patronizing to Diaspora Jews.
“Israel is a sovereign independent state but Jews throughout the world have no obligation to support these policies. If Israel will not respect, recognize, and then perhaps disagree with the views of Diaspora Jews, then the relationship is a one way street.“
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Israel is not the only answer to all the Jewish problems in the world. Jews in the Diaspora do not need to emigrate to Israel. Jewish communities can and do thrive in the Diaspora. Israel should not treat them as step-children, but should support life there. Sheichim in the galut should not demand that aliyah is the only way to live a full Jewish life. They must not belittle Jewish life in the Diaspora.“
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?
“Very, very often. I truly live being in Israel, have great friends and lots of family and extended family there MOST of whom are the children of those who came to Israel in the 30’s and 40’s.
I know many American olim but my real connection with Israel is based on the friends and family that are already 2nd and 3rd or even 4th generation Israelis.“
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“I live in NYC on the Upper West Side. That should be sufficient.”
If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?
“Recognize that all Orthodox Jews are not hard-line right wing fanatics even in Israel. Many–not enough–are open, broad-minded, and pluralistic. Why can’t you make alliances with them and understand something about the beauty of Judaism?”
