“Many, but not all, Israelis now realize that the two fastest-growing movements outside and inside Israel are the secular and the Orthodox.“

The Interviewee – Susan Rosenbluth (Born 1947), editor and publisher of The Jewish Voice and Opinion and TheJewishVoiceAndOpinion.com. Born in New York, currently a resident of Bergen County, NJ.

In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?

“The continued existence of the Jewish state of Israel is of prime importance to me. It informs every political action I take and every word I write. I recognize that many Jews, especially those who identify with the secular community rather than the specifically Jewish world, do not feel this way, and I consider that a personal and communal tragedy.”

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

“Members of my family have taken this commitment literally by making Aliyah and serving in the IDF. I feel committed to support them and the rest of the Israeli community in any way I can.”

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?

“At its heart, the Orthodox community in Israel is interested in Jewish continuation, and, thus far, thank G-d, history and demography have shown them to be successful. The Orthodox community, ranging from the so-called Modern Orthodox, including the ‘Knitted Kippah’ movement, to the hareidim, are reproducing at rates that should fill the entire Jewish community with awe and gratitude to know that, despite all odds, there is every indication the Jewish people will continue to grow and thrive.

“I identify with the ‘Modern Orthodox’ community in the US. I am convinced that the only difference between the Modern Orthodox and our more ‘traditional’ brothers and sisters is that we say a prayer for the state of Israel and send our children to college.”

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

“I believe the Israeli government’s chief responsibility is to ensure the welfare and safety of its citizens. In that regard, I have the utmost confidence in the IDF, as the world’s most moral fighting force, and the government of Israel, which represents all strains of the community in the Jewish state.

“My responsibility is to make sure I have as much information as possible on every issue of importance and to make my feelings known to my contacts in the Knesset, the Israeli media, and other offices of importance in the Jewish state.

“I feel it is important to treat Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel equally before the law. Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian Arab conflict, I believe that as long as the Arabs engage in rhetoric that glorifies violence, including praise for those who murder Jewish civilians, adults and children, and refuses to recognize the Jewish State, there is nothing to discuss in terms of peace, especially since that rhetoric informs Palestinian-Arab terrorism on the ground.

“As long as the Palestinian-Arab leadership insists that any state of ‘Palestine’ must, by definition, be Judenrein, insists that the ‘Law of Return’ means all Palestinian refugees AND THEIR DESCENDANTS must be re-settled in Israel proper, and will not even declare that, when negotiations are complete, the conflict will be over, it is clear that Israel must consider this war, in which its goal is self-preservation, to be on-going.”

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

“I believe Israelis were ‘late to the table’ in recognizing the sad demise of the Conservative movement in the US. Many, but not all, Israelis now realize that the two fastest-growing movements outside and inside Israel are the secular and the Orthodox.”

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

“Israel’s policy is to see the world-wide Jewish community as a potential source of moral, political, and economic support and what would be even better, a pool of Jews who will make Aliyah themselves—or whose children and grandchildren may do so.”

In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?

“Yes. Since all Jews are responsible for one another, of course Israel should be there to help Jewish communities in need.”

Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?

“My family and I have been to Israel many times, and each time, the experience has been magical and transformative.“

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

“The Jewish community where I reside is a mix of Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and a huge population of secular, unaffiliated Jews. We boast no fewer than ten Orthodox elementary schools and seven high schools.

“The outreach programs undertaken by the Orthodox community are heavily supported by many members of the community and have been quite successful. The Hebrew school programs undertaken by the very successful Chabad movement are very popular, due, no doubt, to their low cost (often completely free) and promise to parents that their children will be able to celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah without the necessity and cost of joining a synagogue. Needless to say, the Conservative and Reform congregations in our area find this a source of great discomfort..”

If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?

“Is ‘Looking at Zion’ going to be just another secular, non-Orthodox project whose aim is to criticize Israel and embarrass the Jewish State whenever and wherever possible?”