David Cameron (born 1943) ,active on Board committees and in Jewish community of Saskatoon, Canada . Retired Library Director.

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 is the only place in the entire word in which Jews can safely be Jews.”

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

“Of course. ‘Next year in Jerusalem’.

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

“No – I’m a Jew, not an Israeli. I should feel as morally responsible as an Israeli Jew would about Canada = zero.”

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

“The main thing is to be aware first that there is more than one denomination and that in fact orthodoxy is NOT the largest faction in North America. There are different ways to worship, all of them legitimate.”

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

“Naive.”

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

“We are all Jews. We all support the Jewishness of Israel, so, YES.”

Have you ever been to Israel?

“Yes. 3 times.”

Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?

“I live in a small city in the Middle of Western Canada. We have a robust community, a Rabbi and a synagogue as well as a JCC and after-secular school Hebrew school. We have our own bi-monthly publication, and are extremely active.”

Is there a question you feel should be added to the project’s questionnaire?

“What effect will the continued intransigence of the Chief Rabbinate in Israel in re non-Orthodox Jews have on diaspora funding to Israel?”