Harry Levy (Born 1943), a member of the Jewish Community of Dakar, Senegal. Born in Casablanca, Morocco. Levy is a Sculptor.

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 have immense pride in being Jewish and soon also Israeli.”

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

“I’m totally committed to defend the land of my ancestors and to help it’s community.”

Do you affiliate yourself with a specific confessional division in Judaism? What is your view regarding the dominance of the Orthodox division in Israel religious establishment?

“I’m not practicing. I find that the Orthodox in Israel are abusive, they are in my view a huge burden on the economy”.

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

“From my point of view, the current government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, completely meets the needs of the country. Regarding the conflict with the Palestinians, it is very well run and I would add that if Netanyahu had been in the place of previous prime ministers, Olmert, Barak, Rabin and Sharon the situation today would have been less catastrophic.”

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

“There is indeed a misunderstanding between the Israelis and the Jewish Diaspora. There is of course a language barrier between us and Israelis and I feel it there is also a ethnic bias against Jews from Africa.”

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

“I think not, Israel has other concerns far more important.”

Have you ever been to Israel?

“Yes and I’m going do aliyah with my son soon.”

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

“I was born in Casablanca (Morocco), where the Jewish community was very large and very active.”

Something you would like to add?

“I am a sculptor of steel and I created and offered to the Israeli Embassy in Senegal, where I live, a sculpture of a stylized Shoffar enhanced with a menorah, I entitled “YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW”. My greatest desire would be to create a 10 or 15 meters to one of the crossroads of the cities of Israel and I’m looking for a sponsor or patron.”