Lee Wunsch (1952), President & CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Born in Dallas, Texas; left Dallas to attend college at the University of Texas in Austin, then graduate school in Los Angeles and Houston.

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

“Israel is central to future of the Jewish people, regardless of whether one lives in Israel or the Diaspora. For many Jews in my age cohort, whose Jewish identity was shaped in the shadow of the Six Day War, Israel is a core part of that identity and a reflection of our deepest identity and passion as Jewish Americans.”

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

“Yes through political and communal activity and advocacy and through my professional work in the Jewish 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 grew up and still maintain my connection to the MASORTI/Conservative movement and belong to a Conservative synagogue in my community. Regardless, I believe American Jews are moving into a post-denominational age without special allegiance to the religious movements. The dominance of the Haredi in Israel is a existential threat to the future of relations between Israel and Diaspora Jewry – that relationship must be defined for coming generations as it will not be the same as it was after the establishment of the State nor after the Six Day War.”

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

“Yes but ultimately, the Government of Israel has to make decisions that are in the best interests of the State.”

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

“We have the same passion for Israel, the same love for a Jewish homeland and the same concerns about the future of the Jewish people – regardless of whether we live in Israel or the Diaspora.”

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

“There is no policy – it’s lip service. Most Israelis have no idea what it is to be a Jew in America.”

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

“Yes – more so today than ever before.”

Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?

“I have been traveling frequently and annual to Israel since 1974 (my first trip just after college). Israel is fulfilling Herzl’s dream of being a ‘normal state’ for the Jewish people – with all of its wonderful achievements and all have the challenges facing any society.”

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

“I have lived in Houston, Texas for 40 years. Houston is a mid-size Jewish community and reflects the diversity of the Jewish people. It is a very Israel-focused community representing a cross section of views about Israel – its politics, its social policies and its relationship to the Diaspora. Houston has the full complement of synagogues and communal institutions and organizations.”