Julie Brook (1960), born in Chicago, currently live in Cincinnati, Ohio. MBA graduate, University of Illinois. Holds the position of the Executive Vice Chairwoman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“Very important.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes.”
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?
“Yes. Conservative. As long as the Orthodox do not try to impose their beliefs on me, in my opinion, their rigorous observance does not affect me. When they become radical and impose religious laws on Israel, in my opinion, their impositions become problematic. I fear that the orthodox are loosing sight of reality and factions are growing that are creating sometime akin to Jewish Shariah law.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Sometimes.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“My allegiance, in my opinion, should be to the country that houses me and protects me. Israelis, sometimes, have unrealistic expectations of how I should feel, how I should vote and why Israel and the Jews are not front and center to what my government thinks and works for on a daily basis.
“If I feel or if anyone feels Israel is the front and center and ‘be all’ for their lives, then these people ought to live in Israel. If they choose to live in the Diaspora then they must understand that they, in my opinion, are choosing comfort, or success or career over Israel.
“More so in my opinion, they have no right to impose their guilt or feelings on me as they are even more guilty of abandoning Israel then my government is in not making Israel front and center in every decision they make.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Israel, in my opinion, feels it should always be front and center. Israel is sometimes almost immature in its expectations.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes, because it expects the same of everyone else in the diaspora.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Yes, I have been to Israel numerous times. Israel reality is that it is very modern and in the forefront of technology, fashion, education, health care. But it is also backwards in allowing the religious factions to make 100% of its social policy to the point that Israel is looking away from the growth of radicalization.“
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“My hometown is Chicago where I feel there are so many Jews from all over, and a culture for Jews such as there is in NYC. I feel there is a wide variety of opinions and politics in terms of Israel. Where I currently reside is small and its a rather tight Jewish community that leans Republican because many believe that Republicans are more helpful to Israel. As a Democrat I don’t agree with this train of thought.”
