David, in his forties, was born in Eastern Europe, lived in Israel for a decade, based in the UK now. Member of the academic community in the UK. Requested not to be mentioned by title and full name.

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

“It is the one and only state that is Jewish, a state for Jews. And in this capacity, it is -or should be- something that every Jew on the planet is proud of.”

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

“Yes, I do. Unconditionally. As long as it is a Jewish state.”

On that note, what would make you decide Israel is no longer a Jewish state?

“At the moment Israel defines itself as a ‘Jewish state’. This is sufficient, and I do not have a more elaborate definition, as long as it self-defines as a Jewish state explicitly, it is a Jewish state for me. When and if Israel decides to drop ‘Jewish’ from its self-definition, it stops being a Jewish state for me.”

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

“Yes, in a way, I do. I have no problem with this. In particular, I have no issues whatsoever with any ‘management’ of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

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

“That the Diaspora Jews are a vulnerable minority. Depending on place and time-they are either persecuted or tolerated, but they are never totally free to say, act or even think in terms of Jewish interests. In the end, they do not even notice their own constraints.”

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

“I am not aware of any policy, formal or informal.”

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

“Yes. Israel and Diaspora have mutual obligations towards each other.”

Have you ever been to Israel?

“Yes, I lived there for over a decade.”

If an Israeli tourist should ever come across your hometown, which experience should he/she not miss?

“cheap supermarkets, so they learn how cheap basic products can be , so they can fight for this level of financial ease in Israel.”

Anything you would like to add?

“Israel and the Jews are one nation and the diaspora and Israel should see it in the same view at all times.”