“Israel should not be governed as if it is a theocracy. The Orthodox should not be able to control issues of gender equality, ‘who is a Jew’ for purposes of the right of return, or marriage and divorce.”
The Interviewee – Joel Shapiro (Born 1948) Managing member of a small private company in NY. Born in New Jersey, live in New York City.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“The idea of having a Jewish state has been instrumental in allowing the Jewish people to evolve as a civilization outside of history for many centuries. While finally having one has shown us that a Jewish state is not necessarily any more or less moral than any other state, it still provides a compass and a sense of well being that I could never find without it.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes, but I am not prepared to wage war on their behalf.”
Do you affiliate yourself with a specific denomination in Judaism? What is your view regarding the dominance of the Orthodox denomination in Israel religious establishment?
“Yes – Reconstructionism. The Orthodox dominance in Israel is not a problem per se, it is the political power that has been accorded the Orthodox that is a problem. Israel should not be governed as if it is a theocracy. The Orthodox should not be able to control issues of gender equality, ‘who is a Jew’ for purposes of the right of return, or marriage and divorce.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“No – but I am appalled by Israel’s treatment of its Palestinian minorities.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“One can be fully Jewish without making Aliyah. We are equal partners in preserving Judaism – not second class participants in the battle.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Condescending at best.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Israel has the obligation to help communities in need whether or not they are Jewish. Israel should be accepting Syrian refugees – we were once refugees ourselves.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“I have been to Israel a few times. Much of it feels like I am ‘coming home’, and much feels like a war zone.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“New York City is probably the only city outside of Israel where you don’t have to do anything, or belong to any organized Jewish group on order to be Jewish.”
Is there a question you feel should be added to the project’s questionnaire?
“Yes – How do you feel about a two state solution?”
