“That Jews in the Diaspora absorb the culture of the country they live in and sometimes the Israeli culture does not help support Israel in certain places.”
The Interviewee – Nuno Wahnon Martins (Born 1976), Director EU Affairs European Jewish Congress. Born in Lisbon. I’m passionate about Jewish history but not at all a practicing Jew, going to synagogue twice a year. Lives in Brussels, Belgium.
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 existence of a Jewish State is fundamental for the future of the Jewish People especially after the Holocaust. Personally, I am a strong supporter of the State of Israel as a Jewish State as it not only a safe haven for the Jews but also the achievement of Zionism.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“I feel very committed and I have it as a priority in my professional and personal life. However, this commitment is also about the normality of the state of Israel against the double standards of those who bash the State of Israel.”
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?
“I feel comfortable with any denomination of Judaism, except ultra-orthodox, as long as it does not criticize any other. However, I feel very much linked with Conservative Judaism and I don’t like that one single denomination controls the Israeli religious establishment.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“No. Israel and its Government have the right to choose whats best for them. I have the right to criticize the political options of the Government as long as I don’t put in cause the existence of the State of Israel. Alas, the criticism of a Governments applies to any Government in the World.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“That Jews in the Diaspora absorb the culture of the country they live in and sometimes the Israeli culture does not help support Israel in certain places.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“There is a try to improve it but it could be much better than it is.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes and NO. Yes, Israel is the Jewish State and has the moral dilemma of helping Jews around the world. No, if the communities do not want to be helped.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Many times. I just love the country despite the difficulties people live in.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“I live in a city with different Jewish communities but I was raised in a small Jewish community which is orthodox but where the majority of the people are not.”
Is there a question you feel should be added to the project’s questionnaire?
“How do you see the Israel-Diaspora Relationship?”
