“A Jewish state could/should be a neutral land where all Jews feel comfortable and welcome. If that were the case, I would personally feel it’s existence was quite important as both a refuge and as a repository of our shared history.”
The Interviewee – Jamie Allen Black, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Big Tent Judaism/Jewish Outreach Institute. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA; moved to NYC in 1990.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“A Jewish state could/should be a neutral land where all Jews feel comfortable and welcome. If that were the case, I would personally feel it’s existence was quite important as both a refuge and as a repository of our shared history.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes.”
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?
“If the Israeli people want the Orthodox to dominate, then they should; if they don’t, then they should do something about it. I feel Israel should be more pan-denominational, but I don’t live there.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“In some ways, yes – but more than my feeling responsible, I think others see me as responsible.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“That we are a vast minority and that Judaism isn’t as readily in our day-to-day lives as it is in Israel.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“That those Jews who choose to live in Israel are ‘right’ and the rest of the world should support Israel’s action and economy because it is due them by those of us in the Diaspora.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“All Jewish communities have an obligation to do so.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“I’ve been twice. The people are lovely. Most of those living there are just going about their day to day existence like everyone else. However, the violence and anger from the Palestinians is real and palpable (I got stuck on Mt. Scopus during an incident where residents were throwing molotov cocktails at the Israel police – very scary and real).”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“My hometown is Los Angeles where I was raised in the Reform movement – which I like to say is similar to ‘High Church.’ L.A. is a very assimilated Jewish community – mostly cultural. I now live in NY where being Jewish is much more visible and it is easy to be Jewish here.”
