David Walker (Born 1945), Live in Letchworth Garden City, England. Journalist. Editor of the Jewish East End Celebration Society magazine, The Cable; former executive editor of the Financial Times newspaper.

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 ultimate safe haven – the insurance – for if the world turns on us again as one day it will. It is the epitome of triumph over adversity.”

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

“Yes.”

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

“No – though I hate many of the actions of Israeli governments.”

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

“The feeling that we have for Israel and our willingness to defend its right to exist even if we are critical — as are many Israelis — of some of its actions.”

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

“Good. It is important that it pays heed to the Diaspora, but also important that it doesn’t in some way take responsibility for the Diaspora away from people’s national governments. Important too that it does not expect the Diaspora to defend Israel on all counts all the time, fuelling the idea of split loyalties.”

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

“Yes.”

Have you ever been to Israel?

“Yes.”

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

“Finding out about the Jewish links here.”