“I feel very morally responsible for the solution of the Israel Palestinian conflict and am constantly disappointed and worried about the current trend to ignore the need for a to state solution. I feel this is dangerous to the future of Israel and its ability to remain a Jewish State and a homeland for the Jewish people.”
The Interviewee – Noreen Gordon Sablotsky (Born 1955), Retired. I was born in Baltimore and moved to St. Petersburg Florida with my family when I was 1 years old. I grew up there in a conservative synagogue and we had a very strong connection to the Jewish community.
I moved to Miami after college and got married and have been here since 1980. I raised four children here. Two of them have married and their spouses converted to Judaism. The other two are single. I have 4 grandchildren and one on the way.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“I am extremely connected to Israel having visited no fewer than 30 times. As an American Jew, Israel helps to form a big part of my Jewish identity. I follow the politics of Israel and current events on a daily basis. I am involved there in business as well as philanthropically.
“Israel serves as the one common denominator that all Jews of the world share. Regardless of the fact that I choose to live in America, I feel that Israel is also my home.“
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“I feel extremely committed to defending the future existence of Israel. I do not completely agree with the current politics, but despite that I ardently defend Israel at every opportunity.”
Do you feel there a generation gap in regard to Israel-diaspora relationship, meaning – do you see a general difference between the way your generation feels about Israel and between the way millennials feel about Israel?
“There is a generation gap for sure. It often even comes with people my age since I was left to connect to Israel on my own. I did not grow up in a Zionist house and did not get to Israel for the first time until I was almost 40.
“I have taken all four of my children multiple times, and they spend quality and significant time there. In some ways they feel very connected in some ways they do not. The two that are married deal with spouses who have not been and have serious questions about the political environment surrounding a Palestinian state.
“Birthright is a huge help for a first trip connecting students to Israel, and everyone wants to go regardless of their prior ‘Jewish connection’ but I think we do a very bad job on the post birthright follow up.”
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 am a Reform Jew but consider myself somewhat post denominational. I am very upset by the Orthodox dominance in Israel and am actively involved in many aspect to counter this domination.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
“I feel very morally responsible for the solution of the Israel Palestinian conflict and am constantly disappointed and worried about the current trend to ignore the need for a to state solution. I feel this is dangerous to the future of Israel and its ability to remain a Jewish State and a homeland for the Jewish people.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“I feel that Israelis in general do not understand the importance of a strong diaspora community, not just in the United States. I also think that many Israelis do not understand how committed many of us are to our Judaism and that we work very hard to maintain our connection to Israel.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Often Arrogant, but I think that the diaspora needs Israel at least as much as Israel needs the diaspora.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Absolutely.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Answered above. I visit multiple times per year usually despite having no family there. I love Israel with all of my heart and soul and am so very proud of what has been accomplished in the State in such a relatively short time.“
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“I lived n Jerusalem for two months in October and November of this year and experienced many cultural events including film, dance and many museums.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there any community activities?
“I live in Miami and am an active member of Temple Beth Am a Reform congregation with about 5,000 people. I am the immediate past chair of the Hillel at University of Miami and on the Board of Greater Miami Jewish Federation and past President of the Dave and Mary Alper JCC.”
