18 Questions, 40 Mystics24 Feb 2025

Yishai Fleisher: ‘Israel is not meant to be equal for all — it’s a nation-state’

Israel should prioritize its Jewish citizens, Yishai Fleisher says, because that's what a nation-state does.
Yishai is the international spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron, a flashpoint in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and a councilman for the Efrat community. His words reach audiences across the world via CNN, Piers Morgan's Uncensored, the New York Times, his own YouTube and podcasts, and more.
A lawyer and rabbi, Yishai served as a paratrooper in the IDF and served in reservist duty during the Israel-Hamas War.
Now, he joins Sruli Fruchter to answer 18 questions on Israel, including Jewish rights, the Land of Israel, and whether Israel should be a democracy.
This interview was held on Feb. 17.
Here are our 18 questions:

As an Israeli, and as a Jew, how are you feeling at this moment in Israeli history?
What has been Israel’s greatest success and greatest mistake in its war against Hamas?
How have your religious views changed since Oct. 7?
What do you look for in deciding which Knesset party to vote for?
Which is more important for Israel: Judaism or democracy?
Should Israel treat its Jewish and non-Jewish citizens the same?
Now that Israel already exists, what is the purpose of Zionism?
Is opposing Zionism inherently antisemitic?
Should Israel be a religious state?
If you were making the case for Israel, where would you begin?
Can questioning the actions of Israel’s government and army — even in the context of this war — be a valid form of love and patriotism?
What do you think is the most legitimate criticism leveled against Israel today?
Should all Israelis serve in the army?
Do you think the State of Israel is part of the final redemption?
Is Messianism helpful or harmful to Israel?
Do you think peace between Israelis and Palestinians will happen within your lifetime?
Where do you identify on Israel’s political and religious spectrum, and do you have friends on the “other side”?
Do you have more hope or fear for Israel and the Jewish People?

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