From Sunday, October 25th through Wednesday, October 28th J Street, the progressive "pro-Israel, pro-peace" organization, will be holding its first ever National Conference. The theme for this initial conference is Driving Change, Securing Peace and will be held at the Grand Hyatt Washington, D.C. The leadership of J Street believes that the installation of new governments in America and Israel provides the right time to make progressive voices heard in support of a just resolution to the Israel/Palestine conflict. The goal of the organizers is to have the largest ever gathering of progressive Americans come together and advocate for Middle East diplomacy and a two-state solution to the conflict. Recently, the organizers of this year's conference have released theinitial schedule of events, including panel and breakout topic discussions.
The Driving Change, Securing Peace Conference will be an event where Community Leaders, Rabbis, University/High School Students, Activists, Academics, and Politicians from the United States, Israel, and other Middle East nations can come together, learn about the various aspects of the Israel/Palestine conflict, network, organize, and lobby for Middle East peace. Also, participants will debate what it means to be a progressive pro-Israel member of the larger Jewish Community, as well as learn about projects promoting cooperation and co-existence between Israel and the Arab world.
The list of discussion topics includes:
The role of the US in the Middle East: Is time running
out for a two-state solution?
What does it mean to be "Pro-Israel?"
Taking a regional approach to Middle East conflicts
Using art to broaden the conversation on Israel
21st Century Israeli Activism
Covering the Middle East: Journalists discuss the
conflict
How can Jews, Muslims and Christians work together
for a two-state solution?
Joining Forces: The American progressive movement
and the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement
How the netroots is changing politics
Shifting the conversation on Israel: Engaging your
community
Plus: Film, live performances, art, and culture
Due to the difficut economic times, J Street has come up with a "Recession Conference Rate" of $175. If you are under 30 and/or employed at a non-profit organization, then the conference will only be $100. If you register before June 1, they are also offering the Conference and the October 27th Gala Dinner ticket at the special rate of $375. After June 1, the Conference and Gala Dinner Ticket will cost $425.
J Street has also organized a Student Conference from Saturday, October 24 through Tuesday, October 27. The Saturday evening through Sunday late afternoon portion of the Conference will be for students only. Students will join the main conference Sunday evening through Monday evening. On Tuesday morning, students will meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill. Those students who can stay through Wednesday are encouraged to remain at the Conference.
Students can register with the Early Bird Fee of $18 per person until June 15. After June 15, the full registration fee will be $36. Housing will be provided (Saturday night through Tuesday afternoon) for students at Hostelling International in Washington, DC. Those students who choose the Hostel option will pay $20 for three nights. Registration will not cover transportation costs but scholarships are available.
It is vitally important for those people who consider themselves progressive, pro-Israel, and pro-peace to help support J Street and their mission of diplomacy for Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side in their own nations with peace and security.
Please consider:
- Signing up for the Student Conference (10/24/09-10/27/09). If you have any questions or concerns, e-mail studentregistration@jstreet.org.
- Signing up for the Main Conference (10/25/09- 10/28/09). Hotel information at the Grand Hyatt Washington is available here. If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail Natalie Shear, Conference Coordiator, at natalie@natalieshear.com. You can also e-mail Dorit Price-Levine, Research and Communications Assistant, at dorit@jstreet.org or Jessi Baden-Campbell, Development Associate, at jessi@jstreet.org.
- Mentioning myself or Shane Hensinger when signing up for the Conference (since we are both Ambassadors for the J Street Conference).
