J Street is the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans. It gives political voice to mainstream American Jews and other supporters of Israel who, believe that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential to Israel’s survival as the national home of the Jewish people and as a democracy. J Street’s mission is two-fold: to advocate for urgent American diplomatic leadership to achieve a two-state solution and a broader regional, comprehensive peace and, to ensure a broad debate on Israel and the Middle East in national politics and the American Jewish community.
In a stroke of fortuitous timing, J Street hosted last week the former Commander of the Israeli Navy and Shin Bet (Israel's internal security service) Ami Ayalon on a 6-city tour. More on what he had to say below.
This Wednesday June 6 at 7PM, the New York City JStreet Chapter is hosting a public forum entitled WHO SPEAKS FOR ME? Israel and America in the 21st Century, featuring J Street president Jeremy Ben-Ami and Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic. Please come.
Bear in mind that the leadership and target audience for J Street are primarily American Jews. While they don't so say so explicitely it is meant as a counter weight to AIPAC and others, to help American Jews past knee-jerk endorsement of whatever policy the Israeli government does or silence. It is also meant to help move Congress and other American Politicians past such knee-jerk support of the AIPAC party line, and towards a strong push for a real two-state solution.
1. Reaction to Flotilla, Gaza Blockade:
In a stroke of fortuitous timing, J Street hosted Ami Ayalon, the former Commander of the Israeli Navy and head of the Shin Bet (Israel's internal security service), and a former Labor Party MK on a 6-city tour over the past 10 days. Ayalon has been among the many prominent Israeli's who are opposed to the continued occupation, and favor a rapid move to a two-state solution, and who are supporters of the efforts in America of J Street.
Nearly 1500 people turned out for packed events in Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. The video is from his talk in Chicago speaking about the Gaza Flotilla, the importance of a two-state solution to Israel's security, and why bold leadership is needed now to achieve peace for Israel.
If you're thirsty for more about the Gaza Flotilla and J Street's reaction to it, click here to peruse our Gaza Resource page for statements, actions, Q&As, relevant commentary, and more.
Ami Ayalon - North Shore Congregation Israel - Glencoe, IL - June 1, 2010 from Andrew Meyerson on Vimeo.
J Street on Gaza Blockade:
It's time for the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement to say clearly: the present blockade has been wrong - strategically and morally - and it's time to change course in Gaza.
The blockade of Gaza hasn't simply failed, it's undercut the goals it was meant to achieve: Hamas remains heavily armed and its hold on the Strip is as strong as ever, while the people of Gaza suffer - and they and the world blame not Hamas but Israel and the United States.
- Lifting the unproductive blockade of humanitarian and construction materials into Gaza while supporting serious, effective security measures to prevent weapons and other terrorist supplies from entering.
- The immediate release by Hamas of Corporal Gilad Shalit and Hamas' renunciation of violence as a means of achieving the political goal of Palestinian freedom and independence.
- An immediate, serious and dramatic effort, led by President Obama, to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieve a two-state solution now.
- An outpouring of support from the American Jewish community and all those who care about preserving a Jewish, democratic, and safe Israel for immediate movement on the part of the state of Israel toward a diplomatic two-state resolution.
- The leaders of all sides - Arabs, Palestinians and Israelis - to begin an honest conversation with their people about how this conflict will end and the compromises and sacrifices that will be necessary to avoid further generations of violence, bloodshed and terror.
2. Wednesday June 16 7PM J Street NYC event: Who Speaks for Me?
Who Speaks for Me? Israel and America in the 21st Century
Time: 7 PM
Location: The New York Society for Ethical Culture
Address: 2 West 64th St at Central Park West
More information and to make reservations
J Street's founder and president, Jeremy Ben-Ami, will join Jeffrey Goldberg, national correspondent of The Atlantic, in a conversation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The event is part of a series of conversations around the country, sponsored by J Street, on how the United States and the American Jewish community can help to secure Israel's future as the democratic homeland of the Jewish people through a two-state solution.
Jeremy Ben-Ami has served as President Bill Clinton’s Deputy Domestic Policy Adviser and Policy Director on Howard Dean’s Presidential Campaign. He has also worked in the communications field, both here and in Israel. Jeremy’s father was born in Tel Aviv, and much of his family lives in Israel.
Jeffrey Goldberg has served as a correspondent, writer, and columnist for the New Yorker, the New York Times Magazine, New York Magazine, the Forward, and The Jerusalem Post. His book Prisoners has been hailed as one of the best books of 2006. Goldberg is the recipient of numerous awards and prizes for his journalism in the areas of Islamic terrorism, international investigative reporting, and human rights.
Should we also be hearing from Arabs and Arab-Americans?
Of course!
Just, that is not this particular organization or event.
Peace & Health.
