J Street: Is it good for the Jews?

There is a new kid on the block of Jewish organizational life which is creating some controversy. The new organization is J Street, which describes itself as “the political arm of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement.” It is attempting to create a strong, dynamic organization which represents Jews (and some non-Jews) who support Israel, while at the same time are often more critical of Israel government policy and actions than most pro-Israel organizations.

Its website explains that “J Street was founded to change the dynamics of American politics and policy on Israel and the Middle East. We believe the security and future of Israel as the democratic home of the Jewish people depend on rapidly achieving a two-state solution and regional comprehensive peace. Our mission is to promote meaningful American leadership to achieve peace and security in the Middle East and to broaden the debate on these issues nationally and in the Jewish community.”

J Street was developed to challenge AIPAC as the primary - and at times only - voice of the organized Jewish community on Capitol Hill and to provide a voice for many particularly younger Jews who have felt disenfranchised by the Jewish establishment. Its name is a play on words; the lobbyist corridor in Washington DC is K Street and there is no J Street in the District.

J Street is actually comprised of three independent organizations:

--a registered lobby and non-profit corporation;

--a political action committee to support candidates for office;

--an educational fund and education/outreach organization.

The questions we should address are:

--Do we need an organization like this?

--Will it complement the efforts of AIPAC on Capitol Hill or undermine them?

--What are the limits of criticism of Israel from a pro-Israel organization?

I will be sharing my answers to these questions at Shabbat services tomorrow night, February 5th at 7:30 p.m. and will post a link to the sermon here next week.

What do you think?

To learn more about J Street you can visit their website at: http://www.jstreet.org/.

Here is a link to an article strongly critical of J Street: http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/pollak/48751

Bruce Kadden

Rabbi