[1]J Street
Friends,

I’m writing to make sure you saw Lauren’s note below about the immense
support J Street U has provided to students over the exceedingly difficult
past few months, and our plans in the year ahead to significantly grow J
Street U’s reach.

Together, we want to show Jewish and pro-Israel students that there is a
home on campus for those who reject the right-wing, anti-Palestinian
version of "pro-Israel" – and that there is a proud, inclusive, welcoming
political space for Jewish students. A space committed to unapologetically
fighting antisemitism. A space that models the civil discourse and
constructive dialogue needed to lower the temperature on campus and foster
the safe, secure and creative environment students deserve.

Your tax-deductible donation to the J Street Education Fund will make that
expansion possible. [ [link removed]- ]Please consider a contribution of $18, $36 or $90
or any other amount today >>

In the coming years, we’ll work to ensure J Street U can reach even more
students. A major donation match from a generous J Street supporter will
increase every gift to J Street U by 50%, up to a total of $200,000;
providing the J Street U program with an additional $300,000 per year for
the next three years.

This will enable J Street U to hire new organizers and greatly increase
our pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy educational programs on college
campuses across the country. [ [link removed]- ]I hope we can count on your support >>

Thank you, sincerely, for your consideration.

– Adee Telem, SVP of Development

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From: Lauren Haines, J Street U

Growing up, I was one of two Jewish students at my Georgia high school.

Teachers refused to factor in the High Holidays, sometimes not even
knowing what they were. If a classmate found out I was Jewish, they’d
often respond with a snide antisemitic remark about how Jews control
Hollywood, the media or the government.

At the same time, I found myself at odds with the black-and-white – and
often silent – stances my Jewish community took towards Israel, one that
did not reflect my core values of justice, freedom and equality for all
people in the region.

That all changed in college, where I became part of J Street U – a
community willing to wrestle with complicated truths, hold the pain and
grief of both Israelis and Palestinians, and engage in dialogue with peers
who, too often, look past each other. I truly feel that, in J Street U,
I’ve found a place to call home.

More than anything, J Street U is a community that deeply cares for one
another – and that’s been indispensable these past few months as chaos,
extremism and partisanship have dominated campus debates over Israel
nationwide.

Many, many groups have jumped at the opportunity to exploit the situation
for political gain. But J Street U is one of the few groups actively
looking out for students, and I’m so thankful for it.

In recognition that these issues will endure for students well into the
next academic year – and in recognition of how urgently needed our nuanced
approach is – J Street will be investing significantly in strengthening
and growing J Street U’s presence on campuses in the year ahead.

Friends, if this work matters to you, would you consider pitching
in $18, $36 or $90 – or any other amount –
to help expand J Street U in the next academic year?

[ [link removed]- ]Make a tax-deductible contribution to the J Street Education Fund here
>>

Last summer, I decided to run for President of J Street U’s National
Board. Serving in this role has been incredibly fulfilling but certainly
not without challenge.

Our work was never easy but, after October 7, we confronted a new reality
on campus.

Despicable acts of antisemitism from classmates with whom we share a
community. Isolation from our peers in both progressive and Jewish spaces.
Appalling scenes of police brutality and violence against peaceful
protesters.

Through it all, J Street U has been my home and its staff my support
system. I have never felt so grateful to have this community.

We’ve seen first-hand how growing hostilities between hardliners on campus
are shrinking the space for nuanced, balanced and empathetic debate. Your
support will help create space for the thousands of students earnestly
seeking to understand the conflict, engage in good faith with those on
their right and left, and use their voices for justice, peace and a better
future for Israelis and Palestinians.

J Street U is paving the path for the next generation of thoughtful
leaders, and I am lucky enough to see it in my peers every day.

[ [link removed]- ]Friends, support the next generation of pro-Israel, pro-peace,
pro-democracy leaders with a tax-deductible contribution today >>

Thank you, sincerely, for your consideration.

Lauren Haines
J Street U National President

[ [link removed]- ]DONATE


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© 2024 J Street | [ [link removed]- ]www.jstreet.org | [email protected]

J Street is the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy
Americans who want Israel to be secure, democratic and the national home of the
Jewish people. Working in American politics and the Jewish community, we
advocate policies that advance shared US and Israeli interests as well as Jewish
and democratic values, leading to a two-state solution to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.



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