Friends,
Prime Minister Netanyahu touched down in Washington Monday for a series of high-profile meetings, including a major speech to a joint session of Congress.
As an Israeli-American and J Street’s Vice President and Chief of Staff, I’m proud that our movement is supporting a series of rallies and protests in DC with our American and Israeli partners.
We’re making it crystal clear: Netanyahu doesn’t speak for us.
Not when he undercuts ceasefire efforts. Not when his government turns their backs on hostage families. Not when he flouts international (and domestic) law. Not when he undermines Israel’s democracy. Not when he sides with hateful extremists. And not when he shows total disregard for the lives, rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people.
If you agree, please take a moment to add your name to our petition to Congress and the White House:
Tell Washington: Netanyahu Doesn’t Speak for Me
✍️ Add Your Name
Ever the cynical politician, Netanyahu will use his platform to bolster his standing in Israel, wedge his political rivals here, and spin himself as a champion of peace and democracy – even as many Israelis, including some who’ve flown to DC, protest his failures and demand a hostage release deal now.
He’ll no doubt use Israelis, Jews and Palestinians as political props. He may claim to speak for Jews everywhere. He’ll likely put himself forward as the face of Israel and paint even legitimate criticism of his decisions as antisemitic.
He may even cut a campaign ad from the footage, as he has done before.
But just like his political soulmate Donald Trump, his words will be heavy on spin and saber-rattling, light on hope and leadership.
Help send Congress and the White House a message by adding your name: Netanyahu Doesn’t Speak for Us >>
At J Street, we’re urging our leaders to use this moment to deliver their own message to Netanyahu:
- We need a ceasefire and hostage deal, yesterday. Free hostages, end civilian suffering and chart a course toward long-term peace.
- Put your country first. Stop issuing highly politicized missives that undercut ceasefire negotiators. Seal the deal.
- Respect our shared values. Stop trying to undermine Israel’s democracy. Show far greater respect for Palestinian lives, humanitarian aid workers and international law.
- Cut ties with the far-right. Those advocating for settlements in Gaza and West Bank annexation are no friends of a peaceful, democratic future.
- Plan a path forward. There must be a “day after” plan for Israeli security and reconstruction in Gaza. There must be a clear, achievable plan to sideline Hamas by resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict once and for all.
And, while some in Congress have made the understandable decision to skip Netanyahu’s speech, we’re also urging them to make crystal clear that their objection is to Prime Minister Netanyahu himself – for the reasons above – and not a reflection of their commitment to Israelis and the US-Israel relationship.
Friends, please take a moment now to join the push against Netanyahu by signing our petition >>
Thank you, sincerely, for your support.
Adina Vogel Ayalon
Vice President and Chief of Staff, J Street
