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Build Unity. Reject Bigotry. Protect Democracy.
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Friends,
Yesterday, I spoke with Brad Lander – New York City Comptroller, former mayoral candidate and a true leader showing what’s possible when we choose unity over division.
What struck me most wasn’t just the joy and hope his politics of solidarity has generated – it’s how deeply necessary this kind of politics is right now.
MAGA extremists are doing their very best to divide and distract the pro-democracy coalition by weaponizing legitimate fears of antisemitism and genuine grief over the horrors in Gaza.
And let’s be honest: There are real tensions in our coalition. We’re confronting terrifying, deadly anti-Israel, antisemitic attacks. Rhetoric that goes well beyond the line. Anti-democratic raids and deportations. Hostages still held in captivity. And immense suffering in Gaza at a truly staggering, intolerable scale.
But if we’re going to defeat the threat from the increasingly authoritarian MAGA right, those of us in opposition must not turn on each other with fearmongering, litmus tests and vilification. We have to model compassion, curiosity and empathy – just as Brad Lander has done – and we must be firm in demanding the same respect from others as well.
We can disagree without demonizing. Persuade instead of purge. And we can unite – without compromising our values or safety – to focus on defeating the greatest threat to all of us: MAGA extremists in the House, Senate and White House.
Friend: If that work matters to you, please consider chipping in $18, $36 or $90 – or any other amount – to help us build a better path forward. Every contribution strengthens our voice »
I have no illusions that this will be easy. Passions and sensitivities in our community, and in others, are understandably and justifiably high.
But if we’ve learned anything over the past 10 years of American politics, it’s that we can’t afford to write off anyone – be they voters who’ve strayed from us, or core parts of our coalition with whom we disagree.
As Brad put it: “It has to be possible for us to speak up about our own fears and on behalf of our own safety, and to recognize that we are also commanded to listen harder to other people's as well.”
J Street’s platform and approach is purpose-built for this moment – for advancing our pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy ideals, and building the best coalition capable of defeating the MAGA movement in the national debate and at the ballot box.
Your support fuels our sustained engagement to build bridges on both the left and right flanks of the Democratic Party as we continue to press for an unshakable commitment to Jewish safety and Israel’s security twinned with clear, meaningful and unapologetic support for Palestinian freedoms and self-determination.
Unlike MAGA Republicans, we don’t have far-right megadonors fueling that work – we have thousands of grassroots supporters like you. Your contribution, of any amount, is deeply appreciated »
That’s how we keep our coalition together and grow our numbers with the politics of addition. It’s how we ensure Jewish safety and a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. And it’s how we defeat the MAGA movement and build a better future for all of us.
With gratitude,
Jeremy Ben-Ami
President, J Street
PS. To watch my full discussion with Brad Lander yesterday, visit the Substack link here.
