Friends,
Well over a decade ago, I wrote that the large, legacy institutions of American Jewish life – AIPAC, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and others – were veering off course.
Applying an out-of-date rulebook that demanded support for the Israeli government no matter what, they argued that criticism of Israeli policy was anti-Israel or antisemitic. In doing so, many established groups no longer spoke for a broad swath of Jewish Americans.
I predicted that “new institutions, with new rules and having different approaches, views and policies” would inevitably emerge to challenge the old guard’s claim to speak for the whole community.
That’s why we started J Street – because those institutions no longer spoke for many of us. Together, our goal is to represent the mainstream of Jewish America: Those who care deeply about Israel, but disagree vehemently with its current government.
If you agree that our community urgently needs a new generation of leadership that speaks for our values and priorities, I hope you’ll consider supporting J Street.
In recent years, we’ve witnessed the Netanyahu government’s assault on Israel’s democratic institutions and relentless pursuit of permanent control over the West Bank. We saw how this same right-wing government let down Israel’s guard before October 7 and conducted the subsequent war in ways that violate core democratic and Jewish values.
Through it all, AIPAC continued to back the Netanyahu/Smotrich/Ben-Gvir government without question, while spending tens of millions of dollars targeting politicians who dared to criticize Netanyahu. They’ve funneled millions into campaigns of more than 100 MAGA politicians who voted to overturn the 2020 election results on January 6.
Meanwhile, the ADL, which once helped lead the broad fight for civil rights and against racism and hate, now is quick to label many who criticize Israeli policies as “antisemitic.” This alienates natural allies and weakens the struggle against real antisemitism.
I’ve been especially troubled to see the organization minimize incidents involving Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and even recently remove the entire “Protect Civil Rights” section from its website.
This pick-and-choose approach has allowed some on the American right to weaponize charges of antisemitism as a pretext for ideological attacks on higher education, immigration and the rule of law – with little pushback from organizations meant to be representing our values.
Some rabbis and communal leaders are speaking out with clarity and courage. But not enough.
I’m deeply proud that J Street has given voice and support to those who both love Israel and remain committed to democracy, security and human rights for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
If you believe that too, then we are the voice that speaks for you.
If you believe this work is essential, please help fund it. We can only win in Washington and across this country if we work together. Join us in ensuring there is a strong pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy voice shaping American policy in 2025 and beyond by supporting J Street today.
Together, let’s be the new voice for Israel that our community – and our future – demands.
Gratefully yours,
Jeremy
P.S. We won’t win the future by defending the old rulebook. We’ll win it by insisting that our values – democracy, equality, human dignity – apply to everyone. If you agree, please make a gift to J Street today.
