[ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]J Street[ [link removed] ]
Dear friend,

When I first entered Congress, the dominant view in both the House and the Senate was that there was only one way to support Israel: Back the Israeli government, no matter what.

I never believed that path served Israel’s long-term security, the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people or America’s interests. Early on, I could count precious few friends who shared my concerns – but in J Street’s President Jeremy Ben-Ami, I found one.

Today, after years of US support for unchecked settlement expansion and the devastating war in Gaza – policies that inflict immense suffering on Palestinians and undermine Israel’s security, democracy and Jewish values – a more honest and constructive perspective is finally taking hold in our party: The J Street approach.

It’s rooted in a simple but powerful idea: Being a friend of Israel demands standing up for equal rights, dignity and freedom for Palestinians. My colleagues are finally realizing that lasting security for Israelis will never come from policies that harm the Palestinian people and deny them a future.

This change didn’t come overnight, nor did it happen by accident. It happened because J Street and supporters like you helped change the conversation in Washington.

You’ve shown just how many Americans believe in a values-based US-Israel relationship – grounded in democracy, equality and peace.

That’s why I’m proud to support J Street’s end-of-year fundraising drive, and why I’m asking you to consider doing the same today.

Every donation strengthens this indispensable work »

I’ve seen several of my Senate colleagues return from J Street’s educational trips with the same deeper reckoning with the realities on the ground – and the same sense of responsibility I feel to push for values-driven American leadership that helps move the region toward a lasting peace.

Speaking personally, what I saw when J Street took me to Hebron and the South Hebron Hills drove home why American leadership cannot look the other way when it comes to the scourge of settler violence.

You’ve helped build a political and communal base that gives leaders like me added confidence to speak out, even when it’s hard – especially when it’s hard.

You understand that a strong US-Israel relationship must be anchored in shared values. And you know that standing up for those values abroad goes hand-in-hand with defending them here at home.

So, it would mean so much if you’d lend your support as J Street continues to advance equality, justice and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.


Thank you, sincerely, for all that you do.

Warmly,
Senator Chris Van Hollen
Fellow J Streeter

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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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