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Dear Friend, In the world of politics, Labor Day traditionally marks the day campaigns ramp up to full throttle. And while it’s difficult to imagine how the political debate in our country could intensify any further, we must brace ourselves for what’s to come. As we saw with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s norm-shattering address from Jerusalem at the Republican National Convention, the Trump campaign views Israel as fair game for partisan warfare. At J Street, we’re giving voice to the large majority of American Jews and making clear that we reject Trump’s self-serving and destructive redefinition of what it means to be pro-Israel -- and his assault on democracy and fundamental decency in our country. We’re helping to rally the resources and volunteers necessary to defeat Trump, to put the Biden-Harris ticket in the White House and to elect pro-Israel, pro-peace, diplomacy-first majorities in both the House and Senate. Through this election season and beyond, we will continue to champion the true interests of the US and Israel -- and to lay the groundwork for a new era of American leadership rooted in our Jewish and democratic values. Contribute now to help J Street sustain its important work in this pivotal moment >> Thank you for standing with us, Logan Bayroff Communications Director |
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Around J Street |
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J Street at the Democratic National Convention |
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Going into 2020, J Street set the goal of centering our movement at the heart of discussions about the Democratic Party’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and US foreign policy in the Middle East. At this year's convention, that’s precisely where we were: From the platform drafting process to events about the Biden administration’s potential foreign policy priorities, J Street was well-represented -- and our impact was cited again and again by Democratic leaders. “J Street really changed my life,” Rep. Jan Schakowsky told a virtual “Convention Kickoff” event with J Street supporters, noting that our movement has created the political space for urgent, honest discussions on what it means to be pro-Israel and pro-peace. Senator Chris Van Hollen thanked us “for transforming the conversation about where we need to go.” We also heard from Amb. Wendy Sherman, Amb. Dan Shapiro, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Senator Chris Murphy, Reps. Lee and Pocan and senate candidate Cal Cunningham during the week of events hosted and cosponsored by J Street. In a story titled “How the Democrats Are Shifting on Israel”, The Washington Post noted that J Street is now “firmly at the center” of American Jewish politics and quoted our president Jeremy Ben-Ami: “There’s a far more balanced approach to Israel-related issues in the Democratic Party than there was before.” | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Watch our three-minute wrap-up video → |
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Israel-UAE agreement halts de jure annexation plans |
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J Street welcomed the sudden announcement of a diplomatic normalization agreement between Israel and the UAE -- and the corresponding ‘pause’ on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s West Bank annexation plans. In our statement, we noted that Netanyahu’s decision represents a major accomplishment for all those who mobilized against annexation, and that the agreement with the UAE is “the latest evidence that dialogue and diplomacy, rather than unilateral action and belligerence, are the route to long-term security.” At the same time, we made clear that comprehensive peace between Israel and its neighbors in the Arab world will only be achieved through an agreement that resolves the issues at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and leads to the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. And we stressed that even if the threat of formal annexation is off the table for the time being, those who seek a real and lasting peace must continue to advocate for an end to occupation and ongoing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people. |
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Taking a stand against “creeping annexation” in the West Bank’s E1 area |
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Despite the pause on plans for formal, de jure annexation, the attempt to push creeping annexation forward by changing facts on the ground took another significant step forward last month -- with the announcement that Netanyahu is advancing plans for a major new project in the West Bank’s E1 area. It has been described by Israeli activists as a “doomsday settlement.” Located just east of Jerusalem, the E1 settlement would cut through the heart of any future Palestinian state, cut off West Bank access to East Jerusalem and displace more than a dozen Bedouin communities. The Progressive Israel Network -- a coalition which includes J Street, New Israel Fund, T’ruah, Americans for Peace Now and other progressive pro-Israel organizations -- collected thousands of signatures opposing the E1 plan. Last week the petition was delivered to Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who has the authority to block the construction from moving forward. |
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See the petition to Minister Gantz → |
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Read and share J Street’s “Rosh Hashanah supplement” |
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| Our celebrations of Rosh Hashanah and the High Holy Days are going to look a little different this year, but the Jewish and democratic values which underpin J Street’s annual Rosh Hashanah supplement hold firm. This year, J Street Rabbinic & Cantorial Cabinet member Rabbi Michael Rothbaum offers a reflection on how we can practice radical empathy and compassion in a moment of reckoning for our country and for Israelis and Palestinians. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Download the supplement → |
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Our Israel spotlight: Save a Child’s Heart |
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“Our Israel” is a J Street initiative to highlight amazing Israeli organizations and activists who share our values and the fight to maintain thriving liberal democracies, build on progress and stand alongside those relegated to the margins of society. This month, we focus on the important work of Save a Child’s Heart and their mission to build pediatric cardiac expertise and capacity in underserved communities around the world -- including right next door in the occupied territories. “This is one of the organizations that really exemplifies what Israel was meant to be -- a light unto the nations,” Jeff Hoffman, co-president of Save A Child’s Heart’s American team, tells us. |
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Read & share the full profile →
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Meet the J Streeters: seven questions with Amos Gil |
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As part of a new series of profiles taking a look at the backgrounds, experiences and ideals driving J Street’s staff members, we interviewed Capital South Regional Director Amos Gil. Before joining J Street, Amos led several of Israel’s most well-respected progressive advocacy groups and served with an elite Israeli defense intelligence unit. “We demonize each other on both sides, and with political leaders who don’t have the courage to take risks for peace, it’s easy to become disillusioned and give up hope. But you have to remember that at the core, the vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians want the same thing -- peace and security -- and as long as that’s the case, peace is possible.” |
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Read & share the Q&A → |
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