Dear Friend,

Over the past month, we’ve seen President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu take their contempt for democratic norms and values to outrageous new lows.

Thanks to Trump’s prodding, the prime minister abruptly decided to ban two progressive Democratic members of Congress from traveling to Israel and the West Bank -- a gift to the president that showed tremendous disrespect to Congress and the American people, severely damaging the long-term future of the US-Israel relationship. When American Jews voiced overwhelming disapproval of the move -- including a J Street petition which gathered over 10,000 signatures in just a few hours -- the president lashed out, accusing the vast majority of our community of “great disloyalty” for voting for Democrats and standing against the agenda of Trump, the Netanyahu government and their allies.

At J Street, we’re loyal to our Jewish and democratic values, not to a far-right Israeli government or to a dangerous, xenophobic president. Fighting for tolerance, democracy and the pursuit of peace, we refuse to allow the president to exploit Israel’s interests and the threat of rising anti-Semitism as political weapons to use against his opponents. We refuse to allow support for occupation and annexation to define what it means to be “pro-Israel.”

That’s why we were proud to be on the frontlines responding to the dangerous actions of Trump and Netanyahu in recent weeks -- providing a national voice for the majority of our community in The New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, NPR and beyond.

It’s why we’re mobilizing a powerful, energized movement to help defeat the far-right’s agenda. In Congress, in our communities, on the presidential campaign trail and at our National Conference in Washington this October, we’re helping to lead the way toward better politics, better policies and a better future both for Israel and the United States.

With so much on the line, we’re grateful to have your support.

Logan Bayroff
Director of Communications

Around J Street

Rise to the Moment: Register for the J Street National Conference October 26-29

With President Trump lashing out at liberal American Jews, Prime Minister Netanyahu repeating his pledge to annex the West Bank and White House officials seemingly hell-bent on leading the United States into a disastrous war of choice with Iran, our movement faces a critical test. We must rise to the moment.

It’s no exaggeration to say that this year’s J Street National Conference, taking place October 26-29 in Washington, DC, is our most important gathering ever. With so much at stake, we need our supporters to join us and help show the strength of our movement.

We’ll be hosting a live taping of Pod Save the World, holding trainings and panel discussions with influential American, Israeli and Palestinian policymakers, experts and activists, and heading to Capitol Hill to advocate directly to members of Congress on the issues that matter to our community.

Register now to attend the J Street National Conference with the code PODSAVE to receive a 20% discount.

In the media, J Street helps lead the fight against Trump and Netanyahu

As news broke that the Israeli government had banned Reps. Omar and Tlaib from traveling to Israel and as President Trump lashed out against “disloyal” American Jews, J Street was ready to speak out in the media and give voice to the clear sentiments of the majority of American Jews, and to stand up for our Jewish, liberal democratic values.

"This is not just a political matter, it's a dangerous moment for America,” J Street ‘s President Jeremy Ben-Ami told Chris Hayes in a 1:1 interview on MSNBC.
“The very foundations of American and Israeli democracy are being called into question by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Ben-Ami told The New York Times.
In an interview with MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell, Ben-Ami made clear that “The threat that both Trump and Netanyahu pose to the underpinnings of democracy is really what unites all of this.”
The New York Times quoted J Street’s statement in its front page report on Trump’s comments: “It is no surprise that the president’s racist, disingenuous attacks on progressive women of color in Congress have now transitioned into smears against Jews.” Excerpts from that statement were featured in coverage by the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Reuters , Associated Press and dozens of outlets across the country and around the world.
“Time and time again the president continues to show us that he’s interested in stoking both racial and religious divisions in the country for his own political gain,” J Street Chief Operating Officer Jess Smith told NBC News.

Last chance to claim your “Disloyal to Tyrants, Bigots and Trump” sticker

In the days after President Trump’s disgraceful comments about “disloyal” Jewish Americans, hundreds of J Street supporters have helped show their opposition to the president by making donations to J Street’s work. As a way of thanking all of those who are stepping up, we’re printing and sending new “Disloyal to Tyrants, Bigots and Trump” stickers to anyone who donates at the link below before Tuesday, September 10.

Donate any amount to claim your sticker today, and to help us fight far-right extremism, defend our democratic institutions and promote pro-Israel, pro-peace, diplomacy-first American leadership >>

Get your sticker →

Congressional action against annexation now more important than ever

Last weekend, Prime Minister Netanyahu repeated his vow to pursue annexation of the West Bank in his next term, this time pledging to extend sovereignty over all Israeli settlements. Over the same weekend, news broke that the White House is engaged in discussions with Netanyahu’s government to deliver yet another diplomatic gesture aimed at boosting Netanyahu’s chances before the September 17 election.

With the election less than two weeks away, the threat of Netanyahu-led annexations, supported by the Trump administration, have never been more pressing -- and responsible lawmakers need to push back. With Congress now returning from recess, J Street is calling on House Democratic Leadership to urgently schedule a vote on H.Res.326, a resolution which condemns annexation and reaffirms US support for a two-state solution. Thanks in part to the advocacy efforts of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement, H.Res.326 now has the support of over three quarters of the Democratic caucus.

Take action now: Ask your representative to call on House Leadership to schedule a vote on this resolution condemning annexation >>

Online Briefing with Jeremy Ben-Ami and Dahlia Scheindlin September 12

As summer comes to a close, the presidential primary heats up and Israelis prepare to head to the polls, we’re holding an important online briefing to discuss J Street’s work and the shifting political dynamics in Israel and the United States. On Thursday, September 12, please join J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami and Israeli political strategist Dahlia Scheindlin for a live online discussion about our current political moment and a look ahead to the importance of the J Street National Conference.

Register now for the online video briefing on Thursday, September 12, 12:30pm Eastern >>

Must Reads

New York Times

The secret history of the push to strike Iran

Washington Post

Trump, frustrated by unpopularity with Jews, thrusts Israel into his culture war

New York Times

Scandals, Rivals and U.S. Tarnish Netanyahu’s Aura of Invincibility

Donate →

J Street is the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace 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.

This email has been sent to [email protected]. Don't want to get our Street Talk newsletter? Just click here. Just want less email in general? Choose to receive only occasional updates or unsubscribe here. Email not displaying correctly? View here.