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[2]Street Talk: J Street's Monthly Newsletter

Friend,

With US and Israeli elections just a few weeks away, this is a critical
time for J Street’s work and the issues we care about. These elections
will have a major impact on the future of democracy in both countries.

Faced with a growing threat from the forces of far-right
ethno-nationalism, J Street stands ready to protect our democratic rights,
pursue peace and justice, and give voice to the values and priorities of
the majority of our community. We’re also speaking out about important
developments on the ground -- from an important new diplomatic achievement
for the US and Israeli governments, to an alarming escalation of tensions
and violence in the occupied West Bank.

J Street is committed to this fight, and we know the overwhelming majority
in our community are with us. We know that elevating conspiracy theorists
and hate-mongering leaders can only end badly for Jewish Americans and
other minorities. We know that those who don’t care about democracy and
equality at home certainly won’t show the courage to defend it abroad.

Read all about our work and more in this month's Street Talk newsletter
below. And if you value principled, strong pro-Israel, pro-peace
leadership that champions diplomacy, democracy and freedom, [ [link removed] ]please
consider a contribution to fuel our work at this crucial moment >>

Thank you for being a part of this movement,

Logan Bayroff
Vice President of Communications

AROUND J STREET

Countdown to Election Day: J Street Stands with Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace,
Pro-Democracy Candidates

[2]J Street Goes All In to Protect Freedoms, Fight for Democracy

Given the stunning rise of far-right, anti-democratic candidates attacking
our fundamental rights and freedoms, the 2022 midterms are uniquely
critical. We’re doing everything we can between now and November 8 to help
elect champions of democracy and prevent MAGA majorities from taking
control of the House and Senate.

This election cycle, we've endorsed 138 House and Senate candidates --
with over a quarter of our endorsees running in the most competitive
battleground states and districts that will determine control of Congress.
[ [link removed] ]To learn more about our exciting slate of candidates and how you can
support them, become a member of JStreetPAC today >>

We pride ourselves on being the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace
Americans because we know our Jewish and democratic values will only be
safe if we fight for them on the campaign trail and at the ballot box.

As the election approaches, we're also exploring what it means to defend
democracy and face up to the truth about the threats posed by former
President Trump and his extremist political movement. It’s clear that the
true interests and values of the American Jewish community compel us to
stand up for free and fair elections and democratic institutions. We’ll
discuss this -- and more -- in this Thursday’s J Stream briefing call with
Conor Shaw, an expert from CREW, a leading democracy protection
organization. [ [link removed] ]Join our J Stream call on the struggle to protect
democracy this Thursday >>

J Street Applauds Israel-Lebanon Maritime Agreement

We congratulated Prime Minister Yair Lapid's government and the Biden
Administration on Israel reaching a diplomatic resolution to its
long-running maritime dispute with Lebanon in the Mediterranean Sea.
[ [link removed] ]You can read our full statement here >>

Coming after years of difficult talks, this agreement is an important
accomplishment, and showcases the role that proactive and relentless
American diplomacy can play in successful conflict resolution. It makes
clear that the United States can put forward concrete proposals to
successfully resolve disputes -- even when the parties aren't engaged in
direct, bilateral negotiations with each other. That’s a lesson that can
and should also be applied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well.
[ [link removed] ]To learn more about the significance of the deal, read J Street
Director of Policy Dr. Debra Shushan’s issue brief >>

Welcoming Prime Minister Lapid’s Support for Two States, Pushing for Urgent
Steps to Stop Israeli-Palestinian Escalation

After many years in which successive right-wing Israeli prime ministers
distanced themselves from or outright opposed the pursuit of a two-state
solution, Prime Minister Lapid publicly declared his support for two
states for two peoples in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly
last month -- which J Street welcomed as an important step in the right
direction. In welcoming Lapid’s speech, [ [link removed] ]we also noted that in order to
make a real impact, the prime minister's remarks need to be followed up by
meaningful action to reinvigorate diplomacy, enhance engagement with
Palestinian leaders who seek a peaceful resolution, and reverse harmful
policies that have deepened occupation and exacerbated the conflict. We
called on the US government to do everything it can to encourage such
steps.

The unsustainable, rapidly deteriorating situation in the occupied West
Bank and East Jerusalem -- where terror attacks, settler violence and army
crackdowns are on the rise and the Palestinian Authority may be on the
brink of collapse -- makes it all the more vital to find an alternative.
In our statement [ [link removed] ]mourning the death of young IDF sergeant Noa Lazar in
a checkpoint shooting attack, we urged that “A new path, away from the
abyss and toward diplomacy and peace, must be pursued.”

As Netanyahu and his right-wing bloc attack every decision made by Lapid,
it remains to be seen how recent developments will impact the Israeli
election on November 1. J Street is pleased to offer regular updates and
analysis on the Israeli election campaign, delivered directly to your
inbox. [ [link removed] ]Subscribe to our Israeli Election Updates here >>

You're Invited! The 2022 J Street National Conference!

[ [link removed] ]Register to join us at our National Conference this December.

The J Street National Conference is the year's largest gathering of
pro-Israel, pro-peace activists -- and one of the most important,
talked-about annual events in the world of foreign policy and American
politics.

Taking place both in-person and virtually from December 3-5, 2022, it will
bring together top lawmakers, activists, and experts to explore how we can
best mobilize to take on and defeat the far-right at home and abroad.
We're happy to announce that the opening night of the Conference will
feature Rep. Jamie Raskin as Keynote Speaker and a performance by the
renowned Israeli singer Noa. [ [link removed] ]Reserve your tickets now >>

Launching the "J Street Policy Center"

Last month, we were excited to launch the new [ [link removed] ]J Street Policy Center.
The Policy Center will produce original analysis and other resources to
inform and educate elected officials, policymakers and advocates on issues
related to US policy toward Israel, Palestine and the broader Middle East.

Committed to amplifying the work of diverse experts who work to drive
forward diplomacy and conflict resolution in the region, the center will
be led by Dylan Williams, J Street's Senior Vice President for Policy and
Strategy, and Dr. Debra Shushan, Director of Policy.

With the center's first symposium, titled "Israel-Arab Normalization and
Advancing Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Resolution," we brought together
more than 50 top policy experts to discuss how Israel-Arab normalization
can be harnessed and directed to counter the harms of the ongoing
Israeli-Palestinian conflict and help spur real progress toward a
political solution.

[ [link removed] ]Support J Street's work to help shape the policy agenda in Washington,
and ensure that the conversation isn't dominated by right-wing voices >>

Join the Jerusalem Youth Chorus for their 10th Anniversary Concert

J Street is a proud friend and partner of the inspiring Jerusalem Youth
Chorus, and we want to make sure you know about their exciting upcoming
10th Anniversary Concert, taking place online on Sunday, October 23. This
year's event will feature stars David Broza, Mira Awad, Saz Zakout and Guy
Mintus as special guests, alongside Palestinian and Israeli singers from
the Jerusalem Youth Chorus, sharing songs and stories of hope, inspiration
and harmony.

The event will be followed by a Zoom talkback with some of the artists
from the concert. If you are looking for an infusion of fresh, creative
energy from Israelis and Palestinians committed to a better future, you
won't want to miss this event! [ [link removed] ]Registration is free here >>

Our Israel: Meet the Israeli Organizations Working for Change

Incredible Israeli grassroots advocates and activists are fighting for a
more just, equal and peaceful future for their country and for both the
Israeli and Palestinian peoples. J Street is proud to highlight their
critical work through our Our Israel profile series.

The Hotline for Refugees and Migrants advocates for policies and practices
to ensure that the human rights of migrants in Israel are respected. "We
believe in changing reality not only through decision-makers but by
harnessing the power of the public. It's a difficult fight, but it's an
important one that we believe in," Executive Director Dr. Ayelet Oz tells
J Street. [ [link removed] ]Read the full profile here >>

Must Reads

* [ [link removed] ]Israel Election: These Three Key Questions Could Decide It All,
Haaretz

* [ [link removed] ]The PA’s Faltering Authority, Jewish Currents

* [ [link removed] ]‘Every day is worse than the one before’: a Palestinian community
fights for survival, The Guardian

* [ [link removed] ]Approve the Israel-Lebanon Maritime Deal, Haaretz


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© 2022 J Street | [ [link removed] ]www.jstreet.org | [email protected]

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.



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