Friend,
I get called “anti-Israel,” a “self-hating Jew,” an “assimilationist” or even a “Nazi sympathizer” at least a dozen times a day.
As J Street’s social media manager, I see the deluge of hateful messages from both individuals and right-wing organizations that are sent our way every day.
Rather than engage in a good faith discussion about the impact of settlements, demolitions and indefinite occupation on Israel’s security, Palestinian rights or both peoples' democratic future, right-wing voices choose to smear anyone who speaks against them as “anti-Israel,” “disloyal” or even antisemitic.
I wish I could say I was numb to it at this point -- but in truth it’s still hurtful.
My grandparents are Holocaust survivors. I have colleagues at J Street who have served in the IDF, colleagues who have close family and friends in Israel, colleagues whose parents and grandparents fought for Israel’s independence.
But for some, all that apparently counts for nothing if we have the temerity to think that Palestinians deserve equal rights, or to stand up to the extreme policies of Benjamin Netanyahu or Itamar Ben-Gvir.
You may have had language like this directed at you before. We know that this casual hatred and ignorance isn’t going away, but we can overcome it by showing what the clear majority of Jewish Americans really believe, and continuing to fight this good fight.
Together, we can ensure that 2023 is a pivotal, defining year for the pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy movement -- but we need to make sure we have the resources to rise to the moment. If you feel able, please consider an end of year contribution of $18, $36, or $54 to ready us for that fight >>
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Far from being “disloyal” to Israel, I see you and my fellow J Street staff as true, courageous champions for our community’s democratic values. For Israel’s own founding values of justice, equality, democracy and self-determination.
Together, let’s show that there’s nothing more “pro-Israel” -- and nothing more true to who we are as Jewish Americans -- than standing up for these values.
Yours in solidarity and hope,
Nate Wolfson
Deputy Digital Director, J Street
