Those who oppose J Street have spent considerable time and treasure pressing the point that we are “many things but not pro-Israel.” Here’s what it means for J Street to be pro-Israel.
Well said, Jeremy. These substacks are a key way to say things freed of the constraints of publication deadlines, editorial interference and organizational constraints, and to express our own opinions in our own words. On my file cabinet, in clear view of my webcam, is an old J street bumper sticker that expresses these views clearly: ProIsrael & ProPalestinian & ProDemocracy & ProSecurity & ProSecurity & ProJustice & ProPeace.
Yesterday, at a Havdalah service, the rabbi welcomed the coming week-- a week in which for the first time in many months, I have hopes of a negotiated ceasefire in Gaza. I comment on this in the latest update of the Middle East Peace with Justice section (with extensive bibliography) of my substack: https://michaelalandover.substack.com/p/peace-with-justice-in-the-middle
Thanks Michael. I hope you are right. I feel as well we are getting within sight of an end to the nightmare for the hostages, for Gaza and for all of us.
A superb set of principles, clearly stated . I believe many of us believe they represent mainstream Jewish sentiment. Collectively, we need to find better ways to give voice to those who agree
Thanks so much. If all the people who read this would take 15 minutes and forward to ten friends, that’s the best way to get messages out these days. Friend to friend. Peer to peer. Relational organizing. Personal communication! All the best!
Well articulated. An issue I hope Jeremy will unpack in future writing is where he believes the line between antisemitism and fundamental hostility to Israel (not merely criticism of policies) should be drawn.
Thanks, Martin. I do plan to dig further into each of the ten principles outlined - and that does include some deeper commentary on the really important issue that you highlight. Thanks for reading and engaging.
I have no problem with the two state solution in principle, and I’m no fan of the settlement enterprise.
But how can we ensure that a Palestinian state does not become another Gaza? Given the extremism of the Palestinian public, 75% of which supported October 7 and over 80% of which wants a free Palestine from the river to the sea, how can progress be made? All evidence suggests that the Palestinians are not ready for peace. Yes, neither is this government, but this government is at least underwater in the polls, thankfully.
Can a Palestinian state still have a permanent IDF presence? Germany and Japan have US troops to this day.
There is no viable solution. If there ever was a two-state solution, Netanyahu has insured its demise. He has single-handedly been responsible for the rise of anti-Semitism globally to levels that have not been seen since World War II, with even worse yet to come. Tragically, no Jew is safe anywhere. This is Netanyahu’s "gift" to world Jewry.
Whether they realize it or not, the Israelis are on the "Last Voyage of the Damned."
At least nine nations have nuclear weapons (e.g., Pakistan, India, Russia); and its a buyer's market. When will "Osama bin Laden 2.0" launch a nation-ending EMP Attack or similar assault on Israel? Why hasn't it happened by now?
Israel has prepared for this. It won’t happen. They have great missile defense and can shoot down ICBMs. And in the Starlink and decentralized solar power era you can get around an EMP.
With.all due respect, nonsense. On October 7th, Israeli intelligence was missing in action; its Mossad was sound asleep; and its once-vaulted "Iron Dome" was porous at best.
When it happens, the world will cheer, loudly. Israel is the most-hated country on earth; and tragically, unprecedented anti-Semitism is the butcher Netanyahu's "gift" to world Jewry.
Israel didn't prepare at all for October 7. They have prepared a lot of these kinds of things like WMD and EMP.
I don't think Israel is more hated than e.g. North Korea.
This won't happen. If you really believe that, put your money where your mouth is and short the shekel. The shekel is worth more USD than it was on 10/7.
Tragically, anti-Semitism has risen to levels globally that have not been seen since World War II, with much worse yet to come. Jews are viewed as pariahs.
This was predictable. Decades ago, Netanyahu morphed into his ancestors' Nazi oppressors. To avoid prison, he has unleashed unspeakable brutality and atrocities.
At the very least, he needs to be arrested and tried by the International Criminal Court for his many crimes, in a manner similar to Adolf Eichmann -- with similar results.
He was hated by Ariel Sharon and the Rabins; and Leah Rabin blamed him for her husband Yitzhak's tragic assassination. She believed that peace was impossible with Netanyahu at the helm of Israel's government; and her views were prescient and prophetic.
To focus on Iran is foolhardy. At least nine nations have nuclear weapons today (e.g., Pakistan, India, Russia); and it's a buyer's market. When will "Osama bin Laden 2.0" launch a nation-ending EMP Attack or similar assault against Israel? It's surprising that it hasn't happened by now.
Lastly, by taking a totally-partisan position against Donald Trump and his MAGA movement, J Street has become more isolated than ever -- and yes, marginalized. The Democrats were just crushed; and yes, lots of us began as Democrats but will never vote for one again.
Having said that, some of us voted for Trump three times, but we strongly oppose unfettered aid to the Apartheid and pariah state today.
Jeremy I think you all have done a solid job articulating an alternative vision to that of Netanyahu. But I don’t think the Israeli opposition has done the same thing. Their differences seem to revolve primarily around domestic issues and do not seriously grapple with a two state solution that would bring about a long-term settlement.
Thanks Zaid. That’s why I was so interested in Lapid’s speech that I linked. That was the closest to an articulation of the alternative path that I’ve heard. I still think that case can be strengthened and needs to be presented clearly as the choice of the next election.
The Israeli center-left is not a big fan of isolated settlements and doesn’t object to the principle of the two-state solution.
They are just skeptical that a two-state solution will bring about a long-term settlement. What happens if Hamas fires a rocket from an independent Palestine at Israel?
Polls of Palestinians show a majority want to continue the conflict once there is a two-state solution.
I would love to see a two-state solution that brings about a long-term settlement. But I’m skeptical that such a thing is possible, because of Palestinian rejectionism.
This government has no interest in such a solution either. But even when you had more dovish governments their solutions were not accepted.
Well said, Jeremy. These substacks are a key way to say things freed of the constraints of publication deadlines, editorial interference and organizational constraints, and to express our own opinions in our own words. On my file cabinet, in clear view of my webcam, is an old J street bumper sticker that expresses these views clearly: ProIsrael & ProPalestinian & ProDemocracy & ProSecurity & ProSecurity & ProJustice & ProPeace.
Yesterday, at a Havdalah service, the rabbi welcomed the coming week-- a week in which for the first time in many months, I have hopes of a negotiated ceasefire in Gaza. I comment on this in the latest update of the Middle East Peace with Justice section (with extensive bibliography) of my substack: https://michaelalandover.substack.com/p/peace-with-justice-in-the-middle
Thanks Michael. I hope you are right. I feel as well we are getting within sight of an end to the nightmare for the hostages, for Gaza and for all of us.
A superb set of principles, clearly stated . I believe many of us believe they represent mainstream Jewish sentiment. Collectively, we need to find better ways to give voice to those who agree
Thanks so much. If all the people who read this would take 15 minutes and forward to ten friends, that’s the best way to get messages out these days. Friend to friend. Peer to peer. Relational organizing. Personal communication! All the best!
Superb presentation. Thank you!
Thank you, Marion
As you always do, you have managed to elucidate my swirling thoughts and feelings with great clarity! Todah rabah!
As usual, well said.
Well articulated. An issue I hope Jeremy will unpack in future writing is where he believes the line between antisemitism and fundamental hostility to Israel (not merely criticism of policies) should be drawn.
Thanks, Martin. I do plan to dig further into each of the ten principles outlined - and that does include some deeper commentary on the really important issue that you highlight. Thanks for reading and engaging.
I have no problem with the two state solution in principle, and I’m no fan of the settlement enterprise.
But how can we ensure that a Palestinian state does not become another Gaza? Given the extremism of the Palestinian public, 75% of which supported October 7 and over 80% of which wants a free Palestine from the river to the sea, how can progress be made? All evidence suggests that the Palestinians are not ready for peace. Yes, neither is this government, but this government is at least underwater in the polls, thankfully.
Can a Palestinian state still have a permanent IDF presence? Germany and Japan have US troops to this day.
There is no viable solution. If there ever was a two-state solution, Netanyahu has insured its demise. He has single-handedly been responsible for the rise of anti-Semitism globally to levels that have not been seen since World War II, with even worse yet to come. Tragically, no Jew is safe anywhere. This is Netanyahu’s "gift" to world Jewry.
The Palestinians have always rejected the two state solution.
https://thirdnarrative.org/palestinians-still-reject-clinton-parameters/
My sense is that the two-state "solution" is dead; and it is a pipedream to think otherwise.
See https://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/31/is-israel-doomed/
Whether they realize it or not, the Israelis are on the "Last Voyage of the Damned."
At least nine nations have nuclear weapons (e.g., Pakistan, India, Russia); and its a buyer's market. When will "Osama bin Laden 2.0" launch a nation-ending EMP Attack or similar assault on Israel? Why hasn't it happened by now?
The world will cheer.
Israel has prepared for this. It won’t happen. They have great missile defense and can shoot down ICBMs. And in the Starlink and decentralized solar power era you can get around an EMP.
With.all due respect, nonsense. On October 7th, Israeli intelligence was missing in action; its Mossad was sound asleep; and its once-vaulted "Iron Dome" was porous at best.
When it happens, the world will cheer, loudly. Israel is the most-hated country on earth; and tragically, unprecedented anti-Semitism is the butcher Netanyahu's "gift" to world Jewry.
Israel didn't prepare at all for October 7. They have prepared a lot of these kinds of things like WMD and EMP.
I don't think Israel is more hated than e.g. North Korea.
This won't happen. If you really believe that, put your money where your mouth is and short the shekel. The shekel is worth more USD than it was on 10/7.
Thank you for being a voice of reason, justice, and compassion - thoroughly Jewish values.
Tragically, anti-Semitism has risen to levels globally that have not been seen since World War II, with much worse yet to come. Jews are viewed as pariahs.
This was predictable. Decades ago, Netanyahu morphed into his ancestors' Nazi oppressors. To avoid prison, he has unleashed unspeakable brutality and atrocities.
At the very least, he needs to be arrested and tried by the International Criminal Court for his many crimes, in a manner similar to Adolf Eichmann -- with similar results.
He was hated by Ariel Sharon and the Rabins; and Leah Rabin blamed him for her husband Yitzhak's tragic assassination. She believed that peace was impossible with Netanyahu at the helm of Israel's government; and her views were prescient and prophetic.
To focus on Iran is foolhardy. At least nine nations have nuclear weapons today (e.g., Pakistan, India, Russia); and it's a buyer's market. When will "Osama bin Laden 2.0" launch a nation-ending EMP Attack or similar assault against Israel? It's surprising that it hasn't happened by now.
Lastly, by taking a totally-partisan position against Donald Trump and his MAGA movement, J Street has become more isolated than ever -- and yes, marginalized. The Democrats were just crushed; and yes, lots of us began as Democrats but will never vote for one again.
Having said that, some of us voted for Trump three times, but we strongly oppose unfettered aid to the Apartheid and pariah state today.
Jeremy I think you all have done a solid job articulating an alternative vision to that of Netanyahu. But I don’t think the Israeli opposition has done the same thing. Their differences seem to revolve primarily around domestic issues and do not seriously grapple with a two state solution that would bring about a long-term settlement.
Thanks Zaid. That’s why I was so interested in Lapid’s speech that I linked. That was the closest to an articulation of the alternative path that I’ve heard. I still think that case can be strengthened and needs to be presented clearly as the choice of the next election.
https://thirdnarrative.org/palestinians-still-reject-clinton-parameters/
https://thirdnarrative.org/palestinians-still-reject-clinton-parameters/
The Israeli center-left is not a big fan of isolated settlements and doesn’t object to the principle of the two-state solution.
They are just skeptical that a two-state solution will bring about a long-term settlement. What happens if Hamas fires a rocket from an independent Palestine at Israel?
Polls of Palestinians show a majority want to continue the conflict once there is a two-state solution.
I would love to see a two-state solution that brings about a long-term settlement. But I’m skeptical that such a thing is possible, because of Palestinian rejectionism.
This government has no interest in such a solution either. But even when you had more dovish governments their solutions were not accepted.
I have done that
Read Jeremy's article. My response! https://michaellewisonline.substack.com/p/commenting-on-j-street-president