Voice For Peace: Who Speaks for Us?

[Ian David]

Voice For Peace: Who Speaks for Us?

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Is that what American Jews really believe? Polling data says otherwise. For example, a survey conducted last year by Ameinu, an American Zionist organization, showed that 47 percent of American Jews believe the United States should indeed pressure Israel to be more conciliatory to the Palestinians (in fact, only 20 percent said the United States should not pressure Israel). And even within such polls, there are complexities. For instance, a similar plurality approved of Israel abandoning "most of the West Bank settlements," but they were not even given the option to choose "all the settlements."

A 2003 survey conducted by Americans for Peace Now showed strong support for a settlement freeze. Over 70 percent of the poll’s respondents supported it. Further, when asked if Israel should freeze settlements first or if Palestinians should first stop terrorist attacks, more than 56 percent of those surveyed said that both actions should be undertaken simultaneously, a clear statement of nonsupport for Israeli policy. Not only does the Israeli government insist that Palestinian attacks stop first, but they have not even been willing to freeze settlement "thickening" when they have experienced extended periods without Palestinian attacks.

These polls are only the tip of the iceberg. The pool of Jewish respondents is generally mined from synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other similar institutions. These days, many American Jews have become disconnected from Jewish institutions and the greater Jewish community, although many still hold tightly to their cultural identity. Those are voices that are not heard. Moreover, readers of Tikkun magazine and members of advocacy organizations such as Jewish Voice for Peace know very well that most Jews, like most Americans, approach the whole question of Israel with a distorted view, gleaned from the poor reporting that is rampant in the United States.

On top of all this, organizations that promote the perception that they speak for all but "marginal" parts of the Jewish community often refuse to engage in debate and discussion with progressive groups like ours. Failing that, and confronted with the reality that increasing numbers of people within our community wish to hear all points of view, these organizations adopt strategies of intimidation. We have seen Jewish groups threatened with having their funders contacted and urged to cancel their support if allegedly "marginal" groups are given a forum. Churches and secular associations are likewise threatened with chilled relations with the "mainstream" Jewish community.

More:
http://www.tikkun.org/magazine/tik0607/plitnick

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

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[Ian David]

2. You couldn't have thought of a more witty reply before I put you on ignore