Question about J-Street Group

[Bragi]

Someone sent me a url for a group -- called J-Street -- that supports peace between Israel and Palestine. I've not previously heard of them. Is this group progressive? Does it deserve support?

http://jstreet.org/

[yurbud]

1. go look at ''about us'' and see who the high profile members are.

they also lay out their positions on the issues too, which would be uncontroversial to most Americans who haven't stepped on an AIPAC rhetorical landmine.

[LeftishBrit]

2. From what I have read of them, I think that they are definitely worth supporting

Their supporters include some very respectable Israelis and Americans and a few people from other countries. E.g. Daniel Levy, whom I respect a lot. I note that Dalia Rabin, daughter of the late PM, is a supporter.

Read their policy statements and see if you agree with them (I do).

[Bragi]

3. I've read their policy statements

Their policeis make sense to me, especially the radical notion of pressuring both sides -- yes, even Israel -- to negotiate a peace settlement.

I'm just wondering if there is any problem with this group that I'm missing. If not, I may send them a modest donation.

- B

[Bragi]

4. So why aren't they supporting Carter?

If J-Street is supposed to be pro-negotiation, pro-talking and pro-peace, then why didn't they vocally support Jimmy Carter in engaging in dialogue with Hamas?

It bothers me that they apparently remained silent. This may be a step up from attacking Carter, but it doesn't inspire my confidence in this group bringing a new and different perspective.

- B

[Vegasaurus]

5. Because Hamas has a charter and sworn goal

of annihilating Israel.

Makes some a little squeamish to think of supporting a Hamas collaborator or supporter like Carter.

[subsuelo]

6. "a Hamas collaborator or supporter like Carter"

wow

[Bragi]

7. I see...

So we should engage in dialogue only after they have renounced their views and agreed with us.

Great. That is exactly that kind of precondition for dialogue that has lead to the failure so far to find peace.

I sure hope that isn't why they have not openly backed Carter's efforts to establish dialogue.

- B

[Vegasaurus]

8. Acknowledging that I exist

is a pre-requisite, before we negotiate.

How can you negotiate with me, if you consider me a non-entity, and in fact, are sworn to my destruction?

Acknowledge me first. Then we can talk.

[ProgressiveMuslim]

9. How absurd. Of course Israel exists. But it's impossible to acknowledge an entity without fixed

borders.

[ProgressiveMuslim]

10. They aren't AIPAC, but that doesn't mean they are progressive. nt