J Street two years after its formation

[ensho]

http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_5677.shtml


Two years ago, J Street, a newly registered pro-Israel lobby, hit the American streets with optimism, vitality and promise. Its thrust: To replace or diminish the punch of the American Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC).

J Street intends to subdue AIPAC’s charge and steer United States Middle East policy towards bringing peace to the Middle East -- a worthy objective reinforced with strong rhetoric. With a two-state solution, achieve regional comprehensive peace, broaden debate on issues, diplomatic solutions favored over military solutions, an immediate and total freeze of settlement construction, Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem to be under Israeli sovereignty and Arab neighborhoods to be under Palestinian sovereignty. Nevertheless, long time critics of Israel’s policies suspect J Street could have unintended consequences that will not achieve objectives and might sidetrack activists from properly engaging Israel.

J Street’s challengers accuse it of couching objectives in dubious language with words such as favored, broaden, should support; of not providing rigorous plans to achieve the objectives (such as changing the Israeli administration); of a commitment to Israel that does not sufficiently recognize the seriously oppressive nature of Israel’s policies. How far will J Street go in modifying present Israel? Will it be enough to bring peace to the Middle East or only enough to satisfy J Street’s ambitions for Israel? A lingering doubt has J Street with another “Good guy/ Bad guy” routine; a familiar characteristic of Israel’s political scene, In this routine the out of power party promises to undo the extremist policies of the party in power and then, when in power, continues the same extreme policies, while the ‘extremist’ party, now out of power, promises similar changes.

In its annual reports for 2008 and 2009, J Street shows organization and support. The lobby has raised sufficient funds for a 3 million dollar budget (AIPAC’s budget is $75 million), has a campus arm, and has sponsored meetings all over the nation. It claims successful financing for selected congressional candidates.

-long snip detailing what/who they have worked on, etc.-
--------------------------

[ck4829]

1. J Street vs ALIPAC is a real David and Goliath story. K&R.