J Street is fueling anti-Israel extremists

I am a rabbi who has devoted my career to building bridges — within the Jewish community and beyond it. I believe deeply in dialogue across differences, in listening with humility, and in the obligation to see the humanity of those with whom we disagree.

That work is particularly urgent in a divisive election season.

But this election season is different than any we’ve experienced. American support for Israel is on the ballot. The right of the Jewish community to participate in the political process and support the candidates of their choice is being challenged. On the far-left or the far-right, we are seeing an unprecedented rise – and acceptance – of virulent anti-Israel and antisemitic campaign rhetoric. Primary elections across the country have become competitions for who can smear Israel and its American supporters most.

This is a dangerous moment for our community and our democracy. Those in positions of leadership must do everything in their power to tamp down the hostility – but J Street is helping to fuel it.

In Michigan, the group that claims to be “pro-Israel” threw its support behind Mallory McMorrow – who, like Abdul El-Sayed, accused Israel of genocide. When she withdrew from the race, they refused to back the clear pro-Israel candidate who has been a champion for the Jewish community in Congress. Haley Stevens came within 16,000 votes of defeating El-Sayed – McMorrow got 61,000.

Now, an extremist who excuses terror attacks on synagogues, embraces a pro-Hamas influencer who said America deserved 9/11, and opposes the existence of a Jewish state is the Democratic Senate nominee. J Street’s response? A call to “build bridges” and help El-Sayed win.

J Street’s destructive role goes well beyond Michigan.

The group continues to endorse and fundraise for Bernie Sanders – the leader of the anti-Israel bloc in Congress. Sanders has spent this election cycle rallying support for Israel’s loudest opponents, including El-Sayed, Graham Platner, and numerous Democratic Socialists who want to sever the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Aisha Wahab (CA) and Brad Lander (NY) each pushed the “genocide” libels against Israel on the campaign trail. So did Analilia Mejia (NJ) and Rebecca Cooke (WI). All were endorsed by J Street.

Ro Khanna (CA) and Delia Ramirez (IL) are among the loudest anti-Israel voices in the House, leading legislation to block U.S. military support for Israel. Chris Van Hollen (MD) and Elizabeth Warren (MA) push the same anti-Israel agenda in the Senate. J Street proudly backs them, too.

Just as notable is who J Street did not endorse this cycle, including pro-Israel members such as Wesley Bell (MO), Jared Moskowitz (FL), Richie Torres (NY), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL), all of whom faced anti-Israel primary challengers.

This goes far beyond one’s right to criticize Israeli policy or its government. Israelis certainly do; American Jews are well within our rights to voice the real concerns we have with this government.

But there is a profound difference between criticism and political conduct that weakens Israel’s security, questions Jewish self-determination, or empowers candidates who treat the Jewish state as uniquely illegitimate.

J Street is courting rabbis across the country. In this political climate, and after three years of a deeply unpopular war, their pitch may be tempting. But at a time when the Jewish community, pro-Israel supporters, and our very Jewish institutions are under attack, I urge my colleagues to look at J Street’s actions before subscribing to their platform. We need real unity and principled leadership in this moment to turn down the temperature and stand up for our values. J Street is only fanning the flames.