J Street says it’s pro-Israel, but backs those opposing emergency aid for Israel
Since October 7, I begin my day with reading the latest news on the war between Israel and Hamas. Like the majority of Jews in United States and around the world, I pray that we get closer to the positive outcome of this war against the evil forces.
A big component of the possible success lies in the continued support from Israel’s biggest ally.
In February, the Senate passed a landmark bill championed by President Biden that will strengthen Israel’s security and provide vital resources to help Ukraine and Taiwan, and address humanitarian needs — including in the Gaza Strip.
47 of the 50 Democrats in the Senate voted for the bill — sending a clear and powerful message about Democratic values and priorities.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has been crucial in the fight against antisemitism and advocating for Israel, made an effort to build bipartisan support for this bill — 23 Republicans voted for it as well. President Biden continues to push for essential security assistance when Israel needs it most, despite being challenged by many voters on his Israel stance.
Yet three Democrats voted against President Biden, Senator Schumer, and the mainstream of the Democratic party.
All three opposed the bill explicitly because they objected to the emergency aid for Israel. All three are also endorsed by J Street, an organization that still purports to be “pro-Israel.”
It is outrageous that J Street endorses all three senators who opposed aid to Israel, while failing to endorse the 18 of the Democrats who supported it — including Leader Schumer. Once again, J Street is supporting the fringe who work to undermine America’s support for Israel.
I took a look at what the group says about the three who voted no. According to J Street’s political fundraising website, Sanders is “a longtime J Street ally in Congress.” Welch is “a J Street champion,” and Merkley is “a true champion for J Street values.”
I don’t understand why J Street gives political cover to these senators if the organization claims to be pro-Israel. Voting against pro-Israel legislation isn’t a pro-Israel value! What are they trying to achieve by supporting those who are denying Israel its right to defend itself?
It is not only irresponsible, but harmful to Israel’s security to prop up these senators as pro-Israel “champions.” If they had their way, Israel would be in greater danger and more vulnerable to another October 7th massacre — just as Hamas has promised, if given the chance.
Not only does J Street claim to be a “pro-Israel” group, but it also says it is “pro-peace” and “pro-democracy” in its tagline. These are commendable ideals and I too stand for all three.
Yet rejecting President Biden’s aid request to protect three democracies confronting anti-democratic regimes who have no interest in peace or coexistence is definitely not something a “pro-peace” or “pro-democracy” organization should do.
It’s time for J Street and its supporters to look themselves in the mirror. They can no longer claim to be pro-Israel while their top beneficiaries lead the calls to defund security aid to Israel while our ally fights a war, 134 Israelis still being kept hostage, and Israeli families are under attack.
Three members of the fringe showed us who they are in voting down President Biden’s aid request for Israel. By endorsing and emboldening them, J Street is showing its true face.
If J Street does not stop supporting Israel’s fiercest opponents, we, American Jews, should cut off our support for J Street.
