In The Event Of War, J Street 'Won't Necessarily Support Israel'

Today in Boston's Jewish Advocate, a letter surfaced regarding a briefing given by three Jewish organizations about what their positions would be in the event of hostilities involving Israel (h/t, Carl):

At this week’s meeting of the JCRC Council, three organizations briefed the council on their organization’s Iran policy. I was shocked to hear J Street’s regional director say that in the event that war broke out involving Israel, J Street would not necessarily support the Jewish state.

Incredulous, I asked her to clarify that I had heard correctly. Indeed, she reiterated proudly that J Street would not necessarily support Israel in a conflict, but would weigh the circumstances. So if, heaven forbid, war breaks out, the wise sages of J Street (and supposed military experts) will decide whether or not Israel merits our support. And this is an organization which claims to be "pro-Israel"! With friends like that, who needs enemies?

While there is a plurality of views in our community on many issues, there is a broad consensus that if attacked, we put our differences to one side and stand by the people of Israel unambiguously. J Street has put itself beyond that consensus.

It's one thing to question the likelihood of success of military action against Iran - and we certainly hope and pray that sanctions and diplomacy will work - but quite something else to say that if a conflict breaks out, we would not unambiguously stand with Israel.

Shame on them, but at least the pro-Israel community understands where they stand. In Israel's hour of need, J Street cannot be counted on.

PAUL SASSIENI

Newton

It isn't exactly news that J-Street, contrary to their slogan is not exactly pro-Israel. Or that their funding comes from questionable sources.

But at least they're clear about their agenda, and anyone whom suggests that their perspective is of value and that they need to be included in a 'big tent' of Jewish opinion on Israel is out of his tree.

As Carl suggests, the important thing to remember is that to the Obama Administration, the sort of people whom are part of J-Street ( like DNC head Debbie Wasserman-Schultz) are the Jewish community in the U.S. And Israel can probably depend on the Obama Administration if push comes to shove about as much as they can depend on J-Street.

Which is to say, not at all.