We Must Not Go Down This Road in America
Saturday’s horrific attack cannot be allowed to derail the vital work of our democracy. If we silence our voices, violent extremism is the only winner.
J Street organizes pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans to promote US policies that embody our deeply held Jewish and democratic values and that help secure the State of Israel as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people. We believe that only a negotiated resolution agreed to by Israelis and Palestinians can meet the legitimate needs and national aspirations of both peoples.
Working in the American political system, in the Jewish community and with others with whom we share core values, we advocate for diplomacy-first American leadership and policies that advance justice, equality, peace, and democracy in Israel, in the wider region and in the United States as well.
In a moment of crisis and war for Israelis and Palestinians, and with events on the ground and in Washington moving fast, it is extremely important for J Street to be clear about where we stand, what we are advocating for, and what we are encouraging the Biden Administration and Members of Congress to do.
Watch our introductory video to learn more about our values and our pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy work in pursuit of a future of peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.
Our Israel is a J Street initiative to spotlight amazing Israeli organizations and individuals who share our values and who struggle, as we do in the United States, to build and preserve a liberal, democratic society underpinned by the principles of equality, freedom, justice and peace.
Watch and listen to our conversations with subject matter experts exploring different perspectives, building bridges, and fostering dialogue.
To truly protect Jews on campus and across the country, Congress must implement a collaborative and nuanced antisemitism strategy that centers Jewish safety above political gamesmanship.
We urge senators to continue to make the safe return of the hostages a high-priority issue in all meetings with the Biden administration and other interlocutors, and to strongly consider the impact that any US policies and actions may have on the safety of hostages.
Saturday’s horrific attack cannot be allowed to derail the vital work of our democracy. If we silence our voices, violent extremism is the only winner.
Above the packed Tel Aviv arena hung white banners inscribed with three demands. Each message – written in Hebrew, Arabic and English – spoke for the pleas of the thousands gathered in the seats below. “It’s time,” they read. “To reach a deal. To stop the war. To make peace.”
Since Hamas' attack on October 7 and with all eyes on the war in Gaza, the situation in the occupied West Bank has deteriorated dramatically, prompting fears of a major eruption of violence.
It is hard to view this invitation and speech as anything other than acts of political gamesmanship designed to advance narrow political interests, not the best interests of the United States, Israel or Middle East peace.
At Least 90 Killed in Israeli Strike Targeting Hamas Military Leader, The Washington Post
An Israeli military official, speaking on background in line with protocol, said the Israel Defense Forces had “precise intelligence” that Deif, the head of the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, was in a “compound” in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis. It was unclear whether Deif was killed in the strike, which aid agencies and Gaza’s civil defense force said took place in an area Israel had designated as a “humanitarian zone” for civilians.
The US Held off Sanctioning This Israeli Army Unit Despite Evidence of Abuses. Now Its Forces Are Shaping the Fight in Gaza, CNN
CNN reports, “Former commanders of the Netzah Yehuda battalion, an Israeli military unit that has been accused by the United States of gross human rights violations against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank prior to October 7, have been promoted to senior positions in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and are now active in training Israeli ground troops as well as running operations in Gaza, a CNN investigation has found. Among CNN’s findings was rare whistleblower testimony from a former soldier of the unit who described a command that encouraged a culture of violence, an issue identified by US State Department investigations.”