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Direct Talks Begin

Posted: Sep 1, 2010

The world's eyes are yet again watching the Israelis and Palestinians as they enter direct talks aimed at ending their conflict.

Here at J Street, we've read all the pessimistic assessments about the chances for success. But we agree with iconic Israeli author David Grossman, who gave a moving interview this week in which he said, "I don't have the luxury of despair."

The stakes could not be higher for Israel's very future and the Palestinians' just dream of independence. This is perhaps our last chance to achieve real peace and security through a two-state solution.

That's why all involved -- Israel, the Palestinians, the United States, regional and international actors -- must move beyond cynicism and pessimism and approach the talks with a seriousness of purpose suited to the urgency of the moment.

[Read J Street's statement on the talks]
[Read the New York Times editorial]
[Read David Grossman's interview]

Religious Freedom in New York City

Posted: Aug 3, 2010

To counter the opposition to plans by American Muslims to build a community center in lower Manhattan modeled after Jewish Community Centers (JCC's) and Y's all over the country, J Street collected over 10,000 signatures in support of religious freedom for all minorities in under 24 hours.

J Street delivered the signatures to the Commission ahead of its crucial vote on the Cordoba House - and we were pleased to see that the commission unanimously voted in favor of the project's construction.

American and Jewish heritage are both grounded in a strong belief in equality, justice, and religious freedom. If freedom can be denied to a single person because of who they are, it can happen to anyone of us. In the battle against violent extremism, core democratic values like respect for minorities and freedom of religion can be potent weapons in ensuring security and advancing tolerance and understanding.

That's why Jeffrey Goldberg calls the campaign against the project a "terrible mistake." [1] In addition to J Street, the project has the support of Mayor Bloomberg, the Manhattan borough president, the local community board, the Reform Action Center of the Reform Movement, as well as members of the JCC board and leaders of the New York Jewish community. [2]

[Read Mayor Bloomberg's Speech in Support of the Project]
[Watch J Street Deliver our Petition]
[Read our statement on the project]

[1]"Peace-Seeking Muslims Should Refudiate Sarah Palin," by Jeffrey Goldberg. The Atlantic, July 19, 2010.
[2]"Debate Heats Up About Mosque Near Ground Zero," by Michael Barbaro. The New York Times, July 30, 2010.

Distinguished Rabbinic Leaders Sign Letter in Support of J Street, Urgent US Leadership to Achieve Two States

Nine former presidents of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), eight rabbis honored on The Forward's Sisterhood 50 list, and major rabbinic leaders from across the denominational spectrum have joined together to sign a letter in support of J Street, the pro-Israel, pro-peace advocacy organization, and its mission. The letter comes as direct talks commence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.

J Street Condemns West Bank Terror Attack

We unequivocally condemn this brutal attack and hope that Israeli and Palestinian security forces swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families.

About J Street

J Street is the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans to advocate for vigorous U.S. leadership to achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to broaden debate around Israel and the Middle East in national politics and the American Jewish community.

J Street