Student Op-ed: Jews and Palestinians Deserve a Left that Values Their Full Humanity
Progressive values should demand that we see this conflict beyond picking a "side" and recognize the shared suffering of both peoples.
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.
Progressive values should demand that we see this conflict beyond picking a "side" and recognize the shared suffering of both peoples.
Dive into the imaginative letters between Mordechai and Esther, exploring the profound and sometimes traumatic themes of Purim, but brought to you with a touch of levity and creativity.
I suspect we may look back on this moment as the day our pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy platform cemented itself at the heart of the Democratic party.
Israelis, Palestinians and others in the region need more than empathy. They need leadership. They look to the United States as the “indispensable player” – and those of good will hoping for a more secure and peaceful future are looking to you for a vision and a plan to get there.
Majority in US Now Disapprove of Israeli Action in Gaza, Gallup
All three major party groups in the US have become less supportive of Israel’s actions in Gaza than they were in November. This includes declines of 18 percentage points in approval among both Democrats and independents and a seven-point decline among Republicans. Independents have shifted from being divided in their views of the Israeli military action to opposing it. Democrats, who were already largely opposed in November, are even more so now, with 18% approving and 75% disapproving. Republicans still support Israel’s military efforts, but a reduced majority – 64%, down from 71% – now approve.
In Reversal, Netanyahu Sending Delegation to White House for Rafah Talks, Axios
The Prime Minister’s office has agreed to reschedule the meeting dedicated to Rafah, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday, adding that the discussions about Rafah are “urgent.” We are now working on a convenient date that will work for both sides, she said. Netanyahu is expected to send his close confidants Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi. Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister hadn’t approved the delegation’s departure but didn’t deny discussions are being held about it.