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Update from the DNC

Jeremy Ben-Ami Image
Jeremy Ben-Ami
on August 21, 2024

I’m writing from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where we’re with a sizable J Street delegation of staff, leaders and supporters.

The roars from the crowd last night were intense as speaker after speaker – from Hillary Clinton to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to President Biden himself – made the case not just against Donald Trump, but for the hope, joy and promise of a Kamala Harris presidency. The pace will continue tonight with both Barack and Michelle Obama taking to the stage.

As one of our most valued supporters, I wanted to share some thoughts from the ground:

    • The Democratic Platform: J Street had the chance to advise and shape a platform which takes a thoughtful, values-driven approach to our issue and speaks to the broad range of perspectives in the party – and the broad coalition of voters we’ll need to rally in November. We have consistently urged strong, balanced, empathetic emphasis on the rights, freedom and safety of both peoples. We continue to stress the role of strong US leadership to uphold those rights and build a future for all.
    • Giving Voice to Our Values: J Street is thrilled to be partnering with The Jewish Democratic Council of America, the Forward, Foreign Policy for America and the Democratic National Committee itself for a number of events at the convention.
      • Earlier today, we held a behind-the-scenes ‘Live from the DNC’ panel with the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief Jodi Rudoren and pollster Jim Gerstein. Watch it here.
      • “The J Street position is the mainstream position in the Jewish world,” said Jim. Jodi said the message from speakers like AOC and President Biden was clear, “Ceasefire and return the hostages.”

  • Hostage Square: Hostage families set up a memorial and advocacy center here in Chicago, which myself and several J Street staff will visit today. With the tragic news that the bodies of six hostages were recovered from Gaza – and daily reports of more civilians killed in Gaza – the need for strong US leadership to press both sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal must continue to be a top priority.
  • The Protests: Thousands of mostly peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters marched yesterday to protest the Gaza war, calling for stronger action to end the conflict.
    • My Take: In a democracy, there must be respect for disagreement, discussion and debate. From the convention stage, we have heard leaders speaking about Israelis and Palestinians – and Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities of all faiths here in the United States – with empathy and compassion. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are demonstrating strong, nuanced leadership and holding the pro-democracy coalition together.
  • Hot Off The Press: J Street’s formidable Director of Policy Dr. Debra Shushan has written a brilliant piece for the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune outlining what we can expect from a Harris-Walz presidency.
    • “At a time when bold and effective US leadership will be essential, Harris could promise a fresh start – and one managed by smart policy experts with a vision for how to bring both security and freedom to Israelis and Palestinians, while stabilizing the region and securing US interests,” Dr. Shushan writes. Read and share the full piece here.
  • Final Thought: It’s clear from the reception we’re getting here at the DNC that J Street is sought out as the mainstream voice of the party and our community on our issues. Together, we’re thrilled to be playing a leading role in defeating Donald Trump, electing Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, and shaping stronger, smarter US leadership toward a better future for all.