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Defense policy analysis, commentary and discussion.
“Durbin Accepts Endorsement from Pro-Peace Pro-Israel J Street” (Roll Call, April 30) is great news for all of us in the American Jewish community who support a two-state resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and U.S. leadership to help achieve it.
As your article points out, in the five years of its existence, J Street has experienced tremendous success in changing the pro-Israel political equation here in the U.S.
It has grown despite a constant volley of attacks from right-wing forces mostly based on misinformation and distortions. While other organizations may give lip service to the idea of peace based on a two-state solution, J Street works for this goal as its No. 1 priority, knowing that Israel’s future as a democracy and Jewish homeland depends upon it.
Contrary to the assertions of its critics, J Street’s positions are right in the mainstream, reflecting the views of American Jews who want the U.S. to protect Israel from traditional security threats such as Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah, but also recognize that the lack of a two-state solution poses an existential threat to Israel’s survival as a Jewish and democratic homeland.
JStreetPAC’s endorsement of Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., a political heavyweight with impeccable pro-Israel credentials, is a sign that more and more members of Congress agree with J Street’s message and — just as importantly — are no longer afraid to say so.
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