James D. Besser of the New York Jewish Week reports an “alternative AIPAC” will soon be unveiled. “J Street” will launch in April; organizers say they won’t comment publicly until then.
The group will raise cash for congressional candidates who back a stronger U.S. role in solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and more multilateral engagement. Advisers are largely from leftist Jewish groups, including Americans for Peace Now and Brit Tzedek v’Shalom. Several Democratic activists are also involved, including controversial Obama adviser Robert Malley.
Noah Silverman observes, in the most recent issue of inFOCUS Quarterly, that a battle has broken out among U.S. Jews over the meaning of “pro-Israel.” Does it mean protecting Israel with stronger defense capabilities? Or does it mean pushing Israel to make concessions for peace? Read Silverman’s article here.
