Israel envoy Michael Oren rejects J Street invite
Embassy to send 'observer' to lobby group's national meet; J Street: We are awaiting direct response from Oren.
By Natasha Mozgovaya Tags: Jewish World Israel newsThe Embassy of Israel in the United States on Tuesday announced that it would send an "observer" to the left-leaning lobby group J Street's first national conference next week, in place of Ambassador Michael Oren.
"In response to the question about J Street's invitation to participate in its conference, the Embassy of Israel has been privately communicating its concerns over certain policies of the organization that may impair the interests of Israel," the embassy said in a statement.
"Accordingly, the embassy will send an observer to the conference and will follow its proceedings with interest."
J Street responded to the statement by saying it was still awaiting a direct response from Oren on the matter.
"J Street still looks forward to receiving a direct response from Ambassador Oren to our invitation to speak at the conference," spokeswoman Amy Spitalnick.
"We believe the Government of Israel will be missing an opportunity should it choose not to engage with the over 1,200 pro-Israel activists who will be in attendance at the J Street conference next week," she added.
"The invitation to address the conference's participants remains open, and we look forward to working with the Embassy to secure Israel's future as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people."
Since his appointment, Oren has repeatedly snubbed the young and energetic "pro-peace and pro-Israel" Washington lobby, J Street, and refused to meet its members.
Oren has eluded questions over the last few weeks regarding whether he planned to attend the October 25 conference in Washington.
In a recent address at the Washington Hebrew Congregation, Oren was asked about his conflict with J Street, but would not say whether he would attend the conference.
He said that the American Jewish community's strength was always in its diverse opinions. He praised the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations as an appropriate framework for representing American Jews. He just did not mention that J Street is not included in that organization.
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
I find it intriguing that an 18-month old organization could capture the attention of so many. Though originally founded in 1953, AIPAC didn?t achieve the financial and political clout necessary to sway congressional opinion until the mid 70?s. The Conference of Presidents has been around since 1956. I use these examples because these two groups are widely recognized for representing American Jews. And now after a little over a year as an organization, J Street is somehow demanding the same respect? A bit presumptuous, no? Even more confounding is the fact that the media is going right along with it. This is, by definition, a non-issue. It?s hardly a salacious tale of scandal and I am downright puzzled ?we? have let it become such a heavy story ? what with everything else we have to worry about when it comes to Israel circa right now!
used at every level from contracts to countries that play ball,to the oil industry,Arab diplomats,missionaries,university donations etc. Then there are the intimidating "peace protester" thugs on campus and CAIR,the National Association of Arab-Americans, the Middle East Research and Information Project; the Middle East Affairs Council, Americans for Near East Refugee Aid, the Arab American Institute and the American Palestine Committee these organizations have boards of directors composed of prominent retired government officials. Board members have included former Ambassador to Jordan, L. Dean Brown, Herman Eilts, former Ambassador to Syria and Egypt; Parker T. Hart, former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and several others. POOR Arabs no influnce at all.!
used at every level from contracts to countries that play ball,to the oil industry,Arab diplomats,missionaries,university donations etc. Then there are the intimidating "peace protester" thugs on campus and CAIR,the National Association of Arab-Americans, the Middle East Research and Information Project; the Middle East Affairs Council, Americans for Near East Refugee Aid, the Arab American Institute and the American Palestine Committee these organizations have boards of directors composed of prominent retired government officials. Board members have included former Ambassador to Jordan, L. Dean Brown, Herman Eilts, former Ambassador to Syria and Egypt; Parker T. Hart, former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and several others. POOR Arabs no influnce at all.!
i agree with all of your posts. sh thinks that she is the keeper of jewish morals. how one can be the keeper of jewish morals, while supporting terrorists like hamas and hezbollah, is beyond my comprehension. does anyone know what happened to jeff northridge? regards, cipora
Funny question about Jeff N?? How can Lynn tell you where,or how Jeff N.is? Are you feeling okay?
j-street is not a zionist organisation. it is an organisation whose purpose is to promote the saudi plan. regards, cipora p.s. have you any idea what happened to jeff northridge?
Judea And Samaria was part of Israel for at least4.500 years.Then came the Turks,and after them Egypt who attacked our nascent Israel. We vanquished all 5+ armies who attacked us. Gaza(JUDEA?SAMARIA)was occupied by Egypt until we liberated it and we had been there since. Our generous Israeli leaders(call them stupid)returned Gaza as a good gesture by none other than Sharon.I sometimes wish I COULD WAKE HIM UP FROM HIS SO-CALLED COMA and SHAKE THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF HIM.Show him THE BIG BLUNDER HE MADE(i mean this sincerely) Now you ask a silly question:Mathematically speaking you are waaay of the number mick. All I can say is,if and when Fatah gets the West Bank which is =to Judea and Samaria.The place will be JUDENREIN,IS THAT WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO HEAR?IF SO(you are a scumbag bastard too). Now shove off cannot stand HYPOCRITES.
When you look at the sheer power, money and the frightening arm-twisting of Congress that AIPAC and the like can deliver, it explains a lot about US political decisions: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_lobby_in_the_United_States Best of luck to J Street, hang on in there.
i have asked many times for the pro settlement heroes to tell the world what they intend to do with the 3.5 million non-jews in judea and sumaria. are they citizens of israel?
Jackie Knowing full well,the donnors of this establishment chaired by the BILLIONER SOROS,the JEW/ISRAEL HATER(and a jew bastard)too Comes as no surprise to any of us who know the members in the majority are. Further down,you will read Lynn's submission,that apart from the Carter Centre,the main ones are ALL ARABS. Am delighted our Ambassador M.Oren gave them the COLD SHOULDER they deserve. The so-called American Jews,be it,away from this Jstreet,or others hardly care about Israel in a profound way.All they are trying to do,is appeasement to Israel's ENEMIES. Therein is their "fait a compli"or so they think.Bullshit to all of them.Israel is not about to commit suicide to please these scums.
Michael Oren is 100% correct in refusing contact with JStreet. Any so called Jewish organization that takes out full page ads in American newspapers asking the President of the United States to pressure Israel is NOT a friend of Israel. JStreet befriends and donates to congressman who are against Israel and JStreet believes in territorial concessions to Hamas and Syria that will result in Israel's demise. It is led by a group of Jews who have no love for Israel and who have accused the IDF of war crimes and supported a boycott against Israel. Michael Oren is 100% correct in avoiding JStreet.
You can try belittling Our Ambassador in your usual CLUMSY way,but most of us are not impressed.Neither your damning down our FOREIGN MINISTER LIEBERMAN get it? We know your ubber leftist stance,additionally on your misplaced feeings toward the TERRORISTS ARABS proteges. Therefore,get your ROCKS OFF somewhere else eh?
The JStreet are too cowardly to visit our good and productive settlements.It would inconvenience them to sacrifice their valuable time to see the TRUTH IN ACTION. And they are far above themselves to attend. You know:INFRA DIGNITATEM(the 2 faced bastards). That our Ambassador M.Oren refused to join with jshitters gives me great satisfaction and applaud his decision.(pardon my explitive) I also(cannot stop saying it)I applaud our Foreign Minister Lieberman who loves our country deeply and does not try to sell it down the river,to accrue approbation from our detractors ALL.
You incorrectly surmise that Oren's SNUB of them is a good sign of gathering importance of JSreet.Not at all,but the reverse.The one who promulgated this so-called establishment is none other than the JEW/ISRAEL hater G.SOROS. May his soul rot in hell for the problems he has created with his FILTHY billions.Worry not,when he EXPIRES he'll have much to confess to his Lord,if he believes in one that is. That you expect us all want war,I doubt it.However,if it happens should it surprise us my fellow israeli? Nevertheless,we are allways prepared,like the "boy scouts"....
I invite J Street to come on a fact finding mission to the communities in Judea and Samaria. The purpose of this mission is for J Street to learn the real truth about these communities and how Israel is run, rather than rely on the mistruths and urban legends that are posted on the J Street website. According to J Street, the "settlements" have destroyed the Israeli economy. Strange how we Israelis look around at our society and robust economy, then read the Palestinian propaganda on the J Street website, then shrug our shoulders and wonder what the J Street clowns are making so much noise about. Is J Street a real organization, or is it an Arab-money backed front in the propaganda and political war against Israel? It certainly looks like the latter to many of us Israelis.
Yes...Kol Hakavod Michael Oren........ And if I may:Same to Lieberman's steadfastness to Israel's security and am thankful he is OUR FOREIGN MINISTER.
Far from it,he understood the implications of the J street,dubiousness.He did not lose his nerve,he woke up before he was swallowed up in its VORTEX.
Yes, Jews have traditionally been Democrats and liberal; for a variety of reasons; economic, cultural, and historical. But the idea of a Liberal Jew doesn't mesh with an absence of Jewish support for Israel. I live in a heavily Democratic area, and I guarantee, there is strong support for Israel, even from the most dovish and progressive of the community. The idea of living in peace is still considered the goal. But we're nobody's fools. We understand full well the type of state's are in Israel's neigborhood, and know hat the vision of peace has fallen flat even from those states holding onto peace treaties. There is a reason that we stand up for Israel's right to defend itself and remain secure in a region where every other state is a repressive dictatorship and violence, not law, is the standard means of rule. So don't mix the idea of Jews believing in protection of minorities, economic rights of the poor and down-trodden, with tossing Israel to the wolves
If Israel thought that J-Street had greater pull, then there would be a higher diplomatic representative at the event. As you point out, to J-Street supporters, Israel is just not that important. By comparison, Israel is a front and center issue for AIPAC supporters. To them, there is a single issue, the support and safety of the Jewish state. This is a much different stand, akin to a football supporter saying "I like my team" as in "I like to breathe", whereas some regular joe says, "I like football, when nothing better is around." As for the core of American Jewry, I believe it falls more into the category of "We believe in Israel and support it as a free and independent state able to live in security" I've been to many synagogues over the years, and the core belief of both the leadership and congregations fall under the banner of pro-Israel Zionism. The question for a Zionist is not peace or war, but do you support Israel's right to live in peace and security.
and Saudis. 30 of their contributors are Palestinian, Iranian, and Arab. Sounds pretty much like another hit job to me.
then the actul conference itself. After all a lot of Saudi cash flows into J Street. Its backers have an agenda which doesn't jibe with Democracy.
But under whose aegis does he exercise his duties? Not FM Lieberman's, perchance? The message he is broadcasting to the diaspora - and also to Israelis themselves - is that if you're against the occupation of the West Bank and against the prolonged abuse of Gaza, you're anti-Israel. That you can't love Israel and want to live in harmony with world. That you are Israel's enemy if you want an immediate settlement freeze. He looks like an Israeli diplomat but in fact he's a party puppet. Ambassador of Yisrael Beiteinu, HaBayit HaYehudi, Shas and Likud.
Oren's snub of them is a good sign of the gathering importance of JStreet. Both the Israeli leadership and the American Jewish establishment are clearly rattled by the JStreet phenomenon. And remember this IS in the US and Israel according to JStreet's ground breaking poll is not even 3rd in importance to American Jews. With a projected 200,000 grass roots members as a result of the forthcoming JStreet, it becomes harder to simply ignore them. As being lumped with supporting peace and supporting Israel making such a group as JStreet 'left leaning', leaves one questioning what both the American Jewish establishment and Israel's current leadership want - more war?
Are you kidding? Israel gives up Gaza to terrorists who don't recognize Israel's right to exist. Payback - 6000 rockets into Israel civilian centers. There is no such thing as Palestinians. They belong to Jordan and Egypt. Where was the cry for a homeland b4 1967 when Jordan controlled W.Bank. You are so far left you have fallen off the cliff.
You and J street do not represent the Jewish people. If you and J street are the voice of the Jewish people then we are doomed.
1.Good morning hungry denizens of the world. 2.True Peace on Earth can only come from Mr. J., i.e., Jesus Christ. 3.And Jesus Christ The Messiah can only come through The Perfect Formula, A Moshiachs Meal of Five Loaves that catches Two Big Fish: The Devil and Jesus Christ whose symbols is FISH. 4.For any conference, initiative, accord, agreement, solutions, formulas, summit, dialogue or debate for peace to succeed, the small boy with the Five Loaves has to be invited to speak.
Kol Hakavod Michael Oren for standing up to J street. They should invite Nasrallah!!
What are you talking about? Is it the check points and security walls that prevent suicide bombings? Is it waiting for 6000 rockets fired at civilians for 5 years before retaliating? Is it their democracy and pro stance on equality for women?
And was is so much pro Israel hate speech allowed?
Al Franken, the new U.S. Senator from Minnesota! He'd be a great speaker.
The absent are always wrong. In other words, not making your points puts you at a disadvantage in the debate. After Goldstone, you would think that the lesson would have been learned?
Whatever slim road of hope there is for peace, security, and justice there is in the middle east does not run vioa teh Likud government. There is no point in an organization tahts uports that road legitimating Oren or Likud!
I am not surprised by the number of "DELETED BY MODERATOR" posts. The right wing in both Israel and America know that their days are numbered, as evidenced by the success of J Street (I am a member) and the growing movement in both countries toward a new path.
I am not suprised by the number of "DELDTED BY MODERATOR"
Josh Since the majority of American Jews follow the democratic party line,it proves they are not all that concerned about ISRAEL. Therefore Michael Orens rejection is apt, and I for one approve of it. And unlike what you wrote: The time "one voice" for Israel which is basically the Likud/Aipac right-wing line is over. Not on your life,the Likud/Aipac right wing is our salvation.It will live forever whether you approve of it or not.You sound a proper LEFTY so no surprise at your dismisal of said parties. Therefore you are totally wrong.Incidently Israel voted a RIGHT WING PARTY AND LEADER. Live with it chummy.
... he set out in great stride, but apparently the 'inspiration' he gets from Jerusalem has unnerved him completely...
I see a lot of support for J Street among the talk backs here. I wonder if these people help support the group with its funding. If so, I am truly surprised. The word I have heard us that its gets most of its funding from the Carter Centre, which gets most of its money from the Saudis. Please tell me, dear friends, that this report is wrong and that you support J Street with money as well as words
Oren does what he is told by Lieberman and Bibi. I do not agree with all of J Street, but I also do not agree with AIPAC either and want to know who appointed them to represent American Jewry on behalf of Israel.[Same goes for Presidents of Major Jewish Amer. Organizations....] Israel, politically and diplomatically will need all the friends she can get.... and perhaps the tribal politicians in ISrael need to recognize the need for opening their eyes ..."when driving the bus".
Israel will send an observer to JStreet's conference. We already know that when he come back he'll have nothing but negative things to say about them....which are probably already written down before he goes.
Big mistake snubbing J Street Michael Oren. You and the Israeli government are alienating a huge section of American Jewry, especially young Jews who are the future of Israel. J Street is a force to be reckoned with whether you like it or not. The time "one voice" for Israel which is basically the Likud/Aipac right-wing line is over. The future for a Jewish majority democratic homeland lies in the policies advocated by J Street, not the old order.
observer. If an advocacy group is going to make the claim that they are 'pro-Israel', then its going to be very clear from the event how true that statement is. If it becomes a 'well, we support Israel, but we're going to bash this government because they're not "progressive" enough, then it shows that J-Street is not so much of a pro-Israel advocacy group. Remember Mark, J-Street is supposed to be a pro-Israel lobbyist, there shouldn't have to be much of a counter-weight coming from Israel.
The FACT is that they are endorsed by FIVE members of Congress. At least get your numbers straight. BTW - Their advisory board consists of a Holocaust denier and operatives of George Soros, who stated that "the actions of the world's Jews is why there is Antisemitism. If Jews would change, the world would accept them." REALITY CHECK Stephen!
I love Israel!
"J Street isn't going away soon," undoubtedly so. The campaign to expose and invalidate JStreet has just begun. We must reeducate the masses of brainwashed and misdirected American Jews JStreet has corralled and exploited to promote an inapplicable counter productive agenda that endangers, America, Israel and Jews alike. J Street seeks to divide, educating it's members with misrepresentations of truth & reality for an agenda that blinds, divides and separates the Jewish people from one another. Telling Israel they better listen because of the distorted numbers of people JStreet has mislead sounds like a threat? That isn't SUPPORT, it's Incitement!
This may have been calculated, but it allows every speaker to speak about support for Israel and the snub by the Israeli government of both J Street and the Obama Administration and the lack of desire for peace by the current Likud-led government of Israel. All with no official response by the government of Israel. No counterweight at all. It also makes a perfect opportunity to turn the conference into a much more partisan anti-Likud event, especially if representatives of the competing parties show up.
The pro-peace position for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in full discussion among many demographic groups inside America. It is also the current National policy as describe and being excuted by the White House, State Department, Special Envoy Mitchell and National Security Advisor Jones. Also endorsed by over 100 Congressional members. It's real, bonafid and soon will be more powerful than it is in 2009. It is not going away soon.
To date, J-Street does not seem to have done much in the way of pro-Israel advocacy.
DELETED BY MODERATOR
As a former supporter of Israel myself who attends temple and sends kids to Jewish school let me tell you all something: Jews in the US are waking up to what Israel is about. The general public is, too. Goldstone did you a favor. Don't waste it with insane ranting.
DELETED BY MODERATOR
DELETED BY MODERATOR
J Street represents quite well of of us jews who do not agree with the stupid and, on the long run, suicidal policies of Netanyahu, Ornen and also their supporters who have just given us their arrogant views. Bunch of supremacist idiots, how long do you think you can buy time for you binational apartheid state, the "de facto" Great Israel (and therefore Great Palestine, also). Each arab generation will be more difficult to deal with than the previous. Bomb or not bomb Iran, one day they will have it and the future for jews in Israel will de doomed. Loose another 20 years of diologue oportunities and you grandchildren will suffer, J.Street is right!
I'm Superman
DELETED BY MODERATOR
Don't forget who appointed Michael Oren.
the right wing lobby in israel and america is so fearful of opposition it has gone all out to discredit and torpedo the conference of J street. they protest too much, and their fear shows that it is inside them. israel cannot forever keep settling on arab land, nor can it survive continuuing isolation in the world community. j street offers a rational alternative to progress, but paranoia being what it is, the right has thrown a monkey wrench into the works which will ultimately harm israels ability to survive.
DELETED BY MODERATOR
J Street is yet another fake "peace" group. Would someone plase explain the difference between "peace" and "capitulation"to them?
DELETED BY MODERATOR
Oren is teeing up the ball so J Street can whack it down the fairway. The Israel Ambassador snubs something like 40 US Senators and congressmen because they want Israel to make peace. How to marginalize your country in one easy lesson...
Minister Lieberman is exposed as a manipulating politico, a politruk of the old school, or an ostrich convinced if his critics are silenced, they do not exist.
I don't think so. Better invite Uri Avnery.....
DELETED BY MODERATOR
A key job of any foreign ambassador is to cultivate good relationships with his fellow nationals in the country. Without doing so, how can he win friends and influence people, explain what the state is thinking, hear their concerns etc? This is a really poor move by Oren. He is happy enough to attend AIPAC functions and be buddy-buddy with them, so this is clearly a partisan, political decision. It says a lot about Israel that an important, democratic Jewish group that supports Israel BUT WANTS PEACE is promptly sidelined and snubbed. Oren needs to be reminded that an ambassador is not there as the representative of a political party, he is the representative of the state of Israel, which contains many strands of opinion. Someone needs to explain to Lieberman that's how this funny diplomacy business works.
DELETED BY MODERATOR
DELETED BY MODERATOR