Dershowitz lays into J Street in AIPAC conference dust-up

Then quick,quick go to the bathroom and relieve your poor miseranle self. Rather than blame it on Mr.Dershowitz. A good lawyer is hard to find.And by golly he is not only a GOOD lawyer,but a GOOD JEW TOO. I wasn't aware loving/praising Israel is racist? Funny American,you sound and probably are an Islamofascist more like.And NO American of any shade or form for sure... Now Buggar off.You are infecting the USA like a virus and this forum. Back to your towell headed imam/madrassa. this forum.

Dershowitz, you are just like Krauthammer and AIPAC: You are a racist. You do nothing but sing Israel's praises. Israel can do NO wrong in your eyes. It's all on the oh so evil Arabs and Muslims. You have been emboldened by decades long policy of US apologism for Israeli transgressions, and flat out war crimes. Hell, you even appear to be more in favor of Israel than the US, your own country! This is intolerable. Leave my country. Leave, and never return. We do not need people like you.

The limits are not what one think about Israel but about what one thinks about the enemies of Israel ! J Street & the like can't claim a true love for Israel if they are not conscious of what Israel enemies are doing to Israel ! The lies, the cowardly killing of Israeli women & children, the threats etc.. It can't be a question of ideology or any of those superficial reasons; one needs more than that to blind himself of the truth. Besides, the interest of Israel depends solely on the will of the majority & not on an unelected minority that can truly suffer of their mistakes !

At the end of the day one doesn;t look back 3000 years, 1000 years or 100 years. We look today and see what is there. People living in a place today elect there governments in a democracy. Thats god for Israel with all the immigration, but bad when you look at the indigenous peoples. You gotta take the long with the short. But always you want to have everything both ways, racist but dont like anti-semitism, they are synonyms to me only a racist would say different!

It is not ignoramous,BUT:ignoramus. Shame on you twice. And if he is ignorant,then what are YOU?

You missed my ooops.Why? because I did make a boo-boo again. Instead of writing "CATTLE" wrote: "KETTLE" carelessly/inadvertently. So,you missed it because of the talkback operators.

dershowitz,

[3 cont] So I am suggesting that legitimacy comes from a level of great survival need in coming to a new land combined with lesser damage to peoples already there. That is something I think Israel achieved more than most any nation when it was founded and that is why i think many have much greater comfort with the pre-67 borders. At some point, the need no longer outweighs the harm done to satisfy the need. The difficulty is in picking that place, since there is no perfect determination. 4. In the founding of other nations, native peoples were killed more from disease than war. That is not happening in Israel so there will be no unintended but overwhelming loss of life among native peoples, as occurred when Europeans came to other lands. This makes it both harder and more intentional to take land in modern times - diseases no longer cause the same destruction of other populations. 5. In the end, perhaps legitimacy is not as important as finding peace and security.

"All well to find fertile land,but what of the few inhabitants unable to profit from its fertility" J ... if Twain states: "the narrow canyon in which Nablous, or Shechem, is situated, in under high cultivation " then pray tell, by *whom* was it under high cultivation by? The point is, attaching too much significance to Twains comments on Palestine after his brief visit to some few sites of biblical note is a bit like asking a tourist who has been on a weekend trip to Honk Kong for a detailed analysis of Chinese geography and culture. P.S Glad to see you took my advice on spell-check.

Desolation but country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds-a silent mournful expanse. Until less than a decade later the early Jewish pioneers turned the desolate,into a richly cultivated earth.That had been neglected by the Arabs.Then made the desert bloom. The few Arabs who lived there were quite content to continue managing happily with their sheep,and TENTS why before the Jews had arrived to restore the country and consequently why Twain found it desolate during his first visit. Odd he found Greece the same? I find this a bit off.That he described Syria in dire straits was part of the same to THE HOLY LAND. Having said this,I think Twain was an arrogant man who disputed what he wrote in one article,until he was chided,apologizing quickly. By that I mean: He was an anti-Semite religiously speaking.A Protestant as was the rest country at the time. Hating Catholisms or other faiths. He was a bon viveur,loved European countries, NUMBER 1 FRANCE

[2, cont] Because there is more attention brought to bear on similar actions today than in the past, it is more difficult to complete them. That is especially true of Israel, which has more attention brought on its actions than most any nation ever has. 3. Peace and security matter more than acquiring land. In the US I think many of us feel more pride in our nation's founding when we think of people fleeing from oppression in other places. It may not be based on historical truth in all cases, but the concept makes us feel as if our ancestor's taking the land was justifiable. When we think of it as a grab for money and land; as a theft from native peoples; it does not inspire the same pride. To some of us it brings some degree of shame, even tho the actions occurred long ago. [obviously i am speaking for myself here, but the US has certainly done things over the years that show i am far from alone in feeling some shame for our historical treatment of native americans]

"All well to find fertile land,but what of the few inhabitants unable to profit from its fertility" J ... if Twain states: "the narrow canyon in which Nablous, or Shechem, is situated, in under high cultivation " then pray tell, by *whom* was it under high cultivation by? The point is, attaching too much significance to Twains comments on Palestine after his brief visit to some few sites of biblical note is a bit like asking a tourist who has been on a weekend trip to Honk Kong for a detailed analysis of Chinese geography and culture. P.S Glad to see you took my advice on spell-check.

As Fredrick Douglass stated, ""A true patriot is a lover of his country who rebukes and does not excuse its sins." Sorry, but patriotism - in any form - doesn't mean one has to blindly follow everything that nation (or people for that matter) do.

Thank you for your reply which focused me on the point being made that I was not seeing. Yours is a great and important question and I am not sure I have an answer that is worthy - but I do think it important to try. I agree, as anyone must, that many [all?] nations on earth exist on land their ancestors stole from other peoples. Obviously that is true of my own. Why is Israel criticized for doing the same? Why isnt taking and improving land sufficient to give the taker legitimacy? What else might? I think I may need to post twice to outline any response I can think of that is worth making. 1. I hold Israel to a higher standard than other nations. Jews have suffered from such historical horrors that I expect a Jewish nation to stand for something greater than what others have done. 2. The times were different when Europeans conquered other lands. Native peoples did not have comparable ways to demand better treatment and seek support from outsiders. [cont]

on the Middle-East. He was not an historian, geographer, ethnologist, or demographer. He was an author who documented his personal perceptions about a visit to the Holy Land. Sorry folks, but you really can't use visits to selected locations in any country, or region, as a basis for demographic conclusions. The same is true today, and would have been even more so well over a hundred years ago. Twain's account is little more than tourist's journal, with subjective perceptions that are heavily influenced by his expectations and personal prejudices. On a final note, even today, in many places around this world, one can travel all day without seeing anyone - having passed by thousands.

I agree with Dershowitz. J Street IS dividing the American Jewish community. I am totally opposed to Settlements and the behavior of the Settlers, I totally support a two state settlement and pray for Peace talks to be successful, but criticisms of Israel should be made privately to the Israeli Government. How does damning them to the World show any pro-Israel proclivity? And of course, just how much do all these members they are taking on, know about Israel, it's history or the reasons behind it's actions (right or wrong). Too, we never hear criticisms of Hamas or the Palestinians from J Street. All J Street accomplishes is to bring publicity for the self-aggrandizing Jeremy! I think it's disgusting.

Moreover she made up the quote that I "spend 80 per cent of my time supporting Israel." What I said is that I make "the 80 percent case for Israel." This is totally different.

*only* eight hundred thousand souls." The Innocents Abroad, p. 203 of the same book. So Mark Twain is not necessarily the best source for such information. Yes it seems only by you to deny the truth. As for describing Palestine as a barren desert it should be noted that Mark Twain`s visit occurred during the middle of the hot Mediterranean summer. As for the desert and climate in particular:What has changed since then and how the Jews managed to make the desert bloom?it takes know how and dedication which the Arabs lacked. Yet as Mark Twain entered the cities of Nablus and Jaffa, even he stated: "The narrow canyon in which Nablous, or Shechem, is situated, in under high cultivation, and the soil is exceedingly black and fertile. Firstly Mark Twain also said the same about the environs.i.e Syria as well. All well to find fertile land,but what of the few inhabitants unable to profit from its fertility through ignorance being satisfied with their few sheep/kettle and TENTS.? If you want to change the truth,we are not surprised.You just take one section of the book and present it here to contradict what exactly Mark Twain found/said.

Scarcity of THE INHABITANTS to work the land?? HARDLY ANY...

Way to go Susskind. Don't listen to such awful criticism. I also am a proud Zionist, and the only way to save Zionism from the messianics and rightofascists is to finally take a stand in order to appear united. But enough is enough. It's not traitorous to lose faith and stand against this lunatic leadership. We must always ask ourselves what the true heroes of Zionism-- Hertzl, Weitzman, Ben Gurion--would have done. Would they have remained quiet while the likes of Netanyahu, Yishai, and Lieberman steer the Israeli ship of state? NO WAY!

"We saw no ploughed fields, very few villages, no trees or grass or vegetation of any kind," The Innocents Abroad, p. 203. There he refers to Greece. However he had previously stated "The nation numbers *only* eight hundred thousand souls." The Innocents Abroad, p. 203 of the same book. So Mark Twain is not necessarily the best source for such information. As for describing Palestine as a barren desert it should be noted that Mark Twain's visit occurred during the middle of the hot Mediterranean summer. That he visited the region soon after the end of hostilities between Christian and Muslim Druze at Mount Lebanon, where over ten thousand Christian Arabs [mostly Maronites] were massacred in 1861, and that should explain his blatant racist remarks in respect of the Turks, Arabs, and Muslims in general: "...I never dislike a Chinaman as I do these Turks and Arabs, and, when Russia is ready to war with them again, I hope England and France will not find it good breeding or good judgment to interfere." The Innocents Abroad, p. 268. Yet as Mark Twain entered the cities of Nablus and Jaffa, even he stated: "The narrow canyon in which Nablous, or Shechem, is situated, in under high cultivation, and the soil is exceedingly black and fertile. It is well watered, and its affluent vegetation gains effect by contrast with the barren hills that tower on either side." (The Innocents Abroad, p. 322) Mark Twain's visit was brief by all accounts, which encompassed the areas that were only cited in the Bible. All in all a rather contradictory and biased account based on a relatively brief visit to the country and one limited in scope.

He did NOT say it was ALL uninhabited. Palestine was conquered by many armies,they all left their mark. Tried to read Innocents abroad its a classic.You know better?

by neo conservative christians, abt 40 million americans. It is an israeli lobby, not jewish. They are the biggest supporters of Israel, concerning american jewish community is divided probably in the halfs. The christian zionist they have a very antisemitic theory abt jews relocating all toghether in Israel. When jews moved all toghether to Israel, the saviour will come again, and jews will be compelled to convert to christianism or die. Terrifying supporters.

Whether you like it or not, most of the liberal and free countries of the world, even USA are born from the ashes of war. Hebrews conquered the Land that they refer as promised with war, were banished by war and took the land again with war. Just like Europeans did to America, Australia or Turks did to Anatolia and Arabian Peninsula. Now why is it only Israel is judged when it comes to the Legitimacy while other countries enjoy the life on the Land that they had conquered. Where does a nation country gets its legitimacy from in your opinion?

The lawyer presents the case,if the judge and jury finds it has merit they acquit.What happens in your country?

Peter, Nice post. Absolutely correct. Even the cactus and olive trees deserted..? Some members of my family were in the holy land around about 1900. Best regards, Stephen.

"Mark Twain, who visited Palestine in 1867, described it as: ? ...[a] desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds-a silent mournful expanse.." Mark Twain was either blind or must have gotten lost in some faraway desert! Palestine is the most strategically located country on earth, so how could it be desolate in 1867 - a mere 143 years ago? Visit the UNESCO web site http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1042 and learn about Acre - one of many Palestinian cities on the Mediterranean: "Acre is a historic walled port-city with continuous settlement from the Phoenician period." Acre is said to be more than 4000 years old, and it is full of mosques and churches that were build long before American was discovered and long before Mark Twain was born!

Why does it support Israel if Palestine was not well developed in the 19th century? Doesnt that suggest that Jews did not maintain the land at that time or in the recent prior period either? If the land wasnt well maintained, as Twain learned, doesnt that just mean no one was doing a particularly great job at improving the land for some amount of time? If that is true, how does it benefit Israel to say so? Maybe Israelis could do a far better job improving the land in many places on earth, that does not give Israel the right to take such land, does it? The argument is, it seems to me, not significant. If Israel has some right to land outside its pre-1967 border, the argument needs to be based on something other than merely saying that Israel is better able to improve the land. Many people can use my money better than me, that does not give them the right to take it, does it? Isnt the counter argument basically what Raskolnikov thought before he killed the old woman?

One is a so-called "American" organization that lobbies congress as an agent for a country whose actions are in direct conflict with American foreign policy and has become as close to being fascist as one can get without actually being labeled a "fascist" country. The other is an American who applauds such an organization and the extralegal activities of the country it represents.

If J-street was so pro-Israel then why are they refusing to devulge their donor list? - BECAUSE THEY RECEIVE $$ from ARAB/MUSLIM Petro dollars- everyone knows this, just like everyone knows the Ben Ami worked for a PR company that represented Saudi Arabia! J-Street is a farce, it doesn't speak for anyone, certainly NOT Zionist Jews!

Do people really want this man to speak for them? Does he know the meaning of morality? He prides himself on getting the guilty free! What a wonderful role model for us all...

Dershowitz' rabid views are the seeds of destruction for the ideals and the state of Israel. Israelis who think his way are destroying themselves and all whom they influence from within. J Street is working in the cause of justice. (So is Esther - thanks).

I really appreciate your extremely rational and moderate comments in all the talkbacks on this site.

Dershowitz, Those In israel that want a real peace don't need you.

The Enemy Within. Both these organizations exist to undermine Israel. The policy of the Israeli Govt. is to deal with an enemy who tries to constantly destroy her. JStreet wishes to capitulate and conspire with this enemy. A misguided crew, who represents and speaks for NO JEWS that I know. Imagine an Arab version of JStreet. You can't, they would all be executed as collaborators. Dershowitz is spot-on, these are weeds that must be eradicated. The Israel Govt, correctly, doesn't give them the right time of day.

"AIPAC is just the mouthpiece if Likud & the Eretz Israel right" Yes maybe but I also get the impression that they are the mouthpiece for Diaspora Jews who wouldn't dream of actually living in Israel (way too dangerous and uncomfortable) but who push the Eretz Israel agenda to the disadvantage of rational Israeli Jews who would like to live in peace in their neighbourhood.

The Jstreet "jews" are decendents of the same people that wanted the Jewish People to go to Birobidjan(stalin's gigantic gulag)instead of Israel...In 1954,when old joe died and the world learned about his crimes against the Soviet Jews,including the executions of writers and intellectuals,the pro-comunist "jews" had eggs on their faces and kind of repented,but their folly and idiocy remains alive...

The saying oes-2 Jews, three synagogues... Jews have been divided as far back as collective memory goes- The Hassids versus the hhellenizers, the Sadducees vs. the Pharisees, the followers of Shamai and the followers of Hillel, the Geonim vs. the Mitnagdim, the Socialists vs. the Revisionists. American Jewry is not a homogenic group, thank goodness. Those who are against Isreal's policy have as much right to protest, to lobby and voice their opinion in public as the Jewish establishment represented by AIPAC. Dershowitz is a plague.

Mark Twain, who visited Palestine in 1867, described it as: ? ...[a] desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds-a silent mournful expanse....A desolation is here that not even imagination can grace with the pomp of life and action....We never saw a human being on the whole route....There was hardly a tree or a shrub anywhere. Even the olive and the cactus, those fast friends of the worthless soil, had almost deserted the country.? Source: Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad. London: 1881 (New American Library, 1997 ALL those millions of "Palestinians" tilling the soil eh?

the elected government of Palestine?

What's wrong with pointing out to a friend where the friend may be in error? You're not doing anyone any favors by supporting wrong-headed policy. In such situations the error of ways needs to be pointed out and reasonable solutions may be suggested in a civil way. It's idiotic for Dershowitz to insist that all Jews march in lock-step with Israel's lame, abrasive government.

Ramallah used to be a Christian town. I remember years ago (1980s) driving through the center of town with beautiful villas on either side on my way to an Israeli army base. Now it is nearly all Muslim as Christians abandoned their homes and went abroad. The same process is happening to Bethleham. The anti-Israeli bloggers that fill Haaretz talk back completely ignore the dwindling Chritian communities of Egypt and Lebanon. They are too stuffed with Palestinian propaganda to see the truth of a pan Arab intolerance to a Jewish or Christian presence of any size in their midst.

Alan Dershowitz's defense of the murderer O.J.Simpson has no bearing on his interests concerning Israel. He is a defense lawyer and therefore did his job. As for any comparison of Israel with the viet nam war is like comparing an islamic jihadist to Mother Teresa...the thought is vile. The national interest of Israel and sane thinking Jews is to keep the nation safe from the barbarians at the gate. This means using force when needed to protect the country. As for building houses the more Israel builds the better for the country. The arabs thought nothing of building that obscene mosque on top of the Holy Temple so who are they to tell anyone where and when to build. Personally I am sick of the palestinian whining and lying and crying and distorting the facts and I am just as sick of your posts. Tell us do you have a direct pipeline into the haaretz office?

It seem to remember that Dershowitz advocated the use of torture post 9/11. That says a lot about his character.

... in the courtroom. He should let people who truly want peace, like the people from J Street, to be heard and help moderate the views of people on the other side of the table.

Natalie Durson says: "As a lawyer who helped OJ Simpson get away with murder, Dershowitz`s credentials as a human being are suspect to begin with." Don't forget that he was Claus Van Bulow's lawyer too.

I have to wonder how you are able to assess Dershowitz's debate skills as "childlike," his "hypocracy," his scholarship as "a flame-thrower," and,finally, his jingoism.He is a distinguished law professor of law at Harvard U.'itself not a demeaning position,an author supporting the Jewish State, and its honorable critic,when required.I think your ignorance overwhelms your understanding of the events behind the Israel-Arab conflict.

I have to differ with your view that J Street is "far closer to the views of the majority of American Jews" than to AIPAC.J Street's views are of a distinct minority.But that is my opinion.AIPAC is a hard working organization that presents an honest view of the Jewish State,and supports a policy of maintaining strong democratic institutions in Israel, and defense of that nation with all their warts.

It is from Iranian,Arab and Israeli haters point of view. It is a platform of bias and unfairness. It is an organization that incites and lights up hatred. J street should be ignored as irrelevant. Jews know that J street is not pro Israel or pro American. Many supporters hate America as much as Israel

That organization was called the Judenrat, and they were the Jews that ran the Ghettos. They bent over backwards to please the Nazis. When Jews who escaped concentration camps made their way back to the ghettos to warn about the gas chambers, the Judenrat members chose to believe, and side with, the Nazis instead of their fellow Jews. Another person that J Street reminds me of is Josephus. He showed the Romans the passageways to breach the walls of Jerusalem. So you see, J Street members are just carrying on a tradition, albeit a pathetic one, in the Jewish community.

The very existence of JStreet proves that Dershowitz is wrong.

he can just refer to both of them as his Vhardman. The settlement enterprise is a bad idea, the construction freeze Obama asked for in East Jerusalem was reasonable, Yishai is off the wall, and that a two state solution would work better than any of the alternatives. If Dershowitz agrees with that, he should be joining J-Street, not condemning it. And if Dershowitz does not agree with that, he's to the right of most American Jews.

J-street is joke and should not be considered a serious organization. Mr Dershowitz is very intelligent and if J-street had any sense they would shut up and listen to what Mr Dershowitz has to say. Thank You Mr Dershowitz for your support of Israel unlike J-street`s phony support of Israel. Does anybody know why that anti Israel organization J-Street was allowed into a AIPAC meeting? J-street would fit in better at a Huzballah or Hamas meeting.

'I would like Dershowitz to wake up one morning...in Ramallah. That should make for a very educational day for this "academic." He may find that Palestinians are not monsters after all.' Or -- since it's Dershowitz we're talking about -- he can find out that they are. Okay with me either way.

in Ramallah. That should make for a very educational day for this "academic." He may find that Palestinians are not monsters after all.

I think that J-street represent the values of most Jews, in any case the Jews I know. They will help bring Israel back to Israel, making peace in the holy land.

he should last at all leftist including haaretz meretz, peace now all of you so you close your shop and move out to arab world is good for you too arab give lot more money than you make and we have peace of mine in our homeland

Dershowitz is like an annoying dog that humps a strangers' leg when on a walk ... shouldn't be allowed out without training.

How can an organization that takes money from Israel's Muslim enemies be pro Israel.

When I read these comments as a whole, I weep, for we are a snarky people.

"Most of my clients are factually guilty of the crimes they have been charged with" Dershowitz - constantly striving to improve the quality of the US legal system by setting the guilty free! Ah the nobility! how inspirational!

"...that to support your country all of the time was fine, but the government only when it deserves it." You're right on the money!

J street is anti-Israel, and it's demonization of Israel and double-standard in judging Israel make it verge on anti-Semitic. As the following news brief shows: "The far-left J Street activist group has written its supporters saying that President Obama is ?under attack? for what it called his appropriate condemnation of Israel?s ?provocative announcement? last week. The organization has urged its supporters to email Congress and tell them they support Vice President Biden and Secretary of State Clinton in their condemnation of Israel."

Dershy has been at pains to polish his Jewish credentials as hard as he can ever since one of his childen married out. And BTW, long live J Street ! David

because it represents real Jewish values, rather than the values of the most extreme in Israel. Only when American Jews realize how much they would gain from supporting J-Street will there be a chance for peace. I dismiss the rabble-rouser Dershowitz, he is the product of a Ghetto mentality. He is best at fanning the flames of hatred and has no solutions. Too bad he has Harvard to hide behind. He is the equivalent of a trailor-park intellectual.

I know Peace is inevitable. It will become a reality because of Israelis like you. Salaam/Shalom

I say let J Street and AIPAC battle it out on the streets of Tel Aviv.

He was responsible for getting OJ Simpson found not guilty. One of his many similar triumphs. Is this the role model Israel wants as their spokesman in the US... It kinda sends out a strange message. when you are guilty as sin ...etc

...JStreet of dividing the Jewish community... while actually JStreet are salvaging Jews who were disenchanted with the established Jewish streams, which are either moribund or reactionary...

Time to put him out to pasture with other cranky old men John McCain and Joe Lieberman. These senior citizens offer nothing new in terms of peace or security. Time for a younger generation with new ideas to approach things differently and g-d willing more successfully. Peace now.

Good for Dershowitz!! J street only emboldens those who oppose us...perhaps good intentions but horrible strategy.Remember Jews for Jews,cause no one else is!!

J Street does only one thing: criticize Israel. It's as "pro-Israel" as Meretz, Peace Now, and its State Dept and Saudi sponsors. It should do itself and us a huge favor and remove "pro-Israel" from its subtitle. If it were honest it would remove the "pro-peace" as well. But I'm not expecting either any time soon.

The government is not the nation. If the government is on the wrong track, it is up to the people to put it right as Americans did to end the Viet Nam war. The notion of supporting a government that is pursuing a policy to which you are opposed is nonsense. If you support the nation, you must oppose a government that you think is working against the national interest. As a lawyer who helped OJ Simpson get away with murder, Dershowitz's credentials as a human being are suspect to begin with. The fact that he "rejects" J street is a point in J streets favor.

sheep in falklands were reported to have consorted with argies. ended up being roasted for that....

Haaretz: The combative Harvard law professor said that he too opposed settlements. " Truth: Dershowitz has not done an iota to stop the illegal and immoral settlements, nothing, nada, zero. People who are anti settlements are not anti Israel. On the contrary, since the settlement enterprise and a democratic/Jewish Israel CANNOT coexist, anyone who is anti settlement is casting a vote for the State of Israel.

...So many people, who post here, believe that the American Jew are the only ones in America, who care or are interested in the Israeli conflict and the State of Israel. In my opinion (and after watching them for twenty yearss or so) AIPAC is not a good organization. It barely operates legally. It was almost indicted for Spying against the USA. So, JStreet is an organization that I can support because of its one clause: "pro-peace." Also, as a gentile there's a more welcome attitude. Remember, when its over, non-Jews will vote in greater numbers to elect the politician who will make the final decisions for Israel. Israel is nothing more than a recipiant of USA foreign aid programs.

What's the problem, he's been outvoted in Israel, so he figures, contemptible as he is, that he'll instead come to the US and give them an anti-Israel Jewish Israeli to hang their hats on to pressure Israel's government. How despicable.

I totally disagree with Dershowitz. The current Zionist rhetoric sounds just like the White Supremest Skin Heads in Idaho. JStreet's efforts to bring Jews back to the center is absolutely needed now. AIPAC should be banned as a foreign agent. The group is un-American and would sell their soul to the devil if it favored Israel.

Whether Dershowitz likes it or not. I did my service and my son and daughter both did theirs. I still have business interests in Israel. However, I think aipac have been detrimental to Israel's security by forever adopting the most recalcitrant positions. What's good for Likud isn't neccessarily good for Israel. I also agree that some good old American tough love for Israel is called for. It's counter productive to carry on behaving like Israel's attorney re peace negotiations. J Street get this and are a long awaited breath of fresh air. Whatever Dersho says, J Street are way more representative of Jewish american opinion today-especially the younger generation. More power to them!

As a teenager I admired him and read many of his books, but over the years his childlike debate skills (then bragging about how he "defeated" the other person after making hardly any good points) and hypocracy (different rules for U.S. and Israel). He's now just a flame-thrower of a pundit instead of a well thought out unbiased spokesman. Plus he is now a part of the crowd that states if you don't "love" Israel blindly like he does then you must be "anti-Israeli" or worse "anti-Semitic" (even if you are a Jew). Another jingoist sell-out U.S. Jew for Israel. And G-d forbid you even consider the Palestinian/Israeli Arab side for a moment.

J-Street is the first real chance USA Jews have had to make a choice other than Ultra-hardline groups. It will be interesting to see how strong they become.

Eretz Israel right. It's very understandable and commendable that many US Jews disagree with it and support JStreet. Every time Dershowitz opens his mouth, he sets Israel back another square on the board. His 'denunciation' of Goldstone was one of the least fact-based, most contrived pieces of hasbara I have seen from a so-called 'academic'.

Does that mean i need to shut up? appearantly so according to this law professor, I suggest Harvard revokes this clown diploma.

Sorry Herr Lincoln, J Street doesn't speak for the majority of Jews who care about their Judaism and care about the future of the Jewsih people and the State of Israel. AIPAC need not fear over its coffers; those who truly love and support Israel will continue to support the heroic efforts of AIPAC. And J Street need not fear either; George Soros will continue to fund it and his other anti-American and anti-Israel front groups.

Brigade.. Before giving Syrians details of Israeli fortifications on Mt.Hermon And he came back to Gan Samuel after serving a stint in jail for contributing to death of his comrades ,killed or torured to death by the Syrians. Your point is ?

description of those who "were sick and tired.." Any comments on Finkelstein loving Jstreet ?

One does not need Prof.A.Dershowitz to portray J Street for what it has become. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, J Street was already celebrating. Sure, its harsh. However one must understand. There is no middle path for Israel. No gray area. Its either a strong Israel that stands up and decides its future. Or a weakened divisive society, that will be cannon fodder for the Global Islamic Challenge. So, where does the answer lie.? Simply put, certain settlements stay. Others must go. Those that stay, the land mass must be given to the birth of a Palestinian State. Israel is a melting pot. Jews must learn to live with Jews. The far right has created a division, which cannot be accepted. J.Street has taken advantage of said situation, which could well undermine any efforts of both PM Netanyahu and DM Barak. For they alone, seek peace with Syria and the PA, knowing quite well that the majority of Israelis support this mission. Good day from snowy Alps.

Hadar is an American who served in Lebanon. Dershowitz is a scared old mouth.

No wonder Dershowitz dislikes Norman Finkelstein. Dershowitz's credibility has been completely destroyed by Finkelstein, as can be seen in the debate between the two on Dershowitz's book 'The case for Israel'.

... of partisan right-wing Israeli political tricks...

As J Street is far closer to the views of the majority of American Jews, AIPAC is terrified of losing money. Nothing hurts more than a blow to the expense account lunches.

there is just no accounting....

The reason something like J Street is necessary is becauuse people like Dershwoitz and AIPAC just spend their whole time saying 'Israel can do no wrong! Israel can do no wrong!' It's a bit like if you're a parent who acts as their kids can do no wrong and nevere criticises, in the end you get a kid who genuuinely thinks he or she is always right. That's the kind of attitude that has been growing in Israel and we now have the kind of Israeli government that thinks it can do no wrong. Amd that's about the last thing Israel needs if it's ever going to find peace.