J Street: Criticism of Israel does not make us the enemy

you are not new- your liberal,left orientation is old hat and just rubs against Jewish traditions and strengths your age, intellectually as a knowledgeable Jew is probably 12, and that high number is

Is any criticism of Israel's policies, particularly about the occupation of WB, by J street or others, is considered anti Israel? I loved Israel when it was conceived, but the progressively cocky, belligerent attitude, with the awesome help of AIPAC in the US (land of the ignorants) making taxpayers like me send the greatest assistance to a rich country like Israel instead of helping poor countries.

What is this idea that people have to agree? People disagree, they disagree with governments, but they can still be friends. People can (and should!) disagree (and agree too) with governments from both the left and right, but that doesn't make them enemies. This whole this is idiocy.

When a group claims to be pro Israel and does nothing but attack, criticize and support the murderers of Jews, how can they be pro? When they have Jew haters on their board and take money form George Soros who is openly anti Israel how can they claim to be pro? Their continual anti Israel stance, supporting anti Israel groups and their incitement against Israel tell even the most left wing nut case they can't be anything but against Israel's survival.

I'd think the folks who follow J Street are turned off already. I'm in the US, and am a liberal and progressive, and if anything is turning me off, it's J Street trying to undermine Israel while claiming to represent me. I think the ministry did the right thing and those who think J Street is legit would think Israel's foreign ministry will act wrong regardless of its actions.

the tools of George Soros and Obama's Adiminstration. Most of them are diluted Jews that are extreme leftist and are trying to impose Soroses agenda for the destruction of Israel. The "J" is not for Jewish but "Jihad". They have no right to tell Israel what to do. I did not hear any complaints from Jihad Street as to what the Arab nations are doing to their citizens...there are no human rights, no freedoms of any sort. Let's be real...Jihad Street has a beef with Israel because they don't want Israel to be a democratic Jewish State. They would be very happy like the rest of the Muslim world if Israel is destroyed. This is not how Jews behave when their brothers (Israel) are in trouble and in need of help.

But you not a close ally either. You are one of the many organizations who are critical of Israel and as such you will be treated with politeness but not closeness.

Their criticism are a helluva lot more polite than what rightwingers US Jews had to say when they didn't like the Israeli government, but mainstream Israel is paying very little attention to what anyone outside themselves thinks these days, even their allies and well wishers. Good post, David #27.

the deputy foreign minister of my government and as such I respect him and the decisions he makes, whether I like them or not. J Street lobbyists are just that, non-Israeli lobbyists and it is neither for them nor for any other non-Israeli citizen to tell Ayalon how to conduct his and Israel's government affairs but for Israel's citizens. This is what an American citizen would expect as well if the matter were American in nature. Out of respect to Israel's citizens and Israel's government J Street should act the same when dealing with Israel. I question whether they have any respect to Israel and Israelis and as such I don't consider them friends of Israel.

but mainstream Israel is paying very little attention to what anyone outside themselves thinks these days.

a broker playing to force company sell out technically is not an enemy of the company. he is just making a living. A good living by the way. Who can forbid such a honorable thing. except I really do not like your chances at the gaming table, looking at your opponent. See, he is not there... or is he?

Since the delegation from the US met with Fayad the day after he had publicly poraised as a shahid a young man who had tried to kill Israelis living within the Hreen Line (so beloved by those who claim to seek peace) they were effectively showing support for the actions of the Arab "martyrs". Too many Israelis have been killed or severely injured by such bombings to allow Ayalon to meet with those supporting the killings.

The purpose of the establishment of J-street was/is to divide the Jewish community in the US and reduce support for pro-Israeli US organizations. So you don't have to be a genius to know that they are not pro-Israel. The progressives in the US are helping to finance it and are pulling their strings. American Jews need to reject this organization, an organization that will not bring any good to anyone.

The only thing is that Israel needs their money. So give it to Israel and shut up.

My friend you are wrong.They aren't the BUND.THEY ARE THE "BUNDA".Tough the word comes from the Indu Language,as a fellow Brazilian you will understand what I mean...and they are worth the bunda's product,nothing less...

done so far has been an attempt to embarrass Israel's government in front of various organizations and states worldwide. Whether J Street likes it or not, Israel's government was formed based on democratically applied principles and procedures. It is the best government the citizens of Israel could come up with and it is not for any J Street type entity, that may or may not exist in reality, to tell Israel's citizens how to conduct their affairs. I may or may not agree with J Street pronounced ideas/policies but their ideas/policies can legitimately be expressed in one of two ways: 1. In Israel's elections by Israeli citizens. 2. In none public discussions with Israel's government while assuming that it is Israel's government that makes the final decision and not J Street. Be-Ami, for all his skills, is just a Washington based lobbyist and not a political figure in the sovereign state of Israel!!!

lets listen to those who have a different approach. we dont have the luxury to close our doors to any jew.

world governments sent a message to Hamas. J Street is complicating things just by being in Israel.

They see what Israel wants them to see, and are carefully skirted around around the rest.

They do all that sounds like music to Israels worst enemies, as a matter of fact, they do it even better, J street never misses an oportunity to delegitimize Israel, legitimizing Israels enemies worst claims and libels. Beign Jewish, by joining in the same boat with Israels enemies, that certinly makes them the enemy........some will even call them traitors to the ever present strugle of the Jewish people for survival, since those attacking Israel, are antisemites, that attack Israel, to get at the JEWS, their real target.

...the cacophony that the wingnuts have derided over the years grows. And it's turning out that President Obama may just be one of the steadiest, smartest, and cagiest US Presidents in modern history. It's extraordinarily exciting times folks, and not the imaginary end times...

Criticism of Israel does not make us the enemy but being in league with the enemy does.

J-Street's board has cooperated with known anti-Israel Islamist and Iran regime-sponsored propagandists and its university affiliates contribute to Muslim Brotherhood student fronts to implement the boycott, disinvest, and delegitimate strategy of isolating and liquidating Israel.

'J' Street is a divisive element in the Jewish community that has an agenda closer to the interests of the State Department and big oil than to Jews or Israel. Its a 'shill' for wrongheaded interests and anyone Jewish who wants to get ahead in the Goyisha world. All aspiring Abrahmofs please step forward to support 'J' Street. AIPAC isn't perfect, but tis better than being divided.

advice to J and CMEP - you need a better PR and better messages when you preach, educate, mediate peace.... try to take an inventory.....is the task no. 1 to convert all Palestinian leaders to non-violence ?????........... the rest will be easy.. The Palestinians can provide it, and should get there soon, where the world can see it clearly that the have got their non-violent leaders...who truly inspire peace in all.

we can have peace when the palestinian leaders end their marriage to violence, and resist incitement from Tehran, Beirut, Damascus, Cairo. J must spend 99% of its time and money on peace classes - including hospitality coffees and humus. The ordinary Palestinians have gladly cooperated with Israel, but the leaders were against peace, and married to violence.

The more you all in Israel give in to right wing paranoia and intolerance, the smaller your circle of allies will become. I know my history, so I can understand the roots of the real fear many of you feel. But responding by turning to the pseudo-strength of right-wing intolerance will, eventually, backfire hugely. Your national embrace of George W. Bush, one of the worst American presidents ever, the increasingly ridiculous charges of Anti-Semitism against anyone (even Jews!) in the US who questions AIPAC's line, and, I fear, your increasing embrace of anti-democratic ideas will lead to a very bad place. I sometimes wonder how different the Israeli national psyche would be if, instead of focusing so much the horrors of the shoah, everyone remembered every day that Hitler LOST, that he committed suicide in a bunker as his capitol was being destroyed. Would that help bring a saner, healthier political perspective to Israel? Anyways folks, J-Street is your friend, not your enemy.

An organization that lobbies their government to prevent other government from defending themselves from terrorists does make that organization an enemy. Your actions are not much different than Arab PACs. So yes you are our enemy.

Posted: "The J Street has strong similarities with the appearance of Bund in in Poland and Russia. Both are anti-zionist and disdain the orthodox judaism... I would say that American Jews are giving birth to a new sect that, with time, shift from Judaism to become "neo-christian" or something new." Thank G-d that more people are becoming anti-zionist and disdain the orthodox judaism. Thank G-d that finally people are starting to wake up and realize that Zionism and the Orthodox Jews are the main reason for all of the hatred and cause of all of the death and misery that has been inflicted by Israel on the Palestinians and other nations, since the creation of Israel. Lets pray that more people wake up and realize that.

What right does J Street have to criticize Israel? Do they live in Israel? Do they serve in the IDF? If they pressure the Israel government to surrender land for peace, what if there is no peace? What if it becomes land for war, like in Gaza? American Jews must walk the walk, not simply talk the talk.

CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN HOW A GROUP WHO ORGANISE A TRIP TO ISRAEL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHURCHES FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE, CMEP, WHO ARE LEADERS IN THE BDS MOVEMENT, -BOYCOTT,DIVEST FROM AND SANCTION ISRAEL, CAN POSSIBLY BE PRO ISRAEL?

J-Street is determined to destroy Israel. They can couch all their rhetoric as criticism. They can tell the Nazi Big Lie and say they are pro-Israel, just like Yobama is pro-Israel. Their words and actions tell the truth.

It was one thing to criticize the Viet Nam war, and another thing to travel to Hanoi and point an NVA anti-aircraft gun at American planes. A mediocre actress before that, she has since been shut out of moviemaking because the American people want nothing to do with her. US Jews and Israel feel the same way about J-Street and its antics. The bigger issue is that J-Street is operated by the Democratic National Committee for its own benefit, is not "pro-israel" and is not a "Jewish organization". It defrauds its donors by claiming that it is, and represents a sickening interference by the Democrat party into the American Jewish community, unprecedented except for the fake "Negro" organization of Uncle Toms created by the Eisenhower administration and the FBI because they hated the NAACP and didn't want to have to deal with them, just as the Obama crowd hates orthodox Jews and AIPAC, and thinks they can instead interact with the Uncle Tom "J-Street" puppets they created.

Gazans do have a right to self-defence. However, they're busy attacking. They rejected UNR181 in '47 and have been attacking Jews and Israelis since then. When you fire tens of thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians, you have no cause for crocodile tears when Israel responds. As for being "encircled, blockaded and bombarded", that was their choice. Israel completely withdrew from Gaza and the Egyptian border was run by Egyptians and EU members. The border crossings to Israel were very busy with two-way traffic. However, Hamas didn't take advantage of that to build a civil society. They INCREASED their attacks on Israeli civilians. That you think Israel doesn't have the right to respond to that tells what you think about Jews.

""But we are not going to engage in a personal character assassination of Judge Goldstone, who is an honorable man." " I wonder why that, "honorable man," decided to do the talk-show circuit after filing his report... And why does he openly snub anyone who dares criticize him? Apart from filing a dishonorable report, taking on a dishonorable mission, and acting in a dishonorable fashion to the world press, you may be able to say that he's an honorable man.

" Israel`s "legitimate right of self defence. Gazans apparently have no such right." After Israel withdrew from Gaza, did the Palestinians have the right to fire rockets into Israel? Or is that what you refer to as, "self defense?" " Most of them having been initially driven out of their homes in Soutern Israel" They initiated a bloody war against the Jews to begin with. You think initiating wars and losing comes without consequence? Should the Palestiniansn keep getting do-overs until they win? " they are now there to be encircled, blockaded and bombarded whenever Israeli politicans need a pre-election boost." They shouldn't give Israeli politicians those boosts by escalating their attacks against Israel.

Ben Ami tells Israel how it should behave, while ignoring Israel telling J Street how they should behave if they want a better relationship with Israel. Maybe Israel just doesn't want the kind of input J Street has to offer. Poor J Street.

J Street's self-anointed head zog, Jeremy Ben-Ami, reminds me of Palestinian leaders. No lie is to big so long as it serves the purpose. Take J Street's warped idea of what is wrong with Israel. Despite our robust economy, our solid armed forces, and our flawed but very stable and functional democratic institutions, J Street accuses us of falling apart because of "the settlements". Here's what J Street's official policy is: "Israel's settlements ... have drained Israel's economy, military, and democracy and eroded the country's ability to uphold the rule of law." Funny, but we have the highest GDP in the region, the highest per capita income, and dozens of the world's top corporate empires have major holdings here. Our military is the strongest in the region, and while we have lots of criticism over our clogged courts and dysfunctional Knesset, Israel remains a strong and vibrant democracy where law rules, not the mob. J Street doesn't criticize. They lie, just like our enemies.

You poor misguided Arab souls out there in radio media land. Your history is laden with many mistakes concerning the Bible, and I might add, and the Koran. Become a Christian, read and understand the Bible, then you'll understand the error of your ways. This is the "Bobcat" speaking. Get with it and git'r done!

but denounce liberal Jews as enemies of Israel, etc. This has gotten SO old...

J street is a much needed breath of fresh air.The machers and their dumb right wing know nothingism isnt doing israel any good.Israel needs to hear other well intentioned voices like J street.

You might hate J Street, but they represent plenty of American Jews.

(for example "Rabin is a traitor"). That situation probably won't ever happen again, but it makes clear what self-righteous hypocrites rightwingers are.

Its part of a long predictable pattern that began after Arafat met with the North Viet Namese about tactics, strategy and proganda and announced his 1974 Phased Plan to conqueor all of Israel by slices. Then he said, "the FIRST thing that we need to do is to divide the Jewwish people into two camps psychologically." Soon thereafter,we started getting mysteriously funded"peace" groups like "Peace Now." "J Street",which has already discussed merging with "Brit Tzdel v Shalom" another fake "peace" group, is just another such effort. So much un-explained money pours into the anti-Israel stuff here like Muslim Students Unions, Women in Black ,ANSWER, Al-Awaida, all with larege budgets and sound systems, that it can't be reasonably explained wth out a full audit.

I never seem to be included in these polls. Nor do other Jewish people that i know. The majority of Jewish people in my Synagogue and others that i know dont approve of what J-Street does. We're just not polled. Polls are laughable at best. Cooked at worst.

They are opposed to freedom and human rights. They are opposed to Jewish self-defense. They are for a Muslim Death State in Israel. The leftist congressmen do NOT represent the beliefs of the American people! Humanity hater Judge Goldstone must be prosecuted for his horrible lies and wicked blood libels against Israel. Israel and the free world must survive! Long live Israel and the Free World!

When 150 000 members mean that hat they have the right to represent the more miljons population of the Jews in USA and that the majority have to change their opinion than one can shake his head without even asking. Are you megalomanic or only stupid? Do you not realise the damage you do to your brothers with this kind of disputes? Who are you to know better was is the right thing to do when every day is full of accusation against Israel of what so ever. If they are not correct doesn't matter. The level is rising from day to day in a word-war with the aim to make the state pariah. They succeded with Serbia in Europe now it is Israel on turn. J Street-is the kapos of tomorrow.

AIPAC, like J-street is a private foreign organization. As such, it has no authority in Israel or the USA. Nor can either demand to be in meetings between Israeli government members and members of US congress. Both have different points of view. One is more aligned with Israel's right wing. The other is more aligned with American middle or the road views and Israeli left views. Both are American domestic registered Lobbying groups. One is more aligned with the current government of the USA.

3bn given by the USA as does to Egypt and Jordan. Israel uses it in USA. GDP is 113bn, there's no need to asking beg. JS were perfectly snubbed by mr Ayalon by recomendations of Mr Avigdor Lieberman, doing a great job, by the way, the US is becoming republican again.

This people are false, they can't bahsing without any reason every day and go away without a good response, from our special deputy minister, Danny Ayalon.

Ben Ami - you are the enemy and should be treated as the pariah you've become.

talking about Israels duly elected politicans as if they are anti israeli when it is you who disgrace israel wih your left wing views. go back to wherever it is you came from if you don't like it so much.i bet you arent even in israel.

Jews in Israel express so little respect to this organization that is intent on putting sticks in Israel's elected government. I would never have anything to do with this people although I see myself as a liberal and even on the left end of liberalism in the U.S.

j-street is full with moles 00000000000000 it endorses the enemies, terrorists, propaganda media 00000000000000 try to bring civility to the anarchists in USA and overseas 00000000000000 try to end the violence in Iran, Lebanon, Syria...

As a Catholic and an American I am appalled at the gall of many Jews who have so many protections against slander and laws geared to protect them from anti-semitism that they can freely go about slandering all Muslim people because of the actions of a few or because you are critical of israeli policy. I said it here a couple of years ago and Im sure it will take place soon that laws will be set in place to match those of the anti-semitism laws to take this newfound hobby of bashing Muslims and disrespecting their beliefs while holding your own to be sacred. In my opinion the actions of the right wing Israelis has been no better than the actions of any fanatic muslim. One believes that they will get 72 virgins as a martyr and the other believes that their God has given them a title to land. Both in my opinion are in need of psychological help.

J Street doesn't get it. They are liberals and the "Israel Lobby' is hard right. Thus they are enemies of Israel because they are Liberals.

As you may well know, one of the reasons for the emergence of J-Street has been the fact that AIPAC has continued to tow a very right-wing line over decades, irrespective of the views of US Jews and regardless of the make-up of successive elected Israeli governments. Is it the fact that J-Street don't espouse the extreme right-wing ideology of the current Israeli administration or, more basically, that they are not sufficiently tribalist in their disposition that you ultimately object to? I suspect the latter.

but, please, please, please - get lost.

...As I have posted many times, "Israel needs to become modern." Here's a perfect example of that failure. Because it's Democrat Congresspeople organized by JStreet visiting Israel they are deny the protocals and respect that similar Congresspeople received while AIPAC organized the trip. Both groups contain very important American Officials (whethter you like their voting record or not.) Israel when you snub these Official from America, you snub all Americans. Get a "MODERN" foreign policy; and be grateful for the USA.

do your homework miggy..1964 miggy..then 1967 miggy.. without a proper understanding, your opinions count for nothing.

Your British have exposed themselves the past few years for the underbelly of hatred and support of terror. I think and hope Israel has no use for Britain and there are drastic reductions in relations. You and your *academics* can take all your threats and boycotts, etc.. I used to travel to Britain several times a year until I began to boycott your lovely Empire. MANY of my friends and people I know will never step foot into Britain, seeing the cesspool your country has evolved into. Yikes, it is scary. WE DON'T NEED YOU and your British arrogance, Linty. As for Israel, when did you become their accountant, commenting about their bills being paid. Israel is a self-sufficient vibrant country, attracting investment from Buffett, Intel, Microsoft. In the same breath, please remove the money from Egypt and Jordan, who you always conveniently forget to mention. Or are you a two-faced Brit that only looks at Israel?

choice Israelis make when electing their governing bodies and work alongside our government. But they appear to have disrespect to both Israel's elected officials and government and mostly to Israel's citizens who have voted these people to office in democratic elections. I dare J Street people to tell the totalitarian governments that surround the Jewish state and call for its elimination to press their agenda on them. Why doesn't J Street do so there, where democracy is non-existence? Only the fact that they are Jewish is enough to ensure their self empowerment regarding Israel? I say no, and the overwhelming majority of Israelis say no. We even debate whether to enable Israeli citizens who live abroad, people who served in the army, whether to permit them to vote. Why should we permit J Street to be part of our public life if they did nothing: no citizenship and no military service, in addition to the fact that they will not experience directly the consequences of their actions.

Gazans have no such right, you are correct. The terror that has spewed from there against innocent Israelis going to Pizza or Disco, for no reason other than they were Jews, took away their right. The terror must be choked off. I'm sure you would understand if the terror came to your pizzaria while you were enjoying an afternoon with your family. Many think the crazy Israelis should do MUCH more to stop the rockets and terror. Ideas like turning off utilities (elec, gas, water) have been thrown around by many people. Why should Israel keep "FEEDING" the monster that wishes to destroy innocent people each waking moment. If anything, Israel has yet to tighten the screws enough in Gaza. Many think it would surely be deserved, if for nothing else than to make the Gazans think of the COST of their terror. Time for them to enter the 21st Century. Time for you to stop defending the terror.

And furthermore, disagreeing with the policies of Israel Beteinu is not disagreeing with Israel. You confuse political debate with strong support for the welfare of the state. Even disagreeing with Bibi is what, according to the last election, 80% of Israelis do. Since when is it not valid to criticize the position of leaders with whom you disagree. Even if JStreet only represents 2% of American Jews, why should it not be heard? What happens in a democratic society when you silence dissent? Read the Israeli constitution and consider that.

Arrogance indeed. Israel does belong to Jews world wide. Do not forget that in your holier than thou pontification. We may not die in your wars, (and indeed some of us do,) but we do support your existence monetarily and politically throughout the world. And just because we do not live there, does not mean it does not hurt when our brothers and sisters are blown up in a terrorist bombing. Without support from the US specifically, Israel might become completely isolated in the world.

Now that Soros has bought Obama into office, and created his "jewish pro israel" front, he is buying gold. He knew that the world chaos created by his stooges would make gold fly high. He makes his money by attacking currencies of nations undergoing financial problems. Jstreet is funed by arab countries who are enemies of israel also: if it walks like sa duck...,

Gazans apparently have no such right. Most of them having been initially driven out of their homes in Soutern Israel they are now there to be encircled, blockaded and bombarded whenever Israeli politicans need a pre-election boost.

As a staunch supporter of a two state solution which is something JStreet claims to espouse I still have no desire to be part of this organization. I think they have a dis service to Israel up until now. Siding with Goldstone and supporting this rogue investigation, blaming Israel and settlements for the main cause of the peace process impasse while in the same breathe reaping pity on those who have suffered in the hands of terrorist is pretty tackless. I think what they have done indirectly is feed in to those who have questioned Israel's legitimacy. I am one Jew while supporting a two state solution will not be part of this naive and dangerous organization.

A honorable man would never have accepted a mandate from such an unhonorable organization as the Human Right Counsel. A honorable man would never have signed a document with three investigators who had condemned Israel even before the investigation started. A honorable judge would never have signed a document with people and recognized afterwards that if it were for a real court, they would have been vetoed. The past honorability of Goldstone should be seriously questionned: his present conduct cast a serious doubt on his honesty.

Well if Jstreet funding replaces AIPAC funding another foreign private organisation, and Israeli politicians continue to ignore it then that would be rather silly. But then Ayalon is already doing his best to piss off the people who pays Israel's bills already

Again, contrary to popular opinion, the idea that any Jewish organization in America exercises great control on American Jews expressing their opinions about Israel is ludicrous. Jews are the most highly educated group in the American populace by some surveys, and the idea that they refrain from developing their own individual views on ALL political issues and expressing them runs entirely counter to the experience of any highly educated group in America. Furthermore, American politics, as one politician observed, "ain't beanbag," and on ANY sharply contentious issues here you can expect some foul play as well as fair; part of the terrain.

J-Street arranged for them to meet a PA figure who just two days before had praised a man who had atytempted a suicide attack within Israel and had visited the man's parents to laud them for their son being a shahid. Methinks J=Street has an anti-Israel bias.

Would you be as dismissive of AIPAC as a "foreign private organization"?

With the world indulging in an orgy of Israel-bashing and its Goldstones stripping Israel of its legitimate right of self-defense, it behooves supporters of Israel to come to its defense, not join in taking potshots under the disguise of "support" as JStreet it doing. They ARE the enemy in these times, if they're not supporting.

The defense used by double-coat traitors is common, 'Criticism of Israel does not make us the enemy'. This is the argument used by the unrepentant anti-Semitics trying to gain legitimacy, when it wasn't popular to display Jewish criticism after the Holocaust. It is the argument of David Duke, Jesse Jackson, etc. and now wholeheartedly adopted by identity-less Jews who want to pressure Israel, rather than force the enemies of Israel to shed their obsessive addiction and lies to erase Jewish existence. J-street can't make the association because they like other enemy influenced organizations, have no clue as to how the enemy uses them to achieve their sinister goals.

and then, as citizens and people responsible for their action, they can be part of the public life of Israel and its government. But to try to pressure Israeli government from abroad without being citizens of Israel is not only unfair, it is out right a form of arrogance and insolence. I must therefore welcome Jews - right, left and center - in the United States to participate in Israel's political life, but do so as insiders and not as totally outsiders, without any responsibility for your words and actions.

You are correct that this organization takes positions that represent the views of many American Jews, but it does a disservice to them when it is willing to accuse the Jewish community or Israel of not tolerating criticism; the "they can't tolerate criticism" accusation is the very accusation trotted out by those who can't tolerate criticism of their own viewpoint. Pro-Israel Jews who disagree with others on Talkback, for example, are accused of dual loyalty, being spies, traitors, classic antisemitism, and the same people who claim you cannot criticize Israel without being accused of antisemitism call others here "lying Jews," and talk of "Jewish money" determining American policy.

First Israel exported radical messianic Judaism to the diaspora, splitting and weakening the Jewish community. Now we are continuing to further split the community with hate. Those who are encouraging the hate have roots in the same place as Jews who discouraged the declaration of the State 60+ years ago. If you take a look you will see that most of the draft dodgers and order refusers also come from that community. The Jewish left speaks out, but continues to support the State of Israel in every way. You cannot also call every crazy that you don't agree with a leftist as is done by the rabid right.

Bibi has said that Jews - particularly Israelis - must re-find the "spirit" of the earlier days of pioneering Zionsim and to this end he is earmarking a great deal of money on various forms of hasbara. Cut the spin and what he is really doing is spending taxpayers money to try and persuade those who oppose him to change their spots (they say a leopard never does!).

"j-street is a private foreign organisation. as such, it has no authority in israel. nor can it demand to be in meetings between israeli government members and members of u.s. congress." No wait... I bet there is some sense in that somewhere. Right? The definition of a state is that it has sovereignty over its territory. There are NO foreign entities that can demand to meet anyone in another country (well they can demand it but they have no way of making it happen). Israel chooses who it meets and not, Israel chose not to meet these people. Another great success for the Israeli foreign ministry...

... or at least that of Sarah... Shabat shalom, E

perhaps it has no occurred to "jstreet" that he has no vote in israel and accordingly his views and those of his followers are their own ? 90 years of diplomacy has failed to stop the world advising israel on what it should do or not ! that at last a goverment has been voted to power that does not espouse the schtetl and ghetto habits as ameans of gaining favour !

j-street is a private foreign organisation. as such, it has no authority in israel. nor can it demand to be in meetings between israeli government members and members of u.s. congress.

Tzipi Livni obviously does not agree with the positions that were taken by her late father, Eitan Livni, and who held a leadership position in the Etzel (Irgun Zvi Leumi.) The expression "Like Father, Like Son (or Daughter) is not always the case. An even more extreme example is the difference between the late United States President, Ronald Reagan, and his son, Ronald Reagan, Jr. Yet, the adopted son, Michael Reagan, does hold the beliefs of his father.

You know what? I really love the way how Israeli politicians are blinded by their arrogance. Arrogance is indeed a disease you can't control. The US, your only ally probably left has tasted the Israeli arrogance. One day real Americans will wake up as we did a long time in Europe. Israeli politics are only out to kill, to hatemonger and never shows interest in peace. Don't stop the arrogance, go Johnny go.

Own goal after own goal from Lieberman and Ayalon, with huge damage to even close friends, at a time when diplomacy would seem to be critical. Its astonishing that they retain their jobs, even in a dodgy coalition where they apparently have some sway. At some stage there will be a tipping point in the US where even there Israel will be seen as the main cause of the ME problem. Once you reach that point- and to me it seems close- it will take a lot of turning back, and "crisis" would not do justice to the gravity of Israel's position.

J-Street can call itself what it wants, but its actions are primarily aimed at undermining Israel and its government. It's unfortunate, though not surprising that Livni met with the group. The gov't should boycott anyone the group brings, regardless of position. The senators who listen to J Street will vote against Israel regardless of meetings.

There are a thousand and one politically neutral initiatives that J Street affiliates could support if they indeed cared about Israel. The spoiled, rich brats of self-hating J street are involved in none of these. They hide their true anti-Israel agenda under the guise of a grass-roots Israel-Jewish affiliation. Obama and Emanuel naively applaud. Livni demures. Only Netanyahu has the guts to point out the facts. Sometimes the facts are not pleasant.

In one day he does more damage to Israel than any number of bombs. In one year he has alienated Israel from Turkey. Hopefully he will do the same with the UK/Israeli relations. The man is a gift from God.

Until those guys will push us into a war with somebody?

They hold to the anti-Israel J-street propaganda. Thus there is no loss.

The answer: (Very) little children....:)

how to govern Israel. We have democratically elected our representatives and we shall benefit from those choices and suffer the consequences. It is a form of arrogance to come here and tell us how to conduct our affairs and then go back to America without shouldering the responsibilities of defending the Jewish state and governing it at the same time. If Ben Ami and like minded, they are welcome to ascend to Israel and part take in the public affairs of the country. But they remain in America by choice. Thus, tell the American government about how to conduct its affairs in Afghanistan, on the unemployment lines and in the over-consumption country/culture-wide. Don't come here with the intention to embarrass the democratically elected government of the Jews of Israel.

Most of us Zionists consider the issue of "settlements" a non-issue : why? Because we know that "yesh vayesh ". Those that are cities must not be abandonned , and many are important for strategic and other excellent reasons. If you are talking about the " hilltops" that's another issue .

They see what Israel wants them to see, and are carefully skirted around what it doesn't want them to see.

... including those who are not necessarily left-leaning... ... what is a narrow-minded sullen Israeli envoy doing traipsing around among them... ... wrong man. wrong place...

The Right wing government in Israel and especially the Foreign Service is harming any opportunity for peace and the image of Israel. Racists and fanatics should not be allowed to destroy Israeli democracy. All we hear from the Israeli Government is a self-rightous rhetoric but no policy..

This is the same Ayalon who insulted the Turkish envoy. He's unstable and/or unsuitable for a diplomatic role. Get rid of him and his boss starker boss.

It is time for another apology for another professional error on his part.

Thank you deputy minister Ayalon and all Israeli right-wing fools for your support to J-Street. You just made their day.

They are working to undermine the security of the state of Israel and should be treated like the political lepers that they are.

You are either 100% with us, or 100% against us. This whole mentality which has overtaken Israel is being formented by the likes of Netanyahu, Lieberman, and Ayalon. The problem is, only radicals and extremists deal in absolutes in this manner. Israel is heading down a scary road of intolerance to various viewpoints--a halmark of a right-wing nationalist state.

The US Congress is unwaveringly behind Israel, (no matter what it does, sadly). A few months ago they passed a resolution on the Goldstone report and condemned it by a vote of 344-36. And nobody read it. They just knew it criticized Israel, and you can't have that, whether the report is true or not.

Jstreet isn't suppose to represent Israel. AIPAC is a foreign lobby, but it is not registered as so. Jstreet represents liberal American Jews who oppose settlements, have ties to Israel and believe in a Jewish state and peace with Palestinians. There are many American Jews who agree. Israelis are in a state of war. That's understandable. It's a violent area for them. No doubt. The answer is not more force, more confrontation. That has not worked. At any rate, Jstreet members can love Israel, but not like the way the Israeli politicians behave or their ideology. How many people in the world actually like the behavior of Israeli politicians outside of Israel?

Mike, what's so hard to understand about 60% of American Jews don't approve of settlements while AIPAC defends Israel no matter what. Based on that, you can say AIPAC doesn't represent the majority of American Jews, either. You are making the argument that Jstreet doesn't, but it doesn't appear AIPAC does. Based on that poll. Something's amiss here? Also, Klein with ZOA says he is against a two state solution. The mainstream organizations are more radical than American Jews. Ben Ami is right, new organizations need to be formed. When most Jews in America thought Iraq was a bad idea, AIPAC supporters were encouraging it. The Arabs support a two state solution based on 242 and 338; Jstreet opposes settlements. What's so controversial about that? A large percentage of Israelis also oppose settlements. I doubt Arabs are going to compromise on East Jerusalem. Olmert knew that. Anyway, get a professional foreign service! And deny any involvement Dubai.

Lieberman is the worst. It`s the job of the foreign minister to make nice to the other countries. This guy Lieberman, everybody hates. He should be replaced with someone likable like Livni. Bar Rafaeli would be better than him. This Dubai business,,,,,,, it should be denied to the hilt and with indignation. Even if you did it.

Polls have also shown that most American Jews feel that the Arab side has not made a good faith effort for peace. Most American Jews would support Israeli compromise, but expect the Arabs also to compromise. Both positions are contrary to J Street. J Street is out of touch.

J Street is not causing a riff between Israel and Congress. Most members of Congress are better educated on the subject than you think. Just examine the voting patterns on issues concerning the Middle East. Israel has strong support from both parties, and from liberals, moderates and conservatives. Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD), now the number 2 Democrat in the House, has himself organized tours for freshmen members so they can see first hand Israel's security situation. On those trips, members see things that J Street overlooks.

My congratulations to J Street! Keep up the good work!

Only in the sense that they're to the left of Bibi, but in general, could we please have a more neutrally-minded copy editor go over these posts before they go up on the site?

The Israeli govr is ALWAYS crawling on its hands and knees to ask for forgiveness from its enemies or detractors...be it the Arabs, Europe, UN, J Street. Whats wrong with snubbing an anti-Israel group like J Street thats always sharpening their ax and taking aim at the throat of Israel.

What was the reason for JStreet to come parading Congressmen through Israel and maneuvering them into being snubbed by Israel's foreign ministry--which they knew was inevitable, given JStreet's attitudes and sponsorship of the trip. It's all too obvious.

We all want to know

dont be fooled by this con man Ben Ami he is suffering from some disorder real americans can see a phony and a fraud Israel doesnt need his friendship either

bristles with hostility in his comments. Did not know his father died in Altalia incident. Rep Delahunt is anti-Israel. Seems neither J street or the congressman made arrangements before arriving in Israel to talk with Foreign Ministry. Delahuant on unofficial vistit as private citizen at j street expense. He knows much better than to comlain for his own rude demands.

The J Street has strong similarities with the appearance of Bund in in Poland and Russia. Both are anti-zionist and disdain the orthodox judaism... I would say that American Jews are giving birth to a new sect that, with time, shift from Judaism to become "neo-christian" or something new.

"The issues of settlements and Jerusalem are intrinsically linked. Beautiful stone homes of Beit Jala stand vacant with huge holes in their walls from the shells fired from Israeli helicopters. Shots were fired from nearby at Gilo, an Israeli settlement built on land occupied in 1967 and annexed to Jerusalem. Israel insists on calling Gilo a "neighborhood" in its effort to claim sovereignty over occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank land it calls Jerusalem." Again, this is against the positions of the Israeli mainstream consensus They are not 'anti-Israel', they made statements against suicide bombings, and against Iranian nuclear weapons, but they clearly believe that Israel is far more to blame for the lack of peace than are the Palestinians, and for the majority of Israelis this is 'pro-Palestinian'. The foreign ministry should be careful not to mislabel them.

"With due urgency, we urge .. the United States to work with other nations to dispatch an international monitoring and observer force..." This is an infringement of Israel's security, we can see how weel the UN forces restrains Hexbollah. "The continued closure of Jerusalem violates the rights and livelihood of the entire Palestinian community. Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza must be allowed free access to Jerusalem including its religious, cultural, service, commercial and political institutions. " Who is excluded? Only security-problematic people, so allowing free access means allowing in terrorists "because of the settlements ... No wonder the Palestinian people lost confidence in the peace negotiations ....Jimmy Carter...underlying reason that years of U.S. diplomacy have failed and violence in the Middle East persists is ..settlements" So, the lack of peace is mostly Israel's fault.

"Churches for Middle East Peace reiterates what it wrote to Chairman Arafat in June, "These heinous acts of violence are counter productive to any hope for a just peace. We understand the right of the Palestinian people to resist the Occupation, but implore you to emulate other great leaders who used nonviolent action to bring about change." They recognize the right of Palestinians to resist the occupation, but implore them to do it nonviolntly. This sounds very bad to most Israelis, verging on proPalestinian.. "That letter, addressed also to Prime Minister Sharon, concludes: "No good purpose is served by continuing this vicious cycle that dehumanizes your people as well as the other. " So they believe we engage in vicious actions that dehumanize the Palestinians (and Israelis)

means being against Israel doing so, then this means allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons,which is an existential threat form the Israeli view (except of the far left). "??the dangerous proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will continue unresolved and with increasing complexities. Iran?s construction, with Russia?s help, of a nuclear power plant is seen as a threat by Israel and the United States. ?..The U.S. has shied away from seriously pushing for control of WMD on a Middle East regional basis as well as from international controls on Israel?s pseudo-secret possession of nuclear weapons. There is no reason to think that 2003 will be the year for a serious diplomatic non-proliferation initiative, even though non-proliferation could be the stated reason for military action." So they support US forcing Israel to get rid of nuclear weapons in return for stopping Iran ? but ridding Israel of its nuclear defense is an existential issue for most Israelis.

The reality of the situation is that AIPAC represents the views of perhaps 34% of American Jews. 34% isn't 51%. Also, 60% of American Jews don't support settlements. There are also Israelis who do not support settlements. The politicians of Israel are not the diety, Moses, Judaism, or every Israel and people should be allowed to disagree. Jstreet represents a Left-wing persuasion and recognizes Israel as a Jewish state. That's a pro-Israeli position unless simply agreeing with right wing nationalism entails being pro-Israeli. Based on the views of some people, Yitzak Rabin was anti-Israeli and so was Ariel Sharon.

This Ayalon is the same boor who snubbed the Turkish ambassador to Israel. There is a method to the foreign ministry's madness and it comes from the very top. Israel has become much less tolerant of any criticism of its conduct- a sure sign that its policiies are on shaky grounds and the nerves of its policy makers are fraying. It weas all predictable and is taking place on target.

"?Warren Clark, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. A day earlier, ministry officials had said Clark heads an anti-Israel organization." Reading the website of the organization he represents shows it is not 'anti-Israel', but it is so far to the left in terms of israelis that it is effectively against what most Israelis consider to be their national and survival interests. The following quotes are from the organization's website: http://www.cmep.org/Policy/2001_PolicyOutlook.htm "CMEP opposes any pre-emptive military action against Iran, as well as provocative rhetoric or measures that increase the threat of confrontation between the U.S. and Iran. ?.CMEP remains committed to supporting vigorous U.S. diplomacy to resolve the Israeli-Arab conflict and views diplomatic engagement with Iran as integral to fostering regional peace, security and stability". From the Israeli perspective, if being against pre-emptive military action against Iran means being against Isra

It's an old game. When visitors you don't like are coming, you let the dog off the chain. After it bites you apologize profusely, explaining that it slipped off its chain. But after a couple such "accidents" people begin to wonder why you don't get rid of such a dangerous dog and conclude that the attacks are deliberate and caused by you.

Get a grip on yourselves and vote these angry morons out. Anger is a dangerous emotion - no one likes it - and it appears that that's all you have.

Next, Lieberman and Ayalon must be planning the Biden snub. I wonder what form that will take. Maybe a milking stool for him to sit on? Right wingers should be sure to send their suggestions to Ayalon soon, before Biden arrives.

The foreign ministry snubbed J street, not the Congressmen. They didn't have to meet with enemies of Israel. No reason to apologize.

the entire israeli foreign ministry under likud needs to learn the art of diplomacy meanwhile ayalon should be sacked following his shenanigans with both turkey and j-street

We the people accept your apology. And as one good gesture fosters another, we do agree and do so recognize, that JStreet is annoying, and pledge not to bring them along on any future visit. Shalom USA

"his delegation" is a mortal sin says the Ben-Ami fella..

That fancy move was made so as not to alienate antizionist militants, many of which spoke, and spread anti-Israeli hatred, at the J-street conference. In reality, J-Street is a radical anti-Israel hate group, funded by George Soros and other notorious anti-Israeli people and organizations. They are way outside the mainstream of Jewish American thought, and they are not to be taken seriously or given any respect at all.