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Direct Talks Begin

Posted: Sep 1, 2010

The world's eyes are yet again watching the Israelis and Palestinians as they enter direct talks aimed at ending their conflict.

Here at J Street, we've read all the pessimistic assessments about the chances for success. But we agree with iconic Israeli author David Grossman, who gave a moving interview this week in which he said, "I don't have the luxury of despair."

The stakes could not be higher for Israel's very future and the Palestinians' just dream of independence. This is perhaps our last chance to achieve real peace and security through a two-state solution.

J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami discussed the recently launched peace talks on MSNBC on Thursday, September 4th.

[Read David Grossman's Interview]
[Read our statement on the talks]
[Read The New York Times editorial on the talks]

They Don't Speak for Us

Posted: Sep 7, 2010

As direct talks begin between the Israelis and Palestinians, our community faces a choice. We can work urgently and boldly to achieve two states, supporting the President's leadership and a sustained American role.

Or we can let opponents of compromise, inside the Jewish community and out, derail the process and attempt to raise the political costs so high that American politicians walk away from the important role they must play in bringing this conflict to an end.

We have seen, for instance, how a far-right group called the Emergency Committee for Israel, founded by neo-con Bill Kristol and Evangelical Gary Bauer, is attacking pro-Israel, pro-peace Members of Congress across the country with lies and smears - and it is our job this coming year to support and defend those who are attacked.

That's what we promised in creating J Street. To make clear that the Emergency Committee and its attacks don't speak for our community, we've launched a new website TheyDontSpeakForUs.com, as well as a new ad calling out Kristol, Bauer and their out of touch records.

J Street Condemns Quran Burning Planned in Florida

Acts of hate like these desecrate the values of tolerance and religious freedom on which this country was founded and provide fodder for extremism around the world. This anti-Muslim act is the latest in a deeply disturbing series of events in recent weeks, some which have involved physical violence.

Distinguished Rabbinic Leaders Sign Letter in Support of J Street, Urgent US Leadership to Achieve Two States

Nine former presidents of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), eight rabbis honored on The Forward's Sisterhood 50 list, and major rabbinic leaders from across the denominational spectrum have joined together to sign a letter in support of J Street, the pro-Israel, pro-peace advocacy organization, and its mission. The letter comes as direct talks commence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.

About J Street

J Street is the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans to advocate for vigorous U.S. leadership to achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to broaden debate around Israel and the Middle East in national politics and the American Jewish community.

J Street