NEW: Differing views on the US-Israel relationship – A two-part series at Temple Beth-El
Monday, December 6, 2010
by Rachel Rosin
In today’s political climate, it can be particularly challenging for Americans to decide what it means to “support Israel.” In the coming weeks, the Israel Action Committee of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester will present a two-part series, where representatives from two prominent organizations will share what they see as the challenges and the hopes for the State of Israel.
Part I takes place on Thursday, December 9, when Jeremy Ben-Ami, President of J-Street, will present his views at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El in Chappaqua. J-Street is the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans. The organization represents Americans, primarily but not exclusively Jewish, who support Israel and its desire for security as the Jewish homeland, as well as the right of the Palestinians to a sovereign state of their own – two states living side-by-side in peace and security.
Part II is scheduled for Wednesday, January 26, when Elliott Mendes, Deputy Director of the Northeast Region of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) will present his perspectives at 7:00 p.m. For more than half a century, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee has worked to help make Israel more secure by ensuring that American support remains strong. It has been described by The New York Times as “the most important organization affecting America’s relationship with Israel.”
Both presentations will conclude with a question-and-answer session.
I take exception to Ms. Rosin’s definition of J-Street as “the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans.”
How can any American—Christian or Jewish—who is “pro-Israel” not also be “pro-peace?”
How can any American—Christian or Jewish—who is “pro-peace” not also be “pro-Israel?”
There must be more to J-Street than her definition implies. A more meticulously worded definition is surely called for.
Still not news…and still completely cribbed from the websites described, but this time regurgitated from AIPAC’s website. Why the insistence by NewCastleNow.org that this is news? It was and remains nothing more than a community announcement for which there should be no byline. Furthermore, taking down the previous offending article and scrubbing the comments without addressing them does not correct the issue of a lack of journalistic integrity.
