Monday, March 5, 2012

So What Does J-Street Think?

So I'm at AIPAC, but what is J-Street (who's policy conference is in a few weeks) think? Well, I just got an email from Jeremy Ben-Ami (yes, I know, it was a mass email from the main office) and here's what it says:


Yair,
Yesterday President Obama delivered a pro-Israel, pro-peace message at – of all places – AIPAC’s annual conference.
On Iran, he said that while the regime cannot be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, there is still time for sanctions and diplomacy to continue to work.
"Loose talk of war," he said, only benefits Iran, and "for the sake of Israel's security, America's security and the peace and security of the world, now is not the time for bluster."
Join us in thanking the President for taking a sensible approach on Iran and for calling out those who are needlessly beating the drums of war.Unfortunately, Mr. Obama's political opponents immediately began to bluster.
Mitt Romney charged that if President Obama is re-elected, Iran will get nuclear weapons. He also falsely claimed that the President had not "imposed crippling sanctions" and has "failed to communicate that it's unacceptable to America for Iran to have a nuclear weapon."
Yet that's exactly what he's done.
Undoubtedly, the White House is hearing today from those in our community who were hoping for a more hawkish posture.
It's up to us to rally a strong show of support for the President and his sensible approach on this difficult issue.
Click here to join us in thanking President Obama for his rational and thoughtful approach on Iran.The President also reiterated his commitment to the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying:
The President went on to say that, "if during this political season you hear some question my Administration’s support for Israel, remember that it’s not backed up by the facts. And remember that the U.S.-Israel relationship is simply too important to be distorted by partisan politics."
Mr. President, we agree. And so does a very large portion of Israel's supporters throughout the United States.
The President has personally challenged me – and many of you – in the pro-Israel, pro-peace community to do a better job of making our voice heard.
Today is a perfect example of when the President needs to hear that we support him.
Join me in sending the President a thank-you for standing up for peace and diplomacy as central tools for promoting both American and Israeli long-term interests.
Thank you for all that you do,
Jeremy Ben-Ami
President, J Street
"I believe that peace is profoundly in Israel’s security interest. The reality that Israel faces – from shifting demographics, to emerging technologies, to an extremely difficult international environment – demands a resolution of this issue. And I believe that peace with the Palestinians is consistent with Israel’s founding values – because of our shared belief in self-determination; and because Israel’s place as a Jewish and democratic state must be protected."

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