Recently, I have been researching the two major American Jewish lobbies for Israel, AIPAC and J Street. I hold with the belief that the partition of the British Mandate into two states in 1947/48 was just. Up to several years ago, the Arab/Palestinian faction was the main obstacle to a 2 STATE solution/peace. Since October 7th, 2023, Israelis have for the most part lost heart with peace efforts. That portion that remains Peace Now is about 23%.
AIPAC is the older, more established of the two American groups. However, with Israel's hard right response in both Gaza and the West Bank, its reputation with the American public might become a political liability for Congress. I personally find J-Street's positions much more aligned with my current feelings about Israel.*
I'm penning this post because of an observation about J-Street. While AIPAC is now aligned with the Republicans and Democrats who staunchly support the current Israeli government, J-Street targets those considerably more to the left. I believe that they would benefit from a bigger tent. IMO, they need to understand that there are independents, and even Republicans, who still see 2 STATES as the only long term solution. While we support a very strong Israeli defense, we would like to see the offense governed by being the proverbial light As an independent, I'm more than a group of one, and hope that J-Steet becomes more inclusive.
the above misleading graphic was on Facebook. J Street does not want America to end support for Israel.
*Those interested in knowing about these groups should explore their respective websites
There is a site called "track Aipac" 95% of elected officials in both houses and parties have received money from Aipac. , a lot of money. Some might consider keeping up support for Israel with defensive weapons but limiting offensive weapons like 2000 bombs and bull dozers to do what has happened in Gaza and now Lebanon. The current leadership believes that Israel is destined to be a world super power and that it can eliminate any opposition within thousands of miles of its border.
ReplyDeleteSome believe Israel is protected by god, but as in 500+ bc they were destroyed because they did not follow gods word.
Relying on military power alone is a delusion, not only for Israel but all those who believe that they can rely on violent force alone.
There is zero consensus for a “Two State” solution.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn’t exist.
Period.
That effectively ended when Yassar Arafat walked away from the Clinton negotiations. Arafat never saw a good opportunity that he wasn’t willing to not take advantage of.
Not HAMAS, not the Muslim Brotherhood, not the P.A.or any Gulf State interlocutor even pretends it is a currently viable option.
It has no political traction in Israel.
anon@6:46: J Street has a proosed 23 State Solution, which includes all the Sunni nations, more or less imposing a sovereign Palestinian entity.
ReplyDeleteThe Massie Resolution received 104 votes, a clear barometer against the current status quo..
Israel's influence is everywhere and it should be very concerning to all American’s. Even our local mayor has taken one of those free trips to Israel. What do they want from him? AiPAC should be required to register as a foreign lobby. No idea why we send so many resources there when 85% of this country is economically stagnant and our people don’t have a right to basic healthcare (Israel provides universal healthcare to its people).
ReplyDelete