LA JOLLA, California (Press Release)–A capacity crowd of more than 60 people filled the library at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla last Wednesday, Sept. 19, for a lively discussion of “The Truth about the Jewish Vote.”
The event was the inaugural public program of J Street San Diego. J Street is a national organization formed in 2008 as the political home of pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans. J Street’s San Diego local launched last July, with an announcement in the Union Tribune signed by prominent supporters including Qualcomm founder Irwin Jacobs, City Councilwoman Marti Emerald, and La Jolla businessman and philanthropist Murray Galinson.
A launch event at the Old Town Synagogue featuring Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53) later that month drew 120 supporters, as well as a handful of colorful protesters. For their first public program, J Street San Diego hosted a timely discussion of how American support for Israel is discussed and, at times, distorted by politicians and the media.
Amelia Glaser, an event organizer, said, “I was thrilled to see the enthusiasm, passion and concern in San Diego for the role the Middle East is playing in this election cycle.” The event drew both Jews and non-Jews, and the crowd ranged from active supporters to vocal critics of J Street’s political advocacy.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the frank discussion,” said UCSD senior Jacob Silverman, a founder of J Street U at UCSD. “Attendees didn’t hold back from their opinions but still the discourse remained very respectful. The presentation was enlightening, and we hope to use some of the information we learned when organizing and educating on campus.”
Yael Maizel, J Street’s Southwest Regional Director, presented a series of film and TV clips showcasing how politicians on both sides of the political spectrum have pandered on Israel throughout the 2012 elections. Footage of the chaotic discussion of the status of Jerusalem at the Democratic National Convention drew laughs from the audience, and inspired a conversation about how support for Israel is used as a political football. Given that a large majority of American Jews say they support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinianconflict, Maizel’s presentation suggested that the hawkish rhetoric favored by some politicians is out of step with the constituents they may be seeking to impress.
J Street San Diego is planning a series of upcoming events, including a presidential debate watching party on Oct. 22. For more information and to find out about future events, visit www.facebook.com/jstreetsandiego or www.jstreet.org
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Preceding provided by J-Street
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I would suggest that supporters of a two-state solution first take a good look at the Hamas Charter which can be easily found by a Google search.
Here is one extract from the Charter:
Article Fifteen THE JIHAD FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE IS AN INDIVIDUAL DUTY
When our enemies usurp some Islamic lands, Jihad becomes a duty binding on all Muslims. In order to face the usurpation of Palestine by Jews, we have no escape from raising the banner of Jihad…We must spread the spirit of Jihad among the (Islamic) Umma, clash with the enemies and join the ranks of the Jihad fighters.
The ulama as well as educations and teachers, publicity and media men as well as the masses of the educated, and especially the youth and the elders of the Islamic Movements, must participate in this raising of consciousness…We must imprint on the minds of generations of Muslims that the Palestinian problem is a religious one, to be dealt with on this premise..”
In my opinion the Charter would have to be revoked or amended to include acceptance of the Jewish Sate of Israel before there can be any semblence of peace between two sovereign nations.
I’m glad that finally there is a pro-Israel voice that represents the majority of the Jewish people in U.S and in Israel. Most of us would like to see a Jewish and democratic state in Israel. Most of us have realized that the only way for it to happen is through 2-states solution.
Recent election rhetoric of both parties about Israel is irrelevant, charged and misleading.
Thank you J Street San Diego for bringing the dialogue about Israel’s future to San Diego. It is time for a new boice to be heard. Many of us, are Israelis that live here and have family and deep roots in Israel. No one can tell us that we are anti Israel and anti peace. We are pro Israel and pro peace and we believe that the best way to support it is by adopting J Street position of 2 State Solution for both people.
J Street SD leadership: Yishar Koach!