November 7, 2009

By Ted Belman

J Street must be fought on all fronts. It supports the Goldstone Report and a Judenfrei Judea and Samaria. It also opposes sanctions on Iran. Its position is clearly set out in my post, J-Street and Obama are in full agreement. . Its stated principles are

* Consistent and concerted diplomatic engagement by the United States to achieve Israeli-Arab peace. A negotiated end to the Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts serves both U.S. and Israeli strategic and security interests. Achieving it must be a priority for any future U.S. administration; (They insist that Israel be forced to capitulate.)

* An enduring relationship between the US and Israel that promotes their common interests. We recognize and support Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, a democratic country that promises equal rights for all its citizens and that has the right to defend itself against external threats; (But not a a Jewish state.There is a difference.

* The creation of a viable Palestinian state as part of a negotiated two-state solution, based on the 1967 borders with agreed reciprocal land swaps. The future Palestinian state will require unprecedented levels of international economic and political support to succeed, including a resolution of the refugee issue within the new Palestinian state and in current host countries; (These borders would require the transfer of at least 150,000 Israelis.)

* An Israeli-Syrian peace agreement based on the land-for-peace formula, security guarantees, and details outlined in previous negotiations; (Of what value are security guarantees?)

* A comprehensive regional peace that builds on the Arab Initiative, leading to recognition of Israel by all its neighbors in the Middle East and the creation of a new regional approach to cooperation and security; (Pie in the sky.)

* An American policy in the Middle East more broadly based on diplomacy, multilateralism and real partnership with the European Union, the Quartet and others. We support dialogue with a broad range of countries and actors, including Iran, over confrontation in order to find solutions to the region’s conflicts. (They want to appease them rather than confront them.)

The purpose of this post is to point out to you the support given to them by President Peres and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni.

Peres sends greetings ahead of US leftist convention

In a letter sent to J-Street Executive Director Jeremy Ben-Ami, Shimon Peres thanked him for the invitation and congratulated the initiative “to form a pro-Israel-Palestinian and pro-Israeli-Arab peace organization and the support you have garnered on behalf of this mission in the American political and Jewish communities arena.”

Peres mentioned the wide support the organization receives among American decision makers, and apologized for his absence: “While I am aware of the importance of your first national conference, regrettably my commitments prevent me from attending.”

Peres expressed hope that the convention would prove successful and fruitful.

Livni sends support letter to J Street

She wrote that Kadima would be well represented at the conference by senior members of the party - a reference to MKs Meir Sheetrit and Shlomo Molla, as well as former MK Haim Ramon, who are scheduled to attend.

“I would like to congratulate you on your inaugural national conference,” Livni wrote to the group’s executive director, Jeremy Ben-Ami, distancing herself from the cold shoulder the group has received from the government.

“I believe most American Jews support Israel and want to see it thrive as a Jewish and democratic state,” Livni wrote. “Like you, I believe ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by realizing the vision of two nation-states, living side by side in peace and security, is in the best interest of Israel, the United States, the Palestinians and the region as a whole.”

“the discussion within the pro-Israel community of what best advances Israel’s cause should be inclusive and broad enough to encompass a variety of views, provided it is conducted in a respectful and legitimate manner.”

“we may not agree on everything, but I do believe that we must ensure that what unites us as Jews who are committed to Israel’s future as a secure, Jewish and democratic state is far greater than what separates us.”

Kadimah is looking for votes and Peres is looking for a New Middle East.