As Shabbat descends and a holiday weekend commences, recent discussions sparked by a J Street U student’s commentary have prompted a moment of reflection on the core principles of J Street Organization. This reflection is crucial in understanding J Street’s position within the ongoing debates about Israel in both the American Jewish community and the broader political landscape.
Drawing parallels to contemplative Friday afternoons in Jerusalem, where discussions on achieving peace and justice were common, this article aims to clarify J Street’s stance. It will address the critiques and reaffirm the organization’s foundational beliefs concerning Zionism, Israel, and the approach to fostering a peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
At its heart, J Street is unequivocally a Zionist organization. While the term Zionism can evoke varied reactions, for J Street, it fundamentally embodies the recognition of the Jewish people’s collective right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland, Israel. This definition serves as the cornerstone of J Street’s mission and engagement.
J Street’s Vision of Zionism in the 21st Century
J Street actively participates in the century-old, ongoing dialogue about the essence of a Jewish state and the contemporary meaning of Zionism. The organization firmly believes that the Zionist vision – a vision of Jewish peoplehood and freedom in their own land – is inextricably linked to the realization of Palestinian self-determination. True fulfillment of Zionism, in J Street’s view, necessitates Palestinians also achieving their right to national self-determination and statehood, living alongside a secure Israel.
This perspective on Zionism is deeply rooted in core Jewish values: justice, peace, equality, and liberation. Furthermore, J Street’s approach is firmly anchored in democratic principles. Drawing inspiration from both David Ben-Gurion and Ze’ev Jabotinsky, J Street embraces a broad Zionist tradition that encompasses diverse perspectives while remaining committed to these fundamental values.
J Street organizationally and its members individually are dedicated to translating these values into tangible policy changes within American politics. This work is driven by a recognition of the existing gap between J Street’s vision of Zionism and the current realities in Israel and the region. A central tenet of J Street’s advocacy is redefining what it means to be “pro-Israel.” From its inception, J Street has championed a definition of “pro-Israel” that inherently includes advocating for Palestinian rights and freedoms. This inclusive definition actively rejects the notion that supporting Israel must come at the expense of any other group – be they Palestinians, Arabs, or Muslims.
Navigating the Complexities of BDS
Over the past decade and more, J Street has also navigated the complex and often contentious issue of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The BDS movement, defined by its tactics rather than clearly articulated goals, presents unique challenges. Various campaigns, some of which have unfortunately employed antisemitic rhetoric or outright denied Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, have coalesced under the BDS banner.
J Street unequivocally opposes the BDS movement, and any of its constituent campaigns, to the extent that they deny the Jewish people’s right to national self-determination. However, J Street also acknowledges the legitimacy and historical effectiveness of economic activism, including boycotts and divestment, as tools for driving political change. Crucially, J Street upholds the First Amendment’s protection of political speech, which extends to economic actions like boycotts. Engaging in dialogue with those who participate in boycott movements is considered essential, and J Street firmly rejects the assertion that participation in such movements is inherently antisemitic.
Therefore, it is vital to understand: J Street is a Zionist, pro-Israel, and anti-BDS organization. This stance is nuanced and reflects a commitment to both Israeli security and Palestinian rights, grounded in democratic values and a vision of a shared future.
Fostering Dialogue and the Next Generation with J Street U
J Street recognizes that terms like “Zionism,” “pro-Israel,” and “BDS” carry different connotations across generations and communities. Internal debates and evolving interpretations of these terms are expected and welcomed within J Street and the broader community. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, political orientations, religious affiliations, and activist philosophies are encouraged to join J Street, provided they align with the organization’s core values, including the fundamental support for the Jewish people’s right to a state in the land of Israel.
A vital component of J Street’s mission, particularly through J Street U, is to cultivate a safe and supportive environment for younger Jewish Americans. This space empowers them to explore and shape their understanding of what it means to be pro-Israel and Zionist in a way that is consistent with their deeply held values of justice, equality, and peace. The perspectives of J Street U activists are expected to evolve over time, with some aligning more closely with J Street’s established views and others potentially diverging. Engagement with all these voices is considered invaluable.
Looking ahead, J Street remains committed to its vision: a future marked by progress, reflection, and continuous efforts to build a better reality. This vision is rooted in a deep-seated Zionism that seeks not only the security and prosperity of Israel but also peace, justice, and self-determination for all people in the region. This is the essence of J Street’s organizational identity and its ongoing mission.
