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J Street: How to fill in the missing 'J' in American policy?
In the United States, J Street was founded in 2007 as a nonprofit liberal Zionist advocacy group. The organization's goal is to bring about a peaceful and diplomatic end to the Arab-Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. J Street PAC states that it is "the first and only federal political action committee designed to demonstrate substantial support among large numbers of American voters for candidates who believe that American policy should take a new direction and Promote genuine peace and security in the Middle East".
J Street strives to be the political home for "pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans" working towards a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
The name J Street comes from the street naming method in the United States. In the street pattern of Washington, D.C., "J" Street does not exist because street naming at the time skipped I Street and went directly to K Street. This not only symbolizes a loss, but also reflects J Street's desire to fill a gap in the foreign policy field and bring new perspectives and voices to U.S. Middle East policy.
Political Vision
J Street's mission is to advance a two-state solution and emphasize that it is essential to Israel's survival. The group's founding executive director, Jeremy Ben-Ami, said J Street was meant to provide a voice to those who want the United States to take a more peaceful stance in the Middle East.
“At its core, J Street is about strengthening America’s diplomatic leadership to promote peace between Israel and Palestine.”
In 2011, J Street opposed recognition of the State of Palestine as an independent state at the United Nations, a stance that remains controversial on both the left and the right. But the group stresses its support for Israel's right to be a homeland for the Jewish people and the right of the Palestinians to a sovereign state.
Organizational Structure
J Street is comprised of multiple legal entities, including J Street PAC, the J Street Educational Fund and various local organizations. The collaboration between these organizations aims to increase awareness and support for a two-state solution and make it part of the broader debate in American politics.
“Our goal is to promote openness. But Israel’s interests cannot be protected simply by a tough foreign policy, but by cooperation and understanding.”
Fundraising and lobbying
J Street PAC provides political donations and support in U.S. congressional elections and uses its funds to promote candidates' victories. In the 2014 cycle, J Street PAC contributed $2.4 million to 95 candidates, a record high. The organization strives to support candidates who align with its advocacy, particularly those who demonstrate a peaceful approach to Middle East policy.
Relationship with the Government
J Street has faced challenges in its relationship with the Israeli and U.S. governments. The Israeli government has particularly criticized the organization for not conforming to mainstream Israeli positions and expressed concern about its existence. However, over time, J Street appears to have established a dialogue with the Israeli government.
"We hope to work with supporters of the two-state solution to advance peaceful dialogue."
As J Street advances its political ideas, it also faces criticism from across the political spectrum. Many critics believe that some of the organization's policies could be harmful to Israel's interests and point to the ambiguity of its positions.
ConclusionWith the changes in the situation in the Middle East and the turmoil in the internal politics of the United States, the role of J Street has become increasingly prominent. It is more than an advocacy group; it is a quest by the American Jewish community to find new platforms that reflect a broad range of viewpoints. Can J Street successfully exert influence in future politics and provide sustained support for the realization of a two-state solution?
