Jewish Liberals to Launch A Counterpoint to AIPAC - WaPo

[WillyT]

<snip>

Some of the country's most prominent Jewish liberals are forming a political action committee and lobbying group aimed at dislodging what they consider the excessive hold of neoconservatives and evangelical Christians on U.S. policy toward Israel.

The group is planning to channel political contributions to favored candidates in perhaps a half-dozen campaigns this fall, the first time an organization focused on Israel has tried to play such a direct role in the political process, according to its organizers.

Organizers said they hope those efforts, coupled with a separate lobbying group that will focus on promoting an Arab-Israeli peace settlement, will fill a void left by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, and other Jewish groups that they contend have tilted to the right in recent years.

The lobbying group will be known as J Street and the political action group as JStreetPAC. The executive director for both will be Jeremy Ben-Ami, a former domestic policy adviser in the Clinton White House.

"The definition of what it means to be pro-Israel has come to diverge from pursuing a peace settlement," said Alan Solomont, a prominent Democratic Party fundraiser involved in the initiative. In recent years, he said, "We have heard the voices of neocons, and right-of-center Jewish leaders and Christian evangelicals, and the mainstream views of the American Jewish community have not been heard."

Solomont is a top fundraiser for the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), but the organizers include supporters and fundraisers for both Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.). Many prominent figures in the American Jewish left, former lawmakers and U.S. government officials, and several prominent Israeli figures, as well as activists who have raised money for the Democracy Alliance and MoveOn.org, are also involved.

<snip>

More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402647.html

:shrug:

[seemslikeadream]

1. excessive hold of neoconservatives and evangelical Christians on U.S. policy toward Israel

excessive hold of neoconservatives and evangelical Christians on U.S. policy toward Israel

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

27. It's "Democrats" too.

http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/recips.asp?Ind=Q05&cycle=2008

[rwheeler31]

2. Thank you

[54anickel]

3. My my, yet another division transpiring under the "uniter" pretzelnut. n/t

[Mojambo]

4. Wonderful news. I can't think of a more needed counterweight. n/t

[Raksha]

5. Well, it's damn well ABOUT TIME!

Here's one liberal Jew who wants to know what took 'em so long.

[Wilms]

6. I was just wondering about Jews who aren't AIPAC friendly.

Nice to hear.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

16. Most Jews in America (myself included) are Liberal Democrats, and I DESPISE AIPAC

and how they control many of our politicians...Republican and Democrat included.

[leftynyc]

19. Frankly, I'm sick of all of those

who associate Jews with AIPAC. I don't know anyone who is part of that organization and have gotten to the point where I consider anyone who makes that stupid connection an ignorant slug.

[Wilms]

31. Hey. Thanks!

I'm a "ignorant slug" who "makes that stupid connection" which assumes there are Jews in AIPAC.

I'll bet I'm an anti-Semite too for having even wondered such a thing.

My bad.

[leftynyc]

34. Oooh - the anti-semite card

Gosh - I could never have seen that bullshit coming. And in case you REALLY didn't understand what I was saying - I'll say it slowly for you. Not all Jews belong to AIPAC - in fact, I don't know any and I'm in New York City. What I'm sick of are people who assume that all Jews not only belong to but support AIPAC when nothing is further from the truth. Was that slow enough for your brain?

[Wilms]

41. Perhaps you'll reread my post and yours.

I said I was glad that Jews who oppose the AIPAC mentality were organizing to counter.

You said you are "sick of those who associate Jews with AIPAC". You tried to suggest that Jews are unlikely members of the organization.

What we probably agree on (as New Yorkers) is that most of the Jews we know are NOT of the AIPAC mentality, and probably oppose the form of "apartheid" practiced by the Israeli government.

[leftynyc]

42. You completely misunderstood me

What I'm sick of is people assuming that all Jews were supporters or had to answer for AIPAC - that's what is sickening. I've been asked a number of times why don't I do something about AIPAC's direction. Why should I? I have nothing to do with it - that's what I'm referring to. If I was unclear, I apologize. I wouldn't try to suggest Jews are unlikely members - that makes no sense at all.

And yes, as New Yorkers we defintely do agree that the anti-AIPAC mentality is most prevalent amongst 90% of the Jews I know and hang with. They are looking for a fair way out of this mess that does not jeopardize Israel's security. What they don't do is take Israel's problems onto themselves. They do not vote there and I personally take on no guilt for what's happening.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. Ben Ami, BEN AMI... my lord I am laughing for personal reasons

a fictional character of mine is Rachel Ben Ami... been around for over ten years... as a character and I used that family name as a joke...

Never thought it was real... might have to add some to her family history...

:-)

By the way... GOOD 'bout bloody time

[texasleo]

8. Most Jews are Dems, unfortunately, the loudest political ones are Repubs

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

17. AIPAC also has a great deal of sway over many Democrats too. They are insidious.

ie Hillary Clinton receives tons of money from them.

[leftynyc]

20. I'm sure you have numbers

to back up that claim. Link please.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

24. Link .. disclaimer it's from an Arab American site but there is a reason why this new Jewish

Democratic PAC feels that's it's necessary to get AIPACs grip off of our politicians.

http://www.wrmea.com/archives/May-June_2006/0605031.html

[leftynyc]

26. So many issues with that site

First, what is considered a pro-Israel PAC (because that's how it's listed)- is that just AIPAC or are they including whatever hits their fancy. It has also (go to the bottom of the page) - Joe Lieberman listed as President - president of what????

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

25. From Open Secrets from Pro-Israeli Groups 20 Top Recipients 2008 Election Cycle

http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/recips.asp?Ind=Q05&cycle=2008


METHODOLOGY: The numbers on this page are based on contributions from PACs and individuals giving $200 or more. All donations took place during the 2007-2008 election cycle and were released by the Federal Election Commission on Monday, March 03, 2008. Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics.

[leftynyc]

28. I'll ask you the same question

I'm seeing contributions from "pro-Israel" pacs - is that AIPAC alone or others. And who makes that distinction as to what is pro-Israel.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

30. From Open Secrets again

http://www.opensecrets.org/news/pro-israel.pro-arab/

snip

Pro-Israel and Pro-Arab Interests:
The Money

Pro-Israel interests are a fixture in American politics, having developed an organized presence in Washington and across the country that is backed by generous campaign contributions and intensive lobbying.

On the lobbying front, the pro-Israel community is led by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which Fortune magazine ranks as one of the top lobbying groups in the country. AIPAC spent more than $1.1 million lobbying in 2001, roughly the same amount it spent in 2000.

AIPAC is not registered as a political action committee with the Federal Election Commission and does not make campaign contributions as an organization. But its executive committee and board of directors have been reported to include some major campaign donors, and lawmakers considered by the organized Jewish community to be sympathetic to Israel can certainly expect to reap a harvest of pro-Israel campaign contributions.

Since the 1989-90 election cycle, pro-Israel interests have contributed $41.3 million in individual, PAC, and soft money contributions to federal candidates and party committees. More than two-thirds of that total, or $28.6 million, has gone to Democrats.*

[leftynyc]

35. Okay - so since AIPAC is not registered

as a PAC and cannot contribute money, that $41.3 million comes from where? The executive committee and the board of directors only from AIPAC? I see they're also mentioning PAC money - which PACs? Just looking for criteria here. Where did that $41.3 million come from?

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

44. Frankly, so far I cannot tell, but this statement from AIPAC certainly sounds

like a big pat on its back


http://www.aipac.org/351_2146.htm


AIPAC Statement on 2004 Election Results
11/3/2004

Download PDF (PDF, 135k)

Washington, D.C.- AIPAC congratulates President Bush on his re-election victory. We look forward to
continuing to work with the President and his administration on issues vital to the U.S.-Israel relationship.
President Bush has demonstrated his commitment to the special relationship between United States and
Israel, and has many friends in the pro-Israel community across the country.

We also look forward to working with the members of the 109th Congress. Many of Israel's strongest
friends and supporters were re-elected Tuesday to the House and Senate. The 109th Congress will be the
most pro-Israel ever.

We look forward to continuing to work with the leadership of both parties in both houses of Congress, and
congratulate House Speaker Dennis Hastert, Majority Leader Tom DeLay, Majority Whip Roy Blunt,
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer on their victories.

There were nine new members of the U.S. Senate and about 40 new members of the House of
Representatives elected Tuesday. AIPAC has met with every one of the successful candidates, and we look forward to working with them on the issues affecting the U.S.-Israel relationship.

AIPAC extends its best wishes to Jewish members of Congress Martin Frost and Peter Deutsch, both of
whom served with great distinction during their careers in the House and have been true champions of the
relationship between the United States and Israel.

We also welcome the election of two new Jewish members of Congress, Debbie Wasserman
Schultz (D-FL 20) and Allyson Schwartz (D-PA 13), whose election keeps at 26 the number of
Jewish members of the House.

[leftynyc]

45. I'm curious

It looks like a standard letter of congrats on the re-election of the US president and the sitting of a new congress. Any idea what their letter (and I'm sure there was one) to Pres Clinton looked like?

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

46. I wouldn't be surprised that they had a similar letter to Clinton and channeled money to him too.

They pointedly say that this is one of the most pro-Israel Congresses elected.


According to Open Secrets, Bill Clinton Received $19,300 from pro-Israeli groups in 1992,
http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/recips.asp?Ind=Q05&Cycle=1992&recipdetail=P&Mem=N&sortorder=U
and only $7,000 in 1996, http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/recips.asp?Ind=Q05&Cycle=1996&recipdetail=P&Mem=N&sortorder=U


What I find intriguing is, if you compare the list from that first link I provided for you (the American/Arab/Palestinian site), their figures are actually less than what Open Secrets shows the contributions to be for Pro-Israeli Groups, for "top 20 recipients".

Here's the link for Open Secrets. It will give you the top 20 recipients for your desired category and desired year.

http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/recips.asp?Ind=Q05&cycle=2006&recipdetail=S&Mem=Y&sortorder=U

[leftynyc]

47. But neither one of them defines

what or who is considered "pro-Israel". That's my beef. That's obviously a subjective definition and nobody is owning up to who is making the distinction. What exactly makes someone or some organization "pro-Israel"?

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

48. Open Secrets has the contributing PACs as single-issue, pro-Israel. If you click

this link, you can find on the left hand side of the page, "Top Contributors". Click on it. It will show you the biggest contributing single-issue, pro-Israel PACs. You can if you wish, do a Google search on each of those PACs.

http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/contrib.asp?Ind=Q05&Cycle=2008

[LeftishBrit]

9. Good news!

I also like the left-wing pro-Israel organization www.ameinu.net.

Lobbying for an Arab/Israeli peace deal is one form of lobbying that sounds good to me!

www.allmep.org

[mogster]

10. Rock'n roll! n/t

:-)

[defendandprotect]

11. Down with the Jewish Fundies/neo-cons . . . about time !!!!!

Nixon armed the right-wing Israelis --- and here we are ---

Every people have among them good and bad --- left and right wing --- extremeists ---
including religous extremeists ---

In the case of Israel/Jews no one wanted to admit that!!!

America has used neo-con Israelis to take over the ME ---

It is said that Israel and America's weapons production is so closely intertwined that you can't
tell the difference between them!!!!

[mogster]

12. Web page and video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8TN5Rs_5sk

http://www.jstreet.org/homepage

[hootinholler]

13. How long before they are labeled anti-semite?

Maybe in a few years the AIPAC can be vigorously prosecuted.

-Hoot

[bushmeister0]

15. How long before they're labeled "anti-Semites"? What time is it now?

[leftynyc]

21. Prosecuted for what? (n/t)

[hootinholler]

37. Spying for openers. n/t

[leftynyc]

39. The whole organization?

Or are you speaking of the two gentlemen who belonged to the organization and are in the middle of a case? And are we now using guilt by association? They belonged to AIPAC so the entire organization is corrupt?

[rockymountaindem]

29. I think the ratio of people fearing charges of "anti-Semitism" in the I/P discussion

to the amount of people who are actually accused of such is probably 10:1. I'm so sick of that inoculation bullshit as if anybody is actually *trying* to shut down the debate with "anti-Semitism" accusations. That's just a red herring.

[mmonk]

14. Yes.

I heard of a desire to do this. Glad to see it may be coming forward.

[xchrom]

18. this should be interesting. nt

[npincus]

22. Bitter Jews ROCK!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

32. lol!!!!!!

[npincus]

38. Shalom!

I'm as bitter as Passover horseradish! :rofl: :hi:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

40. Shalom.... and

now you have me craving bitter horseradish on matzoh! lol!

:hi:

[Karenina]

49. Chag Sameach

und gut Pesach!!!

[KharmaTrain]

23. AIPAC Is The 28% Of American Jews...

I got to know a lot about AIPAC in the 70's...a majority of its members and supporters were from the most Conservative and Orthodox denominations of Judiasm...and was a political/financial arm of Likud. In those days the debate raged among many I knew who supported Israel but what constituted peace and security. For many, AIPAC split the difference as it supported a strong Israel (US aid) and was "pledged to a comprehensive" peace in the region. That definition has changed many times over the years...as the power has grown and so has a greater disconnect and angst among many American Jews.

Just like how many feel the conservatives and wingnuts "stole" the repugnican party, many Jews feel AIPAC and Likud has now stolen the Jewish identity...and as we see here on DU, it's a valid perspective. In its zeal to "support" Israel, it's become more entrenched in the "absolutism" of Likud and the ultra nationalists within Israel that control power and, in turn, give AIPAC its power. Also, just like this country, the moderates and liberals are shut out of the process...so I very much welcome this new group and am encouraged that they can return some sanity to both the politics of Israel and the perception many have of both the Israeli people and American Jews.

[Wilms]

33. Well, according to LeftNYC, you are an "ignorant slug" for making "that stupid connection".

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3158276#3159732

[Raksha]

50. AIPAC and Likud have "stolen" Jewish identity...

I never thought of it that way before, but now that you mention it, that's exactly what they've done. Flat-out co-opted and hijacked what never belonged to them.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

36. Excellent new!

This is long overdue -- I wish them much success.

[Indenturedebtor]

43. This is a most welcome development

Though I have SERIOUS doubts that we will see peace in our lifetimes. It has been offered many times and rejected just as many. But good luck!

[bagimin]

51. This is most welcome news

I hope it gets some coverage on the TV.

[Karenina]

52. . .