J Street/NIF Conference Reflects Confused Identity Self-proclaimed “pro-Peace” and “pro-Israel” group provides forum for “one-state” incitement
JERUSALEM – Demonstrating its narrowing support, most of the speakers, sponsors, and honorees of J Street’s 2011 conference are either New Israel Fund (NIF) officials, grantees or NIF’s financial backers. And despite J Street and NIF’s claim to back a “two state solution” and oppose boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaigns targeting Israel, the speaker slate is dominated by pro-BDS activists. Some were participants in or defenders of the “Free Gaza” flotillas; refer to Israel as an “apartheid state;” and promote lawfare cases against Israeli officials on false “war crimes” charges in Europe. This agenda, said Jerusalem-based NGO Monitor, is inconsistent with J Street’s effort to portray itself as a “pro-peace” and “pro-Israel” group.
“This conference is a further reflection of the confused policies of J Street and the New Israel Fund, and projects an agenda that directly undermine the values they claim to support,” says Prof. Gerald Steinberg, president of NGO Monitor. “It also shows how fast and how far J Street has fallen – it sought recognition as a big-tent organization for the pro-Israel ‘peace’ movement, yet it gives voice to those whose rhetoric and actions do not promote coexistence and mutual understanding. Rather, they demonize Israel and foster an environment that makes peace less attainable. This is the antithesis of support for Israel, and explains why so many have stayed away from J-street.”
NGO Monitor notes the following scheduled speakers at the J Street/NIF Conference:
- Mustafa Barghouti, former candidate for the presidency of the PA and founder of the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees, took part in the “Free Gaza” flotillas and participates in BDS activities. He also uses “apartheid” rhetoric, “ethnic cleansing” and refers to “Israeli Bantustans” and “Ghettos.”
- Rebecca Vilkomerson, of Jewish Voice for Peace, is actively involved in the BDS movement and vigorously defends the legitimacy of hate-filled, if not antisemitic, BDS campaigns. Vilkomerson also states that “Jewish Voice for Peace cannot be enthusiastic about U.S.-brokered peace talks that actually perpetuate the occupation.”
- Michael Sfard, the legal representative for Yesh Din, Breaking the Silence, and many other NIF-funded NGOs, promotes the arrest of Israeli officials in Europe, and testified as a paid expert witness on behalf of the PLO in a lawsuit brought by victims of terror attacks perpetrated by the Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades. He also is a member of the “Support Committee” for the Russell Tribunal on Palestine, a mock court putting Israel and its allies “on trial”.
“J Street alienated mainstream supporters, such as Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), and it is left with supporters who care mainly about demonizing and isolating Israel,” Steinberg adds. “J Street’s ‘pro-Israel’ credentials have been challenged since the organization’s inception, but to lose its ‘pro-peace’ credentials – by inviting speakers that do anything but contribute to peace – is particularly telling.”
Read NGO Monitor’s reports on the 2011 Conference, J Street, and NIF.
