J Street has released a statement on the Goldstone Report that, unlike the other pro-Israel organizations that have spoken out, doesn’t condemn the document but urges the Jewish state to set up a commission to investigate the accusations.
"J Street agrees with Israelis, such as Minister Isaac Herzog, that some of the concerns with the report would have been better addressed had the Israeli Government cooperated with the investigation in presenting its own findings," said J Street executive director Jeremy Ben-Ami. "We urge the Israeli government to establish an independent state commission of inquiry to investigate the accusations, something Israel has done on several occasions in the past."
"J Street strongly condemns Hamas for its actions both before and during the Gaza war – actions which the report says may amount to crimes against humanity," he said, also adding that "the past cannot be changed by reports and commissions" and "Israelis, Palestinians and the international community led by the United States must focus on forging a better future — beginning with this week’s trilateral meeting hosted by President Obama."
The full statement by Ben-Ami is after the jump:[[READMORE]]
J Street has reviewed the Goldstone report in its entirety over the past several days.
J Street agrees with Israelis, such as Minister Isaac Herzog, that some of the concerns with the report would have been better addressed had the Israeli Government cooperated with the investigation in presenting its own findings.
We urge the Israeli government to establish an independent state commission of inquiry to investigate the accusations, something Israel has done on several occasions in the past.
J Street strongly condemns Hamas for its actions both before and during the Gaza war – actions which the report says may amount to crimes against humanity.
The past cannot be changed by reports and commissions. Israelis, Palestinians and the international community led by the United States must focus on forging a better future – beginning with this week’s trilateral meeting hosted by President Obama.
Purposeful and assertive action is needed now to avert future rounds of violence and bloodshed. A two-state solution, achieved in short order, is the best alternative for Israel to ongoing insecurity and endless rounds of investigations and international opprobrium.
J Street will continue to focus on advancing this goal and supporting those with the courage to lead the way in making the right choices and tough compromises necessary to achieve peace and security in the Middle East and to advance American interests in the region.
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