To the Editor:
J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami attacks me in his Op-Ed titled "Making the case for ‘Yes.’ " I am proud to find myself among Alan Dershowitz, Elie Wiesel and Joe Lieberman on J Street’s “enemies list.”
My opponent, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), is one of J Street’s biggest supporters in Congress. She also held a fund-raiser with Helen Thomas in May that J Street attended.
The choice is clear for pro-Israel voters.
Ben-Ami and J Street threw a cocktail party recently in Chicago on the eve of Tisha B’Av, the Jewish day of mourning for Jerusalem. En route to the synagogue, I dropped in and challenged Ben-Ami to host a community forum for me and my opponent, the way real pro-Israel groups do.
He said no. J Street’s leaders are not interested in debate, only division.
In its attack ad, J Street includes several Jews in the evil “Chorus of No,” but none in the good “Community of Yes.” Recently, Ben-Ami also asked the Obama administration to single out Jewish charities that J Street opposes.
For J Street, being “pro-peace” means attacking Jewish leaders and institutions. It is the wrong approach, at the wrong time.
Joel Pollak
GOP nominee, U.S. Congress
9th District, Illinois
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
