The finding of the Pew Survey of “Less Attachment To Israel Among Younger Non-Orthodox” (Oct. 25) can be attributed importantly to the absence, at least until quite recently, of a forum where young Jews could manifest support for Israel while criticizing Israeli government policies many perceive to violate their values regarding human rights and social justice.
The establishment of J Street has attracted many of these disaffected youth back into the Zionist fold, as was strikingly demonstrated by the presence at J Street’s recent national conference of over 900 enthusiastic students from 50-plus colleges around the U.S. (along with — for the first time — Knesset members from six Israeli political parties spanning the ideological spectrum).
They represent a key constituency among the 180,000 J Street supporters who are actively backing the promising efforts of President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry to broker a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Chair, Communications Committee J Street NYC
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