Israel Matzav

Gary Ackerman's Soros money

Now that he thinks he's only running against his own handpicked stooge, Representative Gary Ackerman has picked up some Soros money. Here's the invitation.

I am writing today to invite you to an event for J Street, an organization I feel very strongly about. J Street is having an increasing impact on today's political discourse about the Middle East and the involvement of congressional members and their support for J Street policies and policies are vital to the organization's work.

On Wednesday evening, October 13, 2010 at 6:30pm, I am hosting a J Street PAC event benefiting Representatives Gary Ackerman (D-NY5), Dan Maffei (D-NY25) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME1) who each support J Street. They are excellent advocates for pro-Israel, pro-peace positions in Congress and courageous leaders on other progressive issues as well, such as health care and climate change. Jeremy Ben-Ami , the Executive Director of JStreet, will be there to introduce the Congress Members and give an overview of J Street's work and the current state of the peace process in the Middle East.With direct talks between the Israelis and Palestinians having begun, but yet again stalled this week over the settlement issue and the mid-term elections coming up in the U.S, this will be a great opportunity to hear from Jeremy about the intersection between U.S politics and the Middle East. Please consider attending, learning about the organization, and supporting its endorsed candidates.

Demonstrating significant political and financial support for candidates who support strong US leadership in moving the peace process forward gives Members of Congress the political cover they need to stand by the courage of their convictions on this issue. J Street PAC has already raised over $1,000,000 for 62 candidates in this election cycle, making it the single largest pro-Israel PAC. The more funds we can raise for our 62 endorsees -- including our most recent endorsee, Ann Mclane Kuster in NH -- the stronger our views and federal position become.

[snip]

Thank you in advance for your time and support. I wouldn't ask if it weren't important. If you cannot attend, please consider making a contribution to this vital work.

Warmly,

Alexandra

The host of the event is J Street advisory council member Alexandra Stanton.

In a call to The Jewish Week after this item was posted, J Street spokeswoman Amy Spitalnick said the group said the organization "has endorsed both incumbents and challengers for open seats and will continue to do so." She said the group would not disclose whether Ackerman sought out the endorsement.

Read the whole thing - there's a counter event on Sunday in Hillcrest, Queens that you may want to attend.

Liz Berney is still on the ballot.

And the Jewish Press, the world's 'largest Anglo Jewish weekly,' which used to regard itself as politically conservative, endorsed Ackerman? Are they getting Soros money too?

Shame, shame shame!

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:54 AM