Israel Matzav

Michael Oren takes a backhanded swipe at J Street

This is from an interview of Israeli ambassador to the United States Michael Oren:

As Oren’s assistant came in for a third time to urge the ambassador to wrap up so he could get to his next appointment, I asked a final question, whether the ambassador actually considered J Street, some of whose supporters incidentally don’t think it is a bad idea to have Israeli leaders tried for war crimes, a pro-Israel organization?

“They claim they’re pro-Israel,” he said, providing a less than ringing endorsement of the George Soros-funded organization. “They are calling for Israel to be condemned in the Security Council for the settlements and they are condemning some of our best friends on the Hill. So they can call themselves what they like.”

Heh.

J Street was also forced on Monday to walk back an attack on Representative Gary Ackerman (D-NY), who recently broke with the organization.

J Street on Monday stuck its tail between its legs, apologizing to Rep. Gary Ackerman for its scathing attack on him last week.

It's unclear whether the apology was prompted by outrage from Ackerman's office or by an internal bout of remorse on J Street's part....

Per the group's website, here is the full statement:

"At times, we miss the mark. In particular, we allow ourselves to be dragged into the bitter hand-to-hand scuffling that marks modern politics, rather than remaining focused on sparking intelligent conversation on difficult issues. Too often, we descend to the level of those with whom we disagree and our campaigns and actions become too personal.

"This happened last week with Congressman Gary Ackerman, when we reacted sharply to statements regarding J Street to which we objected. We may disagree with him over policy matters at times - but he and we share important larger goals for the United States, Israel and the Jewish people. Our discussions with him and with all those with whom we may disagree at times should be conducted with respect.

"So allow me [Jeremy Ben-Ami] to apologize for the tone of our email on Friday."

Here's a prediction: If Obama loses the election in 2012, J Street will quietly fold. It can't happen soon enough.

Labels: Gary Ackerman, J Street, Michael Oren

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:19 AM