Israel Matzav

Like rats deserting a sinking ship

I have often said that I believe that an Obama defeat in 2012 would spell the end of J Street. Now, for the third time this year, a senior J Street operative is bailing out.

It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing that Hadar Susskind, J Street’s Vice President of Policy and Strategy, is moving on to a new position with Tides, a values-based infrastructure platform for social change. Hadar will join Tides as Senior Vice President/Managing Director and will formally leave J Street on September 30.

J Street is sad to lose such a talented and dedicated colleague, but we are excited about the new responsibilities and challenges that Hadar will be taking on in his new role. He will be opening the Washington DC office for Tides at a time of strategic recalibration, and will lead the creation of a “Tikkun Olam Fund” to support Jewish social justice work, an area where Hadar has a strong and passionate interest.

Hadar has been our chief legislative officer for the past two years, during which he oversaw our growing influence and impact in Congress. He has been a tireless voice for J Street on the Hill, and an important member of our senior team.

I am very grateful for all that Hadar has done to advance the cause of peace and security for Israel and for a more open conversation in the American Jewish community.”

Adam Kredo reports that J Street is not so happy.

As one of J Street's top political operatives (arguably the number two in command behind founder Jeremy Ben-Ami), Susskind directed the group's government affairs team and managed its political campaigns. He also played a key role in helping J Street's political action committee navigate the 2010 election cycle (which cost J Street many of its congressional backers).

...

It's unclear what this means for a group that's seen its share of PR woes in the past year - and has been waging a full-court press to put things back on track. But Susskind's loss will likely be felt. He's operated for years at the intersection of the Jewish community and politics, and is well known among insiders in both groups.

*A J Street spokesperson tells me that the group doesn't have a replacement lined up quite yet. "We are in the midst of reevaluating our structural needs right now," the official told me.

...

A former J Street official tells me that Susskind's departure isn't likely to leave J Street feeling "happy."

"It's a hell of an opportunity for Hadar to go work for Tides, especially with the portfolio as it's laid out," said Isaac Luria, who left J Street in April after serving as its new media guru. "J Street can't be happy to see him go, but don't see how he could have turned such an interesting opportunity down."

Like rats deserting a sinking ship while they can before 2012. Ben Ami will soon be the only one left.

Heh.

Labels: Hadar Susskind, J Street, Jeremy Ben Ami

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:42 AM