J Street and Brit Tzedek on Gaza: Very Little for the Grassroots

As described last week, the four main American Jewish peace groups did come out against the assault on Gaza, or at least in favor of ending the attack very soon after it began. Now J Street is first out of the gate with actions slightly better than just signing online petitions. (They are doing that as well, but it's just list building, sigh.)

They are offering talking points, downloadable flyers, and suggesting that you join Brit Tzedek. Of course, if you are from New York (as I am) and you follow the links to the activities of the New York Chapter, you discover that there are no events listed after December 23rd. I'm kinda sorta being critical of the Jewish peace camp in the United States for moving slowly at the grassroots level. I have not yet seen a single in person action or gathering created for American Jews who are critical of Israel and seeking a two state solution. And yes, I looked for activities in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco as well. (If you hear of one, post it below!)

The one bright spot is the Jewish Dialogue Group. You can't really tell from their website, but they are organizing a number of dialogues in major cities. This isn't really activism, but creating safe places for Jews to talk about Israel and Palestine is important. The far right and the far left often try to score political points in a general environment of fear and blame. To the extent that people can deepen their understanding of opposing viewpoints in an environment of mutual respect and compassionate listening, it's a good thing. [Full disclosure: I like the JDG and Mitch is my friend.]

It would still be a wonderful thing if progressive Jews were organizing well publicized meetings to express support for the civilian victims in Gaza and Israel, condemnation of the attack on Gaza, and called for solidarity with Israeli peace and human rights organizations who are doing important work under immensely difficult circumstances.

Last but not least, a word about Jewish Voice for Peace. A few folks let me know how unfair it was for me not to include them in my listing of Jewish peace groups. Here's why I left them out: They are not national, not really, esp. since a bunch of chapters walked away to form the AJJP. Secondly, they do not prioritize political advocacy work aimed at Washington D.C., as the others do. And finally, they are (proudly) not part of the near consensus in organized Jewish community that embraces a two state solution. For these reasons I left them off the list. It doesn't mean I don't like JVP, or their positions, and it certainly doesn't mean I never gave them money or offered them a chance to post their own article on this blog; it just means they aren't in the top four.

Maybe if J Street and Brit Tzedek merge we can fit JVP in as #4.