By Avi Goldwasser, Special to The Jewish Sound
In response to Rabbi Anson Laytner’s article “Challenging ‘The J Street Challenge’” in the March 12 Jewish Sound, it was disheartening to read Rabbi Laytner’s critique of ‘The J Street Challenge,’ a film produced by the non-profit educational organization Americans for Peace and Tolerance (APT). APT has been at the forefront of advocating for Israel on college campuses and in the community.
‘The J Street Challenge’ presents a sober analysis of the perplexing actions of J Street, a lobbying organization that most would agree has become a leading Jewish organizational critic of Israel in recent years. Our film features distinguished speakers from across the political spectrum, including Harvard professors Alan Dershowitz and Ruth Wisse, Rabbi Daniel Gordis, former AIPAC director of research Lenny Ben David, and Jerusalem Post editor Carolyn Glick.
Since its Miami premiere in February 2014, we’ve had over 80 screenings in the U.S., Israel, and Canada, many to sold-out audiences. At almost all the screenings we’ve invited J Street spokespeople and supporters to join us on stage to discuss the film. So far none have accepted our invitation.
The film has come under attack from J Street leaders and supporters who, while proclaiming the importance of vigorous discourse and debate in the Jewish tradition, simultaneously seek to limit discussion on the subject of J Street’s questionable funding and operating methods. Our film highlights J Street’s highly critical approach to Israel’s leaders and harsh criticism of the Israeli government’s policies. ‘The J Street Challenge’ raises concerns about J Street’s founders, donors, policies and the impact it is having on the Jewish community and on pro-Israel activities on college campuses. The film is critical of J Street marketing efforts that seem intent to circumvent Israel’s democratic process by lobbying the Obama administration to coerce the Israeli government.
Our film does not question the well-meaning intentions of most of J Street supporters; it does question the veracity of the organization’s leadership, not unlike what J Street supporters do to Israel’s leadership. Recently, J Street has tweeted its “deep disappointment,” at the results of the Israeli election, claiming “Israel deserves better.”
So it was disappointing to be accused of causing rifts within the Jewish community for presenting a different perspective. It is sad to read false accusations of our motives being used as an argument to deny the film a fair hearing. We all recognize that these are difficult times for the global Jewish community and the importance for Jewish unity.
It was unfortunate that the Washington Coalition of Rabbis issued a letter that attempted to discourage the screening of our documentary in Seattle. Nevertheless, it was encouraging that in the two Seattle screenings so far, over 300 concerned community members had the opportunity to see the film. Of those who have seen the movie, even those who entered as skeptics, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
The Pacific Northwest is known for tolerance and open-mindedness, so we ask that rather than allowing others to decide what can be discussed or seen please watch the film and decide for yourself. Our website is www.thejstreetchallenge.com
Avi Goldwasser is executive producer and director of “The J Street Challenge.”