Zionism is the unwavering support for a Jewish state in its ancestral homeland. It is the recognition that, as the indigenous people of Israel, Jews have the right to live in peace and security without denying the rights of others. It is not about exclusion. It’s about survival, dignity and self-determination after thousands of years of persecution and exile.
Every few years, the World Zionist Congress, the legislative body for the World Zionist Organization, gives Jewish communities worldwide the power to choose their representatives. These representatives will have access to billions of dollars that shape the future of Israel and the global Jewish community.
Billions. Let that sink in.
So why are groups that actively undermine Israel’s security, who lobby the U.S. government to withhold weapons in Israel’s hour of need, who stand with those chanting “From the river to the sea,” and who fight against the Antisemitism Awareness Act meant to protect Jews everywhere given a seat at the table? Why are organizations like J Street, which openly take money from those hostile to Israel, given a platform and a share of these critical resources?
I sent a letter to the chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Yaakov Hagoel, with a simple request:
“Please consider accepting this resolution at the WZO to block the participation of any party that seeks to undermine Israel’s ability to defend itself against hostile entities that openly call for its destruction. J Street is currently engaged in such activities, posing a significant threat to our collective security.”
I received no response.
Israel is not a political pawn, and asking that those who oppose it not be able to participate in the WZO is a matter of human rights, of life and death. J Street and its allies have hijacked the conversation, spreading misinformation, standing with those who call for violence and putting Jewish communities at risk. Zionism is not about enabling those who seek our destruction. There are many ways to love and support Israel, but undermining its security and safety is not one of them.
I may not agree with every group’s strategy, but I respect those who put Israel’s security first. J Street, by contrast, takes money from left-wing billionaire George Soros, opposes the globally recognized International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism and lobbies against Israel’s interests, even as its members run for control of billions of dollars meant for our people’s future.
Why are those whose actions harm us given access to these resources? Israel deserves better. The Jewish people deserve better. It’s time for real leadership. We need leaders who will call out and reject groups that undermine our safety, regardless of their members’ religion or politics.
When members of Atlanta’s mainstream Jewish community stood up to voice our disapproval of our senators’ votes against supporting Israel, J Street rushed to provide cover for the anti-Israel narrative, claiming to speak for “the Jewish community.” They do not speak for the majority of us. They do not represent our values. I don’t care about their words; I care about their actions.
We cannot allow our community to be hijacked by those who spread misleading political propaganda and endanger our future. The WZO and mainstream Jewish leadership must take a stand. Enough is enough. The time for silence is over. The time for courage and clarity is now.
