When the ZOA heard the news that J Street was organizing a launch reception in San Diego for their new branch there, the ZOA San Diego chapter quickly mobilized to ensure no false advertising. J Street poses as a “pro-Israel, pro-peace” political home for American Jews when its record and actions actually show it to be a pro-Arab, anti-Israel group. For example, J Street opposed Israel’s defensive Operation Cast Lead military operation to stem rocket attacks from Gaza; it refused to condemn the libelous Goldstone report—which Goldstone himself later retracted; it endorses Congressmen with poor records on Israel while working to unseat pro-Israel Congressmen; and it receives financial contributions from Arab sources that are hostile to Israel.
Members of the local San Diego chapter were on hand with posters and ” title=”San Diego Jewish World” target=”_blank”>San Diego Jewish World:
What percentage in the overflow audience of more than 100 persons at the historic temple in Heritage Park agreed that the Israeli government’s policies are analogous to the intentions of a would-be drunk driver could not be assessed, For the most part, the audience remained silent and respectful during the speeches, and that was true even of those audience members who before the start of the meeting had been picketing outside with such signs as “J Street; the street to Israel’s destruction;” J Street and Hamas, B.F.F;” “Negotiate with ?;” and another signifying that peace is not equal to Jihad.
Howard Dyckman, president of the San Diego chapter of ZOA, said before the meeting that he considers J Street to be “anti-Israel.” He said that J Street wants “the U.S. to put pressure on Israel and they want to appease Hamas.” Furthermore, Dyckman said, the Palestinians have not given up the idea of destroying Israel.
Buhai said all the members of the House and the Senate supported by J Street are pro Israel, mentioning in particular U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and U.S. Rep. Susan Davis, the latter of whom spoke at the J Street meeting.
Orit Arfa, ZOA executive director in its Western Region, before the meeting decried the two-state solution as an “illusion, because it would only lead to compromising Israel’s security and ultimately the dissolution of Israel.” She added that until the Muslim threat against Israel is neutralized, there is no possibility for a solution. “Whenever you have a trade of value for the cessation of violence, it is not a fair trade. You are compromising your security and your ethical principles.”
