The Decision to Feature “Peace Now” at the Los Angeles Pro-Israel Rally

Response from the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles

Dear Daryl,

Thanks for your comments. The rally was a demonstration of support for Israel from ALL L.A communities: Jews, Christians, Latinos, Afro- Americans, Asians, Republicans and Democrats, Orthodox conservatives and reform, members of LGBT,  representatives from L.A, Beverly Hills to Long beach and even Minnesota, and yes, from the political right and left. We, the consulate and the Jewish federation, (although here I’m writing on behalf of the consulate and I’m sure Jay and Andrew have their own say) looked at the pro-Israel Zionist camp and invited all to be part of the rally. We are proud all accepted the invitation, from the Governor to the last participant. It may be comfortable to be in the company of people who think just like you, but in this case we had to exclude many participants- and in order not to inflame a fire I will not start mentioning them out but I’m sure you can see what differences exist between the different representatives at the rally. Yesterday we shared and transmitted one common thing- support and love for Israel, and put aside for two hours our opinions on other issues. The fact that an organization that has criticism on some policies of an Israeli government/s finds it appropriate to be part of a pro-Israeli demonstration sends a strong statement of unity in times when it is necessary. Do we really want to push out of the pro-Israeli camp a group that many of it’s members do MILUIM no less- and in some cases more- than other groups represented? who will draw the line who is in? who will we be left with? and who will be the bridge when we try to outreach to critics of Israel from the left who do not care for Israel but might be persuaded?

Last but not least, Peace Now advocates for a two state solution for about thirty years. The last four Israeli P.M -Barak, Sharon, Olmert and Netanyahu. endorsed the two state solution with different emphasises. The Israeli public will speak in our democratic elections -and in between- and we here in the U.S. will express our most vocal support for Israel.

Thanks again for your comments which is evident are coming out of true love and support for Israel.

Gil Artzyeli is Deputy Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles