This week, we sat down with Phil Gordon, a former National Security Adviser to Kamala Harris and one of the Democratic Party’s leading foreign policy voices to talk about the dramatic shifts in American foreign policy under Trump - from Gaza and Iran to growing tensions with allies and deep debates within the Democratic party itself.
For the average American, the state of Israel is not a concern and yet it is amazing how much time is focus on Israel in the print and broadcast media, social media, and the abundance of talking heads who have made careers pontificating about Israel and the Middle East. The constant focus sucks the air out of the room making it seem as if it’s the only thing that matters which it does to a number of Jewish Americans.
But the focus at J Street *is* Israel. Members and supporters are concerned about Israel and that's who this podcast is aimed at. And I absolutely disagree that Israel is "the only thing that matters" (whatever "matters" means) to a significant number of American Jews. That doesn't mean that J Street should take on everything else that matters to those who care about Israel. We have lots of other outlets for that, but not for clear-eyed discussion of Israel.
For the average American, the state of Israel is not a concern and yet it is amazing how much time is focus on Israel in the print and broadcast media, social media, and the abundance of talking heads who have made careers pontificating about Israel and the Middle East. The constant focus sucks the air out of the room making it seem as if it’s the only thing that matters which it does to a number of Jewish Americans.
But the focus at J Street *is* Israel. Members and supporters are concerned about Israel and that's who this podcast is aimed at. And I absolutely disagree that Israel is "the only thing that matters" (whatever "matters" means) to a significant number of American Jews. That doesn't mean that J Street should take on everything else that matters to those who care about Israel. We have lots of other outlets for that, but not for clear-eyed discussion of Israel.
Israel is the only Jewish state. For much of the media: No Jews, no news.
What???