In open letter to American president, head of WJC Ron Lauder expresses concern over US-Israel rift, says Palestinians refuse to negotiate; letter calls on Obama to quit public criticism of Jewish state http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3876794,00.html<
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"World Jewish Congress President Ron Lauder sent an open letter to the US president expressing his concern about the deterioration in US-Israel relations and calling on Obama to rethink his Middle East policy.
The WJC is the umbrella organization for Jewish communities in 92 states around the world. Lauder is perceived to be a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has served as his emissary to Damascus where he investigated the possibility of starting negotiations with Syria.
"Why does the thrust of this Administration's Middle East rhetoric seem to blame Israel for the lack of movement on peace talks?" Lauder asked in the letter. "After all, it is the Palestinians, not Israel, who refuse to negotiate."
He expressed his fear that the crisis with Israel is part of the "administration's desire to improve relations with the Muslim world," and asserted that "appeasement does not work. It can achieve the opposite of what is intended."
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"In addition, he called on Obama to stop the public criticism of Israel, so that the two countries can contend together with the challenges facing them, first and foremost Iran."
Who speaks for American Jews?<
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"It's the age-old question. Who can claim to speak for American Jews on Israel?
World Jewish Congress head Ron Lauder seems to think he's found the answer. It's him.
In
full-page ads in The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, Lauder claims that "Jews around the world are concerned today" in part because of what he calls the "dramatic deterioration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Israel."
Yes, American Jews are concerned today. They are concerned about the lack of an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the threat that poses to Israel's survival as a democracy and the home of the Jewish people - as well as to American interests.
And in their concern, they - unlike Mr. Lauder - support the President. According to a poll J Street commissioned just three weeks ago, the President's approval rating remains at 62% among American Jews, 15 points higher than his popularity in the general population. Furthermore, over 71% of American Jews support pressing both parties to make the hard compromises necessary for peace.
A second poll conducted by the American Jewish Committee reinforces these conclusions, showing approval of the President's handling of US-Israel relations to be at 55 percent among American Jews.
Lauder can proclaim that there is broad American Jewish support for his positions, but the facts are clear: strong majorities actually support the President, despite attacks from some American Jewish organizations and leaders."
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