It’s too easy for J Street to pile on when the alleged abuser is a conservative Republican. It’s far more difficult, and costly, for J Street to go after fellow leftists who abuse language. But that is its responsibility if it is to assume the role of protector of Jewish sensibilities. I doubt it is a role the organization is willing to assume, except when it serves the interests of its real clients: the Democratic Party, the Obama administration and the left. That is why they went after Palin, even though her remarks had nothing to do with Israel or peace.
Any genuine lobby group for Israel and for peace must assure that support for Israel and for peace remains a bipartisan concern. J Street wants to turn it into a partisan wedge issue that divides Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, young and old. That’s why it focuses so much criticism against Republicans who support Israel.
Such divisions do not serve the interests of peace or Israeli security.
Alan Dershowitz, a noted attorney and law professor, is the author, most recently, of the novel “The Trials of Zion.”