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RJC Responds to Jewish Voice Editorial

In the June 12th issue of The Jewish Voice, our editorial staff asked the question: Where in the world is the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC)? Soon after, we received the following letter from in response from Matt Brooks, the executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition. We welcome Mr. Brooks’ response and encourage vigorous debate of issues pertaining to the Jewish community and Israel.

Dear Editor,

Was quite surprised to read your editorial this morning. Almost as surprised that no one from the paper called us to discuss.

Had someone done so, I would have proudly shared with you that just in the past several months alone…

We have opened a new regional office in the Midwest- our first new office in 10years (which will be integral to our efforts in Ohio), we had our largest national event in Las Vegas featuring a number of ’16 candidates, Speaker Boehner, President Bush, Majority Leader McCarthy and many others, we announced our huge Dec 3rd Presidential Candidates Forum, just had our sold out Summer Gala in LA, our leadership has increased by almost 25%, we ran a series of full page ads in the NYTimes supporting PM Netanyahu’s speech before Congress. We’ve been raising literally millions of dollars for our 2016 Senate candidates and Presidential candidates, we just hosted a visit to Israel for Scott Walker and have taken Christie and Perry earlier, our legislative efforts and lobbying have helped ensure that 100% of the Republican Senators are onboard on the Iran issue, have hosted over 100 grassroots events across the country so far this year.

As you can see, we’re far from being quiet and on the sidelines.

Any chance for a retraction?

Thanks,

Matt Brooks – Republican Jewish Coalition

What Happened to the RJC in My Neighborhood?

Dear Editor,

I live in Boynton Beach, Florida and have been a member of the Republican Jewish Coalition for at least ten years. I also belong to Hadassah, ORT and of course, my synagogue. My husband and I are loyal Israel supporting Jews and are very sensitive to the actions of the organizations to whom we give our loyalty in the form of checks and actions.

The RJC is the political organization we have supported ever since the dreadful Oslo Accords in 1993 were set in motion by the then Democrat president, Bill Clinton. We also stand by the Republican Party for its support of the Jewish State. However, lately we notice that the RJC, in our neighborhood anyway, has dropped off the charts. They no longer hold any open community meetings where we would meet other Jews of the same political persuasion and enjoy the benefits of hearing great speakers and plan for election strategies. We seem to be adrift with this organization.

I note that the RJC recently held a huge Hollywood affair to gather in clumps of donations from those media dignitaries and stars whom they honored. Terrific! We need to pat on the backs those who support Israel and the Republican Party’s efforts to keep the freedoms we hold so dear within our own beloved nation. However, they miss the point when it comes to the rank and file dues paying, voting membership. We ordinary Jewish citizens are the ones who take to the sign waving on street corners and do the knocking on doors come Election Day. We speak to our neighbors to educate them on the issues. We also stand as watchdogs in our synagogues and organizations to make sure that those Jewish enemies of Israel are not given the red carpet treatment. AND WE VOTE!

In short, I ask the RJC leadership to remind its nationwide network that we Jewish conservatives are not seen as only relevant at election time. We need to be kept in the know and catered to throughout the year with meetings, discussions and input, so that we will be ready to support the Republican candidates with our voices and votes.

Name Withheld by Request, Boynton Beach, Florida

BDS is No Longer Kosher

Dear Editor,

Judging by announcements coming from Bibi’s new government, it’s clear that defeating the worldwide BDS movement has become a top priority. That means Israel will be ratcheting up their “hasbara” and taking concrete actions to turn up the heat on those who have been playing a double game: waving the Israeli flag in one hand while opening the door to anti-Zionist BDS groups with the other. This is a developing story; BB’s government is still settling in. But keep your eye on the headlines. They’ll soon be making those who once felt at ease aiding and abetting the enemies of Israel very uncomfortable. Stay tuned for more items like this.

Sincerely,

Dan Friedman

Blasts Adelson for Supporting “Hawkish” Israeli Policies

Dear Editor,

With regard to your June 12 editorial, “Kudos to Sheldon Adelson for Battling BDS {Boycott, Divest, and Sanction],” yes, he certainly deserves praise for his aims, which I support, but his backing of the most conservative, hawkish Israeli politicians and policies is counterproductive to these aims. I wish that his efforts to organize groups and raise money to oppose BDS would make a positive difference, but I believe that the best approach to ending BDS and reducing anti-Semitism on college campuses and elsewhere is for there to be a just, comprehensive, sustainable resolution of Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians and nearby Arab states, followed by a Marshall-type plan led by the U.S. and other developed nations to improve the economic and social conditions for all the region’s people. This would replace despair and willingness to commit and condone violence with hope for a better future. Of course such a resolution would have to include provisions to assure Israel’s security as much as possible

I am far from a security mayven but my approach is supported by many Israeli security experts, including all living ex-heads of the Shin Bet, Israel’s security service, and by the Orthodox Jewish group Netivot Shalom. I recognize that Israel has made previous generous peace offers and that failure to reach an agreement is largely due to the Palestinians who, as Abba Eban, former Israeli diplomat and U.N. ambassador pointed out, “never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” But renewed efforts to reach an agreement must be actively pursued  because Israel needs a peaceful resolution to avert renewed violence and increased diplomatic criticism and isolation, effectively respond to her economic, environmental, and other domestic problems, and to remain both a Jewish and a democratic state. Obtaining a solution will, of course, not be easy but it is essential that we seek common ground and solutions with the aim of obtaining a peaceful, prosperous, secure future for Israel.

Very truly yours

Richard H. Schwartz, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, College of Staten Island

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