Jonathan Sarna, a historian of American Judaism at Brandeis University...said Ben-Ami’s disclosures about Soros’s involvement had hurt his credibility and fueled questions about the organization’s posture toward Israel.
“I have no doubt that there are some people who would vilify anybody to the left of them,’’ he said. “I actually think, in this case, it’s all about the community’s question, which is totally legitimate from my perspective as an observer, of ‘What is J Street?’ Is it simply a progressive organization that supports a different policy for the state of Israel, or is it a Trojan horse for anti-Israel activists?’’
versus this
Ben-Ami said he was surprised by Beth Avodah’s 11th-hour decision to cancel.
His appearances, he said, frequently provoke controversy, but rarely result in cancellations. “My reaction is really one of sadness that this is the state of the conversation in some parts of the Jewish community,’’ he said. “That a small handful of zealous donors to an institution can prevent a larger community from an open and honest conversation is a real shame.’’
Source
Really worthwhile data, much thanks for the post.
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