Insightful debunking of common misperceptions on what it means to be pro-Israel. This opinion piece was written by the executive director of J Street, a lobby and political action committee promoting peace in the Middle East. The author provides interesting information, based on factual evidence from multiple sources, -- and offers helpful context on an important topic.

Yes, it's good because it tries to reflect discussions which go on in the Israeli press and public all the time, but which are less frequent here. And it reflects things which various American Jewish Mid-East peace groups have been saying for some time. No, it doesn't reflect opposing views, but it's an op ed piece. The fact that the author's family was with Begin in 1948 also is significant.

Ben-Ami redefines what it means to be pro-Israel and points out fallacies in politicians' interpretations. He criticizes the so-called "pro-Israel" faction(s) in US politics, and says supporting the Israeli government's right-wing policies is counterproductive to peace. Well-written and makes excellent sense, but as seems appropriate to an opinion piece, doesn't deal with counter-arguments (if any).

A thoughtful well-written opinion piece. Some points are well sourced but there are several assertions as to what others believe. Nevertheless, I find the piece calm, rational and fairly persuasive.

Another excellent opinion article. The author is well informed and thoughtful. Whether you agre with every point or not is not important, a close and fair look at these issues is of value.

Finally, someone is willing to take on AIPAC. AND, the mainstream media is willing to print it! This is a good start for J Street.

Great rebuttals to the propaganda of AIPAC and their minions; this editorial presents a badly-needed breath of fresh air with respect to Middle East relations.

Shows a willingness to consider a reasoned look at reality. Different than MSM conventional wisdom...(ditto head ostrich like) militant stance. Speaks to much of the campaign saber rattling. More could be made of the consistent squashing opinions other than neo-con/munitions manufactures.

He lost me at point #2. The Hamas Charter explicitly calls out for the destruction of the State of Israel AND the Jews. To be even handed in such a situation is to be a participant in attempted genocide at the very least. Settlements are not an issue. Israel gave them up in the Sinai to get peace with Egypt. It gave them up in Gaza just to get out.

As some comments show, this is one of the hardest issues to put across to the American public in a fair and accurate way. There are always some who will stick with conceptions regardless of evidence. Christian Zionism has to be one of the most horrendous concepts ever dredged from tortured minds, but there are many clearer thinkers being influenced by these simplistic viewpoints stated so forcefully. I believe that most thinking Americans support democratic methods and want the best outcome for Israeli and Palestine people alike. No agreement can be made without all parties being involved in the discussion. Mr. Ben-Ami is clear and correct.

The most important part of this honest, poignant piece is the ending: "The best gift that Israel's friends here could give this gallant, embattled democracy on its milestone birthday would be returning the United States to its leading role in active diplomacy to end the conflicts in the Middle East -- and help a secure, thriving Israel find a permanent, accepted home among the community of nations." The phrase "permanent, accepted home" is particularly telling because in the forseeable future at least some nations -- almost all of them in the Mideast -- will be loath to accept Israel's existence as a nation state. The reason lies in the mists of history: Israel and Pakistan are the only two nations founded on the basis of ... More »

a lot of people in the Arab world already know this thing , but the longer the USA pick and chose who to deal or not to deal with in the middle east regardless of who they represent we are not going to reach a solution