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J Street defends College Democrats co-sponsorship amid backlash over Hasan Piker speech

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • J Street is defending its co-sponsorship of the College Democrats of America convention after facing criticism for featuring streamer Hasan Piker, who holds anti-Zionist views.
  • The liberal pro-Israel group stated it had no role in selecting speakers and disagreed with much of Piker's rhetoric.
  • The controversy highlights a growing divide within the Democratic party over engaging with progressive spaces that host anti-Zionist voices.

J Street is standing by its decision to co-sponsor the College Democrats of America convention, even as critics accuse the liberal pro-Israel group of endorsing anti-Zionist streamer Hasan Piker, a featured speaker at the event. The organization's campus arm, J Street U, reportedly spent a small amount for an exhibit table and had no involvement in choosing speakers or approving the program.

J Street disagrees with much of what Hasan Piker says and with the way he says it. We won’t hesitate to say so.

— J StreetStatement from J Street regarding their stance on Hasan Piker's rhetoric.

In a statement, J Street emphasized its disagreement with much of what Hasan Piker says and how he says it. However, the group rejects the idea of abandoning spaces where the next generation of Democratic leaders debate critical issues. The convention, held in Washington D.C., featured other speakers including Rep. Jamie Raskin and Randi Weingarten.

But we also reject the notion that the right answer to his invitation is to abandon the very spaces where the next generation of Democratic leaders is debating these issues.

— J StreetJ Street's justification for co-sponsoring the convention despite Piker's presence.

The backlash came from several pro-Israel commentators who deemed it inappropriate for a Jewish group to share a platform with an anti-Israel figurehead. Senator John Fetterman also questioned J Street's decision to engage with individuals like Piker.

If J Street knew that he is one of the key speakers and still sponsored this event, it’s a new low.

— Nadav PollakA lecturer on Middle East affairs criticizing J Street's decision.

This online dispute underscores a broader division within progressive circles regarding engagement with spaces where anti-Zionist voices have gained influence. J Street U has recently faced resistance from both sides, including at Sarah Lawrence College, where its student senate rejected a chapter application due to its Zionist identity, while J Street itself faced criticism for endorsing an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.

Even Jewish kinds of organizations like J Street are doing events with people like Hasan Piker. Hasan Piker, I mean, how can you embrace people like that?

— Senator John FettermanPennsylvania Democrat questioning J Street's engagement with Hasan Piker.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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