J Street, the alternative Israel lobby, has raised a ton of money from 10,000 people. The Atlantic reports:
According to estimates provided to The Atlantic by Executive Director Jeremy Ben-Ami, the group has brought in a total of $11.2 million since its inception: $1.2 million in 2008, $3.3 million in 2009, and $5 million so far in 2010 to its nonprofits, plus $576,000 in political contributions in the 2008 election cycle and $1.1 million since then. The group expects to grow its budget to $7 million in 2011.
Big contributions to J Street from George Soros and his family ($250,000 a year for three years) have stirred attacks on J Street in the conservative Jewish community–from the JTA’s Ron Kampeas and Eli Lake of the Washington Times.
Today Jeremy Ben-Ami of J Street has responded to the criticism on the J Street blog, admitting that he was “less than clear” about Soros’s involvement, but emphasizing the divide here inside the organized Jewish community/lobby:
You and I have built something spectacular in J Street…. J Street is providing hope for those who’ve lost it on this issue and a voice for those who feel they have been silenced. We’re giving inspiration to moderate Israelis and, yes, to Palestinians who still believe there is a way to live side-by-side in two states in peace and security.
We’ve built a base of 160,000 supporters, established local groups in 35 communities and on over 50 college campuses. Our 45 staff are in 8 cities around the country.
We’ve tapped into a pent-up longing in the Jewish community and beyond for a home that marries a love of Israel with a deep desire for long-term peace and security through a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
And a lot of people don’t like that.
