We know that pro-Israel does not mean blindly supporting policies
that are irrational, reckless, and counter-productive. Pro-Israel means supporting policies that are consistent
with Israel's interests and promote its survival as a Jewish, democratic state.
You've heard the arguments of the religious and political right-wing, and so have we. They've had their say. Now, we'll have ours.
Go HERE for all installments of APN's "They Say, We Say"
BDS & Criticism of Israel
If the Left wants to protest settlements, it should find ways other than boycotts. By embracing any boycotts, the Left is just contributing to the momentum behind the BDS movement and the delegitimization of Israel.
Some people want to intimidate Americans - Jews and non-Jews, elected officials and the general population - into believing that only hard-line, hawkish positions are "pro-Israel," and that advocating other positions is "anti-Israel." We reject this approach.
APN knows that pro-Israel credentials are not measured in hawkish positions on peace or in anti-Arab grandstanding, but rather in support for policies that promote Israel's security, stability, and viability as a Jewish, democratic state - which requires a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Consistent with this approach, APN advocates for American policies that advance peace and the two-state solution, and speaks out against policies that contradict these goals.
The most pro-Israel Americans - the greatest friends of Israel - are those who understand that Israeli-Arab peace is essential to Israel's security, well-being, and viability as a Jewish state and a democracy. They are the ones who also recognize and embrace this fact: sustained, credible U.S. efforts to achieve Israeli-Arab peace are an essential element of U.S. support for Israel.
Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion (quoted by Ehud Olmert on November 27, 2006) said, "I would consider it a great sin, not only towards our generation but towards future generations as well...if future generations had cause to blame the Government of Israel of missing an opportunity for peace." Pro-Israel means recognizing the tragic costs, now and for future generations, of failing to make peace.