On the year of Israel’s 75th anniversary, the country stands at a historic crossroads. Will Israel remain a country rooted in proud founding ideals of justice, equality and freedom? Will it live up to our shared vision of a just, democratic and thriving state for all its citizens, living in peace alongside its neighbors? Or will it become dominated by religious and nationalist extremists, intent on creating a nation for those like them – to the exclusion of all others. Will they succeed in their efforts to destroy the independence of the judiciary and lock in permanent, undemocratic control over the West Bank, trapping yet another generation of Israelis and Palestinians in a cycle of injustice, violence and conflict? That battle is being fought in the streets, in the courts and in the Knesset. As leaders of the pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy movement here in the United States, J Street believes that our community has to have the backs of those fighting to protect Israel’s democratic future. Can you add your name to our petition and join the pro-democracy movement? At J Street, we’re speaking out for the overwhelming majority of Jewish and pro-Israel Americans who want Israel to live up to the values of justice, democracy and peace enshrined in its Declaration of Independence. The majority who know that – especially in this moment – American leadership is essential to that fight. Together, we must speak out. We must mobilize our communities. We must match the courage, persistence and perseverance of proud Israelis standing on the front lines of this fight day in, day out. We must push our leaders in the White House and Congress to do everything in their power to back the protesters, to stand up to Netanyahu, and to confront this damaging anti-democratic agenda head on. Friends, please take this opportunity to add your name in solidarity with the pro-democracy protest movement >> Thank you for standing with the movement for democracy, peace and a better future. Adina Vogel Ayalon Chief of Staff, J Street | 