Jewcy is live at the 2011 J Street conference in Washington D.C. Stay tuned to this page for live streaming of all the events, citizen journalism pieces and other updates beginning at 7 PM EST. Saturday through Monday.
Sunday, February 27th
9:15 AM In the “Working with Christian Communities towards a Two-State Solution” the Mike Huckabee jokes are flying.
9:25 AM People echoing the sentiment that the uprisings in the Arab world are not about Israel.
9:30 AM Person sitting next to me says “this is going to be a Tzipi Livni lovefest.”
9:45 AM “It doesn’t feel like peace is going to come from Israel.” – Member of the crowd making statement, not asking a question.
10:oo AM We’re updating testimonials from participants at the conference. First up are Tania and Steve.
10:15 AM Next session about to start; there are still danishes and 3 people made cracks about “They’re pushing us in like livestock.” Always awkward.
10:30 AM Discussion of the Israeli populations political breakdown. 45% consider themselves right-wing, 27% center, 17% left and 12% unidentified.
10:43 AM New Israel Fund’s Naomi Chazan: ‘Israel is in democratic recession.”
10:50 AM New Israel Fund’s CEO, Daniel J. Sokatch, gives us a testimonial as to why he’s at J Street.
12:00 PM “Must ensure that the legitimate rights of the people are protected whilst their just cause is not hijacked by radical movements” – Ron Pundak.
12:15 PM We talked to Eric Alterman from The Nation.
12:25 PM Mona Eltahawy talking about revolutions through hashtags.
1:15 PM If There was a drinking game for every time we heard “3rd party,” hashtag,” and of course, “peace,” the blood alcoholic level of this place could fuel half of Africa.
2:30 PM After the exodus to Chipotle, we’re back in session with “Resolving the Middle East Conflict as a Core American National Security Interest.”
2:45 PM “Every US president since Truman has thought solving the Middle East conflict is a US national security concern.” – Brian Katulis, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
4:30 PM “Netanyahu is not in control of his government.” -Yoel Hasson, Member of Knesset (Kadima). Says the (Israeli) government will become unstable in 2012.
Monday, February 28th
9:10 AM Chief Presidential adviser on the Middle East, Dennis Ross, emphasizes US support of Egypt.
9:20 AM Ross emphasizing how the US has not forgotten about Middle Eastern partners and allies in the last few weeks. Leads into talking about Israel.
9:25 AM “There has never been a time when US support for Israeli security has been stronger than it is now.” – Ross
10:00 AM “You can’t be a friend of Arab freedom if you’re on the wrong side of Palestinian freedom.” – Daniel Levy, New America Foundation
10:10 AM “In Tahrir Square I never heard Israel mentioned. This is about gaining dignity and rights.” – Roger Cohen from The New York Times
3:00 PM Going into “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions in 2011: Who’s Afraid of the BDS?” This is one of the most talked about controversial panels of the entire conference.
3:45 PM Stepped out of BDS panel for a moment. 3 people who want to get in started to scream at me. They backed off when I told them I was grabbing my asthma inhaler.
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