October 29, 2006

Sir, - Isi Leibler's article "Take on the billionaires" (October 24) grossly distorted the positions of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace.

By calling on the US government to become "more involved" in ending the "violence and retribution" between Israel and its Arab neighbors, we were not being Orwellian as Leibler suggests. Brit Tzedek is a pro-Israel organization that would never call on the United States to "reverse its support for Israel." To the contrary, we advocate for US leadership in achieving a negotiated two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, because it is key to Israel's long-term peace and security.

Brit Tzedek is a nationwide network of 39 chapters and 35,000 supporters advocating for our pro-Israel, pro-peace position. Our dramatic growth in less than five years leaves us no need to exaggerate our "public profile." Additionally, polls of American Jews consistently show strong support for Brit Tzedek's call for a negotiated, two-state solution to the conflict. As Leibler himself notes, Brit Tzedek successfully worked to moderate the Palestinian sanctions bill by mobilizing our grassroots network.

We are greatly encouraged, yet not surprised, that leading American Jewish philanthropists are contemplating investing in pro-Israel, pro-peace advocacy. Nothing will bring them or Israel a better return on their investment.

Diane M. Cantor
Executive Director
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Savannah, Georgia