The Orthodox Union’s blog is criticizing what it calls the "pro-peace process Jewish left" for its failure to react to Mahmoud Abbas’s comments that he has "nothing" to do except wait:
These statements by Abbas and his people, brazenly acknowledging they have little interest in the peace process (and also saying they couldn’t accept the incredible concessions offered a few months ago by previous Prime Minister Olmert) was so at odds with devotees to the peace process and the view that any problems it suffers must be the fault of Israel, that on Saturday the New York Times criticized Abbas for his statement of "depressing passivity" and called upon him to do more.
But where is the dismay of the "pro-peace-process" Jewish left? Oh. they were quick last week to applaud Secretary of State Hilary Clinton for pressing Israel for a settlement freeze, and calling upon Congressman Eric Cantor to explain why he was more supportive of Israel of late than other members of congress.
But they haven’t said a word about Abbas’ transparent treachery.
Does the Jewish left only exist to blame Israel?
We asked J Street executive director Jeremy Ben-Ami (who is pro-peace process but argues he’s not left, he’s actually in the Jewish center) what he thought of Abbas’ comments, and he felt that they were being misinterpreted.
Abbas believes the Palestinians are "fulfilling their commitments," such as beefing up security, and "now it is the turn of the Israelis," said Ben-Ami, who along with representatives of other non-profit groups and think tankers met with the Palestinian leader when he was here last week. "He wasn’t saying we don’t have to do anythying. He was saying they are doing what they are supposed to do."
