Rabin, J-Street, & Moral Hazard vs. Privileged Information

Submitted by PezDispenser (Israel), Jul 12, 2014 at 12:34

Dr. Pipes,

Allow me say that Rabin was right in a certain aspect. His quote came at least a decade before J-Street came on the scene. Not only do they have their own opinions on how to improve the conflict, but they actively pursue their agenda to the detriment of the Israeli voter, and to top it off, they do this under the guise of "pro-Israel" branding. This is the worst nightmare of the old-fashioned Israeli - namely, Disapora Jews (not analysts or "Sunday Morning Quarterbacks", but activists!) who have a moral hazard problem working hard to petition the US government with policies that are against what the Israeli electorate voted for and against the stability of the country.

I agree with you that there's this moral hazard concept in Israel about outsiders - especially Diaspora Jews - needing to mind their own business, but on the other hand, things have changed to the point where political activists seek like-minded support from abroad. For example, Israeli Leftists love J-Street and EU funding for their pet political projects, Israeli Rightists love Evangelical support, while middle-of-the-road Israelis might be the only ones left who subscribe to the old-fashioned moral hazard argument.

Your thoughts on the J-Street behavior and anything else I bring up here would be appreciated.

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