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|  | Michael Oren Photo: AP
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| | | | | J Street director Ben-Ami Photo: Jay Premack
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Leftist lobbying group: Washington ambassador avoiding us
J Street claims Michael Oren evading invitation to annual conference because group too 'progressive'
Yitzhak Benhorin
WASHINGTON – A Jewish lobbying group in the US is claiming that the Israeli ambassador to Washington, Michael Oren, is evading an invitation to their conference.
J Street, which defines itself as an organization that supports Israel and peace, has planned a conference it intends to make annual with the participation of leftist Jewish organizations in the US.
The event has been scheduled for October 25, and among the speakers are former Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami as well as Minister Ami Ayalon.
The Israeli ambassador was also invited, but has so far abstained from sending an RSVP. The embassy says they are considering the matter and that no decision has been made yet.
"We have notified J Street of our positions on matters of state and security. While recognizing the need for a free and open debate on these issues, it is important to stress concern over certain policies that could impair Israel's interests," said Yoni Peled, the embassy's spokesman.
J Street's executive director, Jeremy Ben-Ami, said more than 20 liberal pro-Israel groups and students from more than 250 colleges would be in attendance at the conference. He called on the ambassador to become more involved in "progressive" lobbying for Israel, as opposed to AIPAC's more traditional tone.
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