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June 16, 2000/13 Sivan I 5760, Vol. 52, No.41
What's a Jewish issue?
MARTY LATZ
Special to Jewish News
Reliable observers estimate more than 90 percent of Jews are pro-choice, and that most Jews support gun control.
If that is true, shouldn't Jewish public advocacy organizations - Jewish Community Relations Council, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League - officially support reproductive choice and gun control?
Not necessarily. In fact, identifying and prioritizing issues on which to advocate is one of the most challenging and oftentimes controversial responsibilities of these organizations.
The question has arisen recently regarding "our" response to the Howard Mechanic matter, as well as in the ADL lawsuit in Denver, where the allegations of anti-Semitism in a dispute between neighbors resulted in a multi-million dollar verdict against the group.
Guidelines that help determine what is a "Jewish" issue warranting community attention make sense. Here are a few suggestions:
Consider to what extent the issue affects Jews or a particular segment of the Jewish community. Does it directly impact us as Jews or as members of the general community? If we get involved, what are the financial ramifications for the Jewish community?
Take the issue of U.S. immigration policy during the 1980s and 1990s, which did not affect a great number of Jews but substantially impacted Russian Jews. We advocated aggressively for the rights of those wishing to emigrate from the former Soviet Union.
Determine the extent to which an issue reflects traditional or historical Jewish concerns, such as discrimination, free speech, religious and cultural freedom, and separation of state and religion. Although ethnic cleansing in Kosovo had little to no direct impact on the Jewish community, Jews - especially since the Holocaust - have traditionally vigorously fought against genocide.
Consider the level of support within the Jewish community and also the political consequences of potentially divisive controversy. Although many Jews support gun control, others strongly oppose it. Overriding a vocal or active minority may ultimately create a divisive internal power struggle, weakening an organization. Taking a position could also divide the Jewish community, diminishing communal effectiveness in other arenas.
Factor in potential effectiveness and prioritize it with respect to other issues competing for communal time and money. Our organizations have limited staff, time, financial and political resources. We must prioritize based on potential impact or moral imperative.
Determine whether taking a stand is consistent with the organization's mission. For example, if a Jewish organization's mission largely revolves around fund raising for a variety of Jewish causes, how might it respond to a major donor who is pro-life and who threatens to withdraw his support if the organization takes a pro-choice stand? The organization must weigh the financial ramifications of its action.
Our Jewish organizations face difficult questions every day concerning emergent issues. Among these is whether or not to get involved. Sometimes the answer is obvious. Often it's not. Carefully considered standards can help clarify what's at stake along the ways.
Marty Latz is a Valley attorney and negotiations consultant. Send comments to Latz@NegotiationInstitute.com.
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