Defend Institutions.
It is institutions that help us to preserve decency. They need our help as well. Do not speak of “our institutions” unless you make them yours by acting on their behalf. Institutions do not protect themselves. They fall one after the other unless each is defended from the beginning. So choose an institution you care about – a court, a newspaper, a law, a labor union – and take its side.
-Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny
Supporting J Street Defends the Institution of Democracy
Democracy is the institution most in need of defense at this moment. It is in danger both in the United States and in Israel. One of the ways I deal with that danger is activism with J Street, which is a strongly pro-democracy organization. Through meeting with elected officials in Washington and raising money to support the organization, I believe that I am reinforcing democratic values in both countries. Whenever possible, I make my political contributions through the J Street PAC so that the message of commitment to Palestinian rights, alongside Israeli security, comes through with every campaign contribution. For me, this not only represents a commitment to democracy. It is also an act of commitment to the Reconstructionist movement, its policies and its values. Similarly, my volunteer work for our movement reinforces religious pluralism, a commitment to democracy and a recognition that the spiritual life of our movement sustains our values.
