dotCommonweal's needler-in-chief, Gerelyn Hollingsworth, has needled yours truly for failing to mention the vote of the American Studies Association to boycott Israeli academic institutions (but not Israeli academics) for the West Bank occupation and settlements. NYTimes report.

INSTEAD, here is a report of a community discussion, "What it means to be pro-Israel in America?" held at the esteemed 92nd Street Y.

Apparently it means different things to different people (surprise!).  Panel members included Jeremy Ben-Ami of J Street, David Harris of the AJC, and John Podhoretz of Commentary, with Jane Eisner of the Forward moderating (sort of). The audience also seems to have played an active part. It is refreshing and edifying to know that within the Jewish community, there are people willing to think about and debate this fraught subject (though one of the panelists left in a huff).  Haaretz (Chemi Shalev)  gives a vivid account of the proceedings.