J Street Conference: Lots of college students–no press allowed

By David A.M. Wilensky February 27, 2011

There’s a blurry line here at the J Street Conference between press and participant. And between college student and press, insofar as I’m here. The participants’ badges hang on black lanyards, but the press is easy to spot because of our bright orange–just go New Voices, I’m sure–lanyards ours hang on. Every time I see…

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J Street Conference: Clapping for Hate?

By Ben Sales February 27, 2011

There’s a plenary going on right now at the J Street Conference that’s exploring the present democracy movements in the Middle East. Good stuff. Something everyone–and especially the peaceniks here–can get behind. The first two panelists gave unsurprising speeches supporting democracy and the peace process, which elicited some token cheers from a mostly silent crowd….

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J Street Conference: Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! etc.

By David A.M. Wilensky February 27, 2011

Possibly the greatest conference giveaway $5 souvenir item I’ve ever seen: The J Street U shot glass. Unfortunately, I think it may be making the wrong point for them. If you fill these to the green line, you don’t get everything you want. So…

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J Street Conference: I found the one-man protest. And he’s a retired federal judge.

By David A.M. Wilensky February 27, 2011

Herbert Grossman, retired federal judge, is stationed outside the convention center. His sign says, “J STREET: Quislings, Kapos, Appeasars, the New JUDENRAT.” I was surprised to find that there’s only the one. And that he’s a retired federal judge. I was not surprised to find that he’s a tad crotchety. Q: What are you doing…

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J Street Conference: A quarter of this conference is college students

By David A.M. Wilensky February 27, 2011

I’m a little slow on math. Despite the fact that last night’s plenary was full of “there are 2000 people here” and “there are 500 college students here,” it didn’t dawn on me that, if these numbers are accurate, a quarter of the population of this conference is made up of college students. That’s impressive….

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