Anyone who’s been blogging for a while is used to receiving unsolicited emails. On a daily basis, I get numerous notes and pitches, most of which have a Jewish theme. Some are relevant, others are not, but the occasional few are downright repulsive.

Unbeknownst to me, my email was somehow added to a mailing list for a group called Jewish Voice for Peace, Boston Chapter. (If you’re not familiar with them, google it. I won’t link to them for obvious reasons.)

This radical, anti-Zionist group opposes many existing and proposed Jewish settlements in Israel, condemns AIPAC, spreads fake, pro-Arab propaganda, has been classified as a hate organization by the ADL, and, most shocking of all, actually supports the BDS movement that aims to bankrupt the State of Israel!

According to their own website, these are their stated goals, all of which are rejected by every legitimate member of the Jewish community who know it’s simply not true:

• An end to the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
• Full and equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel
• An end to unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel.
• Recognition of Palestinian refugees right to return home.

Obviously, this group is on the opposite end of the spectrum from my views, as I wrote last year when I discussed my utter contempt for JVP and their activities. Nothing has changed since then. There is not one idea they put forth that I don’t completely, wholeheartedly reject. I support America. I support Israel. I support Jewish values. I support rational thinking. I support truth, justice, and honesty. These sickos do none of the above.

On the deepest, most personal level, it saddens me that there are other Jews in the Boston area that participate with this band of misfits. (Yes, it’s their right to do so, but it’s also tragic.) Obviously, I can easily remove myself from a mailing list and I don’t have to attend any of their crazy events. What I can’t do, however, is pretend that it’s ok. It’s definitely not ok and those of us who truly want to help our fellow Jews, both in Israel and the Diaspora, have to warn others about the danger.

Not all Jewish groups are good; that’s the unfortunate truth. Some of them actually have a hidden anti-Semitic agenda. Before we give our time, our money, or our stamp of approval to them, it is vital that we research what we’re supporting. I challenge anyone to prove to me that JVP has anything good to offer. (They don’t!) Remember: they can’t exist without funding and if that money dries up, they will stop.

Beyond not giving them money, we should be combatting the lies, I think, through blogs and social media. When they tweet something that’s blatantly false, we can refute it. When they post fake pictures on Facebook, we can refute that, too. There are reasonable, legal, and healthy ways to fight hate, after all.

If, like me, you denounce Jewish Voice for Peace and other sick groups like them, make it known publically. Good, truthful, God-glorifying speech has to eventually drown out the lies and filth, so please don’t stay silent!