Iran. While there has been much focus on the political and analytical analysis related to the proposed agreement before Congress Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), I have been absorbed by the hostility, divisiveness, and rudeness from the hundreds of emails I have received, the myriad of news reports I have read, and the phone conferences that I have participated in addressing concerns about the impact this debate is having on the Jewish community.

While the deal itself has been highly politicized, I truly believe that as Americans and as supporters of Israel, we not only have the right, but in fact the obligation, to have a thoughtful and serious debate about this agreement without vilianizing those who have opinions or reach conclusions different than our own.  But that has not been the case.

When our Federation made a statement expressing our concern for the agreement and saying that AS WRITTEN, we could not support it, I received many emails and comments.  Many thanked us for taking that position, but others were highly critical because our statement was “too weak” and did not clearly say that we were opposed. Some of those threatened to pull their financial support of Federation, suggesting that not providing help to care for those in need and build a strong Jewish future was the appropriate way to “punish us” for having taken a position.  Many of those emails used inappropriate comments about our President and others. Others were highly critical of our position arguing in favor of the deal, but once again, used terms, words and phrases that went beyond policy debate and labeled those opposed inappropriately.  And finally, many simply were offended that we made any statement, suggesting that Federation was not in the business of doing so.  Some of those emails came from those who oppose the agreement, but the vast majority came from those who support it.  And once again, many threatened to pull their financial support to Federation.

Even though our Executive Committee also struggled with the decision as to whether we should make a statement and the content of that statement, a conclusion, based on thoughtful deliberations and debates resulted. The conclusion was based upon:

1. Our understanding and knowledge that we do not speak on behalf of the entire Atlanta Jewish Community
2. Our belief that, as longtime and strong supporters of the people of Israel, we could not support the agreement as written
3. Our belief that, as supporters of Israel, with organizational values of Justice, Jewish Peoplehood and a strong Jewish future, this action is mission aligned and required, and
4. That not making a statement would be abdicating our responsibility 

So we did make a statement. Thereafter, the President of the United States asked our Federation system to allow him to address our community through a national webcast. We, the entire Federation system, took the opportunity to continue informing our community about the discussion. Shockingly, rather than choosing whether or not to participate, the criticism rose again, with more inappropriate language.

The proposed agreement with Iran may reflect one of the most serious policy issues of our lifetime.  Given that reality, people and our legislators must reach their conclusions on this issue without being labeled as bad Democrats or Republicans, Anti-Semitic or Anti-Israel, warmongers and dual loyalists, or without personal vendetta.

After Congress makes its decision next month, our lives must go on, no matter what the outcome.  If we are unable to respect and rebuild the relationships with those who held different perspectives, the real battle may begin.

We are stronger together.  We need not agree on everything, but we must not use any one wedge to divide us further.