The ad signed by more than 70 Conservative Jews who called out the denomination's synagogue umbrella organization for its vote in favor of J Street's application to join the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Photo: Jews Against Divisive Leadership.

JNS.org – More than 70 Conservative Jews in an advertisement published Thursday called out the movement’s synagogue umbrella organization for its recent vote in favor of J Street’s application to join the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

The ad—which appeared in the New York Jewish Week, The Jewish Press (New York), The Jewish Advocate of Boston, the Washington Jewish Week, and the Baltimore Jewish Times—said J Street has accused Israel of war crimes when it defends itself from missile attacks from Gaza, gives a platform to advocates of the movement to boycott Israel, and has called on the U.S. not to veto U.N. resolutions that are critical of Israel.

The signatories said they were “greatly saddened and disillusioned” that the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) voted for J Street, whose Conference of Presidents bid failed with 22 votes against it, 17 in favor, and three abstentions. J Street needed 34 affirmative votes among the 50-member Conference to gain admission.

“When the USCJ voted for J Street to be admitted to the Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations it acted contrary to the support for Israel we find so important in the Conservative movement,” the ad said. “We don’t feel that your vote represents the views of the vast majority of Conservative Jews.”

The ad’s sponsor, Jews Against Divisive Leadership, paid for a similar ad signed by more than 40 Reform Jews that was published last week.