More than 500 rabbis, cantors, and Jewish communal leaders have signed a letter urging Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, to retract and apologize for calling the liberal pro Israel lobby J Street a 'cancer within the Jewish community.' The signatories said his language dehumanized fellow Jews and deepened divisions at a time of heightened polarization.

The letter emphasized that while Jewish tradition values vigorous debate, disagreements must be expressed with humanity and respect. Prominent figures, including members of Congress and former ambassadors, joined the call for an apology, arguing that leaders have a responsibility to lower tensions rather than inflame them.

J Street President Jeremy Ben Ami said the remarks were damaging not only to relations between Israel and the United States but also to ties between Israeli and American Jewish communities. He added that Israel needs broad support and that dismissing critics risks alienating many Jews who are critical of government policies yet supportive of the state and its people.