Boston Jewish Charity Blasts Ad Linking it to ‘Anti-Israel’ Efforts

The Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston yesterday assailed another organization’s advertisement accusing it of supporting “anti-Israel extremism,” says The Boston Globe.

The full-page New York Times ad taken out by the Emergency Committee for Israel, in Washington, targets the Boston group and other charities for supporting Media Matters for America and the Center for American Progress, liberal groups the committee contends are biased against Israel.

People associated with both groups have published comments about supposed “Israel-firsters” who favor Israeli over U.S. interests.

Combined Jewish Philanthropies head Barry Shrage said the ad “distorts the reality” of its ties to the two groups, which have received contributions from the Boston charity’s donor-advised funds but not grants from its general fund. Mr. Shrage said both support Israel’s right to exist and do not back boycotts, sanctions, and other actions against it.