To the Editor:

The characterization of the organized Jewish community's views on Israel is misguided on several fronts ("On Israel, Jews and Leaders Often Disagree," May 5).  The truth is the majority of American Jews are in the center on Israel, including the major Jewish organizations. To describe them as "conservative" is either misinformed or buying the propaganda of those on the left in the community.

Being in the center means to stand up for Israel, irrespective of partisan views here or over there, on matters of Israel's legitimacy and security, as a moral and strategic ally of the United States and as the party which has been longing and sacrificing for peace for sixty years. Today, it also means a two-state solution.

Outside the mainstream and majority center are two minority wings -- right and left --which get a lot of media attention but don't represent the vast majority of American Jews.

These two wings have always existed, but in keeping with growing polarization in society at large, one hears a lot more about them. The latest, but hardly the first, manifestation of this phenomenon is J Street, claiming to represent the true voice of community. Nonsense now as it was before.

It is not helpful to misread American Jews. It could even be dangerous if policymakers conclude, falsely, that American Jews are about to abandon Israel especially at a time of the growing Iranian nuclear threat and campaigns to delegitimize the Jewish state.