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While Lauder's supporters say he appeared at the rally as a private citizen and that the rally was apolitical in nature, critics say the rally was an anti-Barak demonstration and that Lauder's appearance compromised the official, pro-government stance of the conference.

When asked to comment on the possible divisive effect his presence may have had upon American Jewry, Lauder's spokeswoman, Janine Kemm, said, "Ambassador Lauder is deeply concerned about the peace and security of Israel, and surely no one would seriously suggest he be muzzled on a vital issue he has cared about his entire life. In fact, remaining silent would be a greater cause for criticism."

Another source in Lauder's office said that, since the rally, the office "has received numerous messages of appreciation and support — from California, from all over, including Israelis."

Despite this, the fallout has already begun for Lauder.

Twelve of the Conference's 54 members sent a letter Wednesday to Lauder and Malcolm Hoenlein, the group's executive vice chairman, calling for a general meeting to discuss Lauder's actions.

The dozen groups say Lauder spoke without a consensus among the Conference's members. They would also like members to define "consensus" for future Conference actions, and any possible sanctions in case a chairman acts without first reaching a consensus.

In the meantime, before that meeting is held, they want Lauder and Hoenlein to send a letter to media and all Conference members, clarifying that Lauder was not speaking on the Conference's behalf.

Before Monday, some Jewish officials had expressed concern that if Lauder appeared at the rally, he would be viewed as American Jewry's official representative. Last Wednesday, conference members decided not to send Lauder to the demonstration under their banner.

"As anticipated, and as we predicted, I have not seen any coverage that did not refer to Ronald Lauder as the chairman of the conference of presidents," said Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch, the executive director of ARZA/World Union North America — formerly known as the Association of Reform Zionists of America. "This is concisely what we were concerned about in not allowing Lauder go and speak. There is damage done to the prestige of the conference of presidents."

The executive director of Mercaz USA — the Conservative Zionist arm — Rabbi Robert Golub, also faulted Lauder for participating in the rally. "The conference should not have been involved in what was a pointedly political rally designed to embarrass the government and oppose the current prime minister," said Golub.

Many leaders commended Lauder for appearing at the rally, including the coordinator of New York's One Jerusalem rally, the Orthodox Union's director of international and communal affairs, Betty Ehrenberg.

"The unity of Jerusalem has been a long-held tenet of the Jewish people and the government of Israel," Ehrenberg said. "Every government of Israel has always urged us to support a concept of a united Jerusalem. In that context, it was thoroughly appropriate."