American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) was founded in 1951 to ensure a strong relationship between the United States and Israel based on shared democratic values and interests. Initially, the organization was known as the American Zionist Council, which sought to lobby Congress for American aid to resettle Jewish refugees in Israel. In 1954, recognizing the limitations of the American Zionist Council’s non-profit status regarding substantial lobbying efforts, the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs was established as a separate lobbying entity. By 1959, to broaden its appeal, the organization changed its name to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and expanded its leadership to include representatives from various organizations.

Isaiah L. “Si” Kenen led the organization from its early stages, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support in Congress and supporting economic assistance to Arab states. AIPAC focused on presenting aid to Israel in a way that is aligned with American national interests. Under Kenen’s leadership, AIPAC achieved success in securing economic and military support for Israel. Its newsletter, the Near East Report, and publication, Myths and Facts, became essential resources for those interested in the U.S.-Israel relationship.

AIPAC strengthened American assistance to Israel during the Six-Day War of 1967 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Despite its successes, AIPAC faced criticism regarding its influence and questions about its loyalty to the United States. Some critics, like Arkansas Senator William J. Fulbright, claimed that Israel had excessive control over Congress.

Following Kenen’s retirement in 1974, AIPAC underwent significant changes. Under the leadership of Morris J. Amitay and then Tom Dine, the organization professionalized and expanded its operations. This expansion included increasing its research capabilities, the number of lobbyists, its presence on university campuses, and community outreach through resource development and regional offices. AIPAC also made efforts to educate new legislators about the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Since the 1980s, AIPAC has worked closely with the executive branch. The organization has been seen as an instrument in gaining support for the nation’s more extensive foreign assistance program. Despite its effectiveness, AIPAC has faced a more divided climate, with differing views on Israel’s security and the role of American Jewry in supporting the Jewish state. Divisions within Israeli politics have also been mirrored within the American Jewish community.

In the late 1980s, the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) investigated AIPAC but exonerated it. AIPAC’s influence was evident in the strong bipartisan support for Israel in Congress, reflected in multi-billion dollar military assistance packages.

By 2003, AIPAC had 65,000 members.

In more recent years, AIPAC has continued to be involved in efforts to ensure Israel’s security, particularly after the September 11 attacks in 2001. The organization has worked to isolate groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. AIPAC supports a strong U.S.-Israel relationship through foreign aid, government partnerships, joint anti-terrorism efforts, and the promotion of a negotiated two-state solution.

In 2022, AIPAC formed a political action committee (PAC), marking a change from its long-standing policy of not contributing to political candidates. The AIPAC PAC supported 365 candidates from both parties with over $17 million in direct support. This move was aimed at protecting bipartisan support for Israel.

AIPAC’s mission remains to strengthen the ties between the United States and Israel by advocating for policies that enhance both nations’ security. Its stated supported policies are strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, supporting security assistance to Israel, promoting peace, countering Iran’s aggression & nuclear weapons quest, combating terrorism, and opposing anti-Israel discrimination.

Sources: “Who Are We,” AIPAC.
“Policies We Support,” AIPAC.
“American Israel Public Affairs Committee,” Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
Mark A. Raider, “American Israel Public Affairs Committee,” Encylopedia.com.
Lawrence Rubin, “American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC),” Encylopedia.com, (May 29, 2018).
Lenny Ben David, “The Evolution of AIPAC’s Political Operation in Washington over 50 Years – An Eyewitness Perspective,” JCFA, (December 12, 2022).

Photo: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.