AIPAC event focuses on the presidency
By Lorne Bell
The Jewish Advocate
May 2, 2008
As the presidential candidates enter the final months of the race for the Oval Office, Americans are voicing their priorities louder than ever. And for the Jewish community, U.S.-Israel relations continue to play a prominent role alongside issues like the economy, the war in Iraq, healthcare and the environment. On May 4, leaders from throughout the pro-Israel community will gather to discuss the race’s impact on those relations at the 9th Annual New England Leadership Dinner of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
“This event is an important opportunity for pro-Israel advocates to come together to learn more about the political process and show our support for the U.S.-Israel relationship,” said Steve Rosenthal, who along with his wife Joan, will co-chair the dinner. “We have an opportunity at events like this to learn how we can make a real difference on the issues that matter to our community.”
This year’s dinner will feature a panel discussion with four of the nation’s top political pundits, including Donna Brazile, political commentator and former campaign manager for Gore-Lieberman 2000; Peter Beinart, editor-at-large for The New Republic; William Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard and op-ed columnist for The New York Times; and Dan Senor, political strategist and Fox News contributor.
The event will be attended by 800 AIPAC leaders, members and supporters, including several national and local politicians from both sides of the party divide. U.S. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-Lowell) - an AIPAC supporter who will be attending the dinner for the second time this year- said bipartisan support for AIPAC’s mission is a clear reflection of the importance of maintaining strong relations with Israel.
“There is a broad recognition that we need to bolster Israel’s security by providing continued military support,” said Tsongas. “Israel is the only genuine democracy in the Middle East. It is our one reliable ally and a very important strategic partner, and both parties recognize these facts.”
But despite the event’s focus on the upcoming election, AIPAC does not support any one presidential candidate, according to Josh Block, spokesman for AIPAC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. Instead, he said, the organization seeks to educate Americans about Israel and encourages them to voice their pro-Israel stance to whatever candidate they choose.
“All three candidates have strong congressional records on matters that are important to the pro-Israel community,” said Block. “AIPAC [wants] its members to develop meaningful relationships with all of the candidates [for president and Congress], and build those relationships across party lines.”
The results of those relationships will be highlighted at this year’s dinner. Over the past year, AIPAC has successfully lobbied for support of Congressional bills aimed at increasing sanctions against Iran, condemning attacks by Hamas and strengthening Israel’s security through military aid. The organization has also pressed the government to pursue the path of peace through engagement with moderate Palestinian leaders dedicated to a two-state solution.
But one of the most notable pieces of legislation that AIPAC supported was a resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of Israel. The bipartisan bill- which was cosponsored by all 100 U.S. senators and passed by a 417-0 vote in the House- reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the bonds between American and the Jewish State. It also praised “the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic, democratic society in the face of terrorism, as well as hostility, ostracism, and belligerence from many of their neighbors.”
Back in Massachusetts, the pro-Israel community is doing its part to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations through economic and academic partnerships, as well as broad communal activism. Organizations like the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the combined Jewish Philanthropies are all proud partners in supporting AIPAC’s mission.
“AIPAC is the most important program we have for Israel right now,” said Barry Shrage, president of CJP.
Added Block: “The Annual New England Leadership Dinner is a growing and important testament to the strength and vitality of the pro-Israel community in the Northeast.”
