AIPAC: Progressive Coalition Mobilizes Against Powerful Group's Pro-Israel Influence Ahead of Presidential Election

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has long been recognized as one of the most powerful lobbies in Congress, wielding significant influence through its substantial financial contributions to politicians. 

A coalition of progressive organizations has this week announced a campaign to counter AIPAC's blind allegiance to the state of Israel and its impact on US politics. The Reject AIPAC coalition aims to push back against what they perceive as AIPAC's role in stifling dissent in Congress against Israel's actions, particularly in the context of the current conflict in Gaza. 

The coalition includes a diverse array of groups, ranging from mainstream left-wing organizations like Justice Democrats and the Working Families Party to those focused on Palestinian rights, such as the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) Action, and the IfNotNow Movement. 

In a press release, the coalition said it would work to “organize Democratic voters and elected officials to reject the destructive influence of the Republican megadonor-backed AIPAC on the Democratic primary process and our government’s policy towards Palestine and Israel.” 

This unified response by the US political left seeks to address the threat that AIPAC poses to progressive causes and Palestinian lives. 

“Rejecting AIPAC is a crucial step in putting voters back at the center of our democracy,” the coalition said in a statement. 

The anti-AIPAC coalition will also organize demonstrations calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and for lawmakers to impose new conditions on U.S. military support for Israel. 

With elections approaching in November, the organization's increased involvement in electoral campaigns, including substantial spending in primary races, has raised concerns among progressives about the impact of right-wing priorities at home. 

Beth Miller, the political director at JVP Action, highlighted the importance of progressive groups coming together, calling it "incredibly significant." 

AIPAC's Influence on Political Campaigns 

AIPAC was founded in 1963 by Si Kenen as a lobbying group dedicated to promoting pro-Israel policies in the United States. According to OpenSecrets, during the 2024 election cycle, AIPAC contributed $7,116,611 to political campaigns. Notably, all of these contributions were sourced from individuals rather than organizations. 

AIPAC made headlines for its record-breaking donations to Congress, totaling over $3.7 million. Among the recipients, New York Democrat Rep. Ritchie Torres emerged as the top beneficiary, receiving more than $201,000 in donations from AIPAC's PAC. 

Although AIPAC actively contributes to political campaigns, it operates as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization rather than a political action committee (PAC). As such, while it engages in extensive lobbying and some political activities, it cannot directly fund political campaigns or coordinate with candidates. 

AIPAC's affiliated PAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Political Action Committee (AIPACPAC), serves as a separate entity responsible for making direct contributions to political campaigns. 

AIPAC has backed Missouri Democratic candidate Wesley Bell and New York Democratic candidate George Latimer, both of whom are challenging progressive "Squad" members Reps. Cori Bush from Missouri and Jamaal Bowman from New York. Bush and Bowman have been vocal critics of Israel's actions in Gaza. 

During the 2022 midterm elections, AIPAC invested tens of millions of dollars in Democratic primaries. They also supported Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., in her successful campaign against fellow Democratic Rep. Andy Levin, who is a progressive and had expressed criticism of Israel. 

Shifting Perspectives: Rising Resistance Against AIPAC 

As the current surge to "reject AIPAC" gains momentum, it's clear that the tides are turning, with increasing voices opposing AIPAC's agenda and influence. 

The 2024 California House race showcased a clear shift in the dynamics of political influence. Despite a substantial investment of over $4.5 million by AIPAC to sway the outcome, their efforts ultimately fell short. 

Dave Min, despite facing significant challenges, managed to secure the second position in the primary, signaling a decline in the influence of big money in politics. This turn of events suggests that voters are resisting the overwhelming financial power that once dominated political campaigns. 

Historically there have been challenges to the influence of AIPAC  on American politics and policies. In 1989, another episode from the annals of history unfolded when AIPAC and 53 political action committees were accused of breaching election laws. This led to a formal complaint filed by U.S. officials, highlighting concerns about organizations like AIPAC's political influence and adherence to regulatory statutes. 

Famously President George Bush senior called out the organization in 1991. He publicly referred to AIPAC and its cohorts who opposed his push for peace with Palestinians, saying he was "one lonely little guy" against their might. Effectively stopping aid to Israel until it stopped illegal settlement expansion eventually led to the historic Oslo Peace Accords two years later.

Senator Bernie Sanders, a Jewish politician, has been vocal in his criticism of AIPAC. In 2020, he announced that he would not attend the AIPAC conference, citing concerns about the platform provided by AIPAC for leaders who express bigotry and oppose basic Palestinian rights. 

He said, “The Israeli people have the right to live in peace and security. So do the Palestinian people. I remain concerned about the platform AIPAC provides for leaders who express bigotry and oppose basic Palestinian rights. For that reason, I will not attend their conference."

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