There are the so called "lobby groups" in Washington. These groups include, AIPAC and JINSA. Groups, such as AIPAC, are simply a group of Americans (of all faiths) who wish to promote a close relatinship between America and Israel. They work no differently then the hundreds and thousands of other lobby groups in Washington. The lobby groups support the campaigns of the congressional or presidential candidates who support Israel. This is no different than any other lobby groups, such as the NRA, who help the campaigns of candidates who oppose gun control.
Many opponents of Israel argue that our government's supporte of Israel is the result of lobby groups such as AIPAC. But this argument fails to address several important facts of the political process. First of all, it doesn't explain why non-elected officials, such as Condoleeza Rice or Donald Rumsfeld, hold similar pro-Israel views than elected officials. It also doesn't explain why every poll ever taken shows the average American views the state of Israel favorably. And most importantly, this argument doesn't take into account the anti-Israel lobby groups working in Washington. For every one "pro-Israel" lobby group, there are at least two other "anti-Israel" groups. These anti-Israel lobby groups do the same as the pro-Israel lobby groups. They support the campaigns of candidates who are critical the state of Israel. Below is a list of both "pro-Israel" lobby groups and "anti-Israel" lobby groups.
America's Support for Israel
Evangelicals to Launch "Christian AIPAC"
Analysis of Harvard Study: The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy
U.S., Israel to Strenthen Defense Ties
World Opinion Has Shifted to Israel's Side
America's Pro-Israel Lobby: Powerful, But Not That Powerful
Ron Paul And Israel
CAIR- (Council on American-Islamic Relations)
MPAC- (Muslim Public Affairs Council)
ADC- (American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee)
Al-AWDA - (The Right of Return Coalition)
Atlanta Palestine Solidarity
ISM- (International Solidarity Movement)
AAPER - (American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights)
NAAA - (National Association of Arab Americans)
These does not include the powerful "arab oil lobbies"
*These 8 groups actively lobby congress against Israel
*All 8 of these groups support eliminating all U.S. aid to Israel
*All but 2 of these groups support the complete destruction of Israel.
AIPAC- (America Israel Public Affairs Committee)
NACPAC- (National Action Committee)
JINSA- (Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs)
CUFI- (Christians United for Israel "Christian AIPAC)
*These 4 groups actively advocate for Israel in congress
*All 4 of these groups support the creation of a Palestinian state.
*All 4 of these groups support U.S. aid to the Palestinians so long as the aid is "used properly"
There is a clear reason why many American officials (both elected and not elected) listen to the 4 "pro-Israel" lobby groups and not the 8 "anti-Israel" lobby groups. It is because they know Israel is right. They know Israel has got our back in the middle east no matter what. They know Israel is the only democracy in the middle east. They know Israel is the only country in the middle east that follows the rule of law. They know Israel has been one of the only two countries in the world to take America's side in every major world conflict (even before they were an established country).
Israel does not need a lobby group to obtain support from the U.S. Israel only needs to do what it has been doing. As long as the state of Israel continues to be a functioning democracy, as long as they continue to follow the rule of law and set an example to the rest of the region, and as long as they continue to promote America's interest in the middle east, the state of Israel will continue to deserve America's support.
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Comment:
Frankly, I was not aware that so much pro-Arab lobbying is going on in this country.
Thanks for clarification.
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Comment:
It is an absurdity to suggest that anti-Israel lobby groups have an influence comparable to the pro-Israel. How many resoloutions has our Congress passed pledging support for the Palestinians?
Response:
what i am pointing out is the lobbys EXIST. they dont have much influence because congress knows what they are standing for is wrong.
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Comment:
I just wanted to thank whoever posted the list of Anti-Israel lobby
groups on your website. It allowed me to actively join their fight
against the occupation of Palestine by foreign nationals (namely Jews).
Response:
uhhh... your welcome, i guess
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Comment:
I DONT support AIPAC, I think its ridiculous how much Israel tries to influence our politics. Israel is way too much up in our business. I dont support our taxes going to subsidize Israels Army, when we cant even give our own soldiers adequate care, supporting Israels is just shameful. I think Israel is an agitating and troublemaking nation, and I think they are greatly responsible for the stresses of the Middle East. They are too aggressive, and are abusive of the people of other nations.
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Comment:
Good point about the anti-israel lobby groups, however, I would like to see a comparison of the monetary contributions of the pro and anti-israel lobby groups. Also, I would argue that Israel is America's greatest liability. It is the primary reason we are at odds with every other country in the middle east. In supporting Israel, the United States comprimises its own security and angers many other countries that would otherwise be merely nations we do business with. You say that "Israel has got our back no matter what", yet when have they ever helped us in a global conflict? And if they do in the future it's a sure bet that the only reason for our involvement in that conflict will be Israel itself. Honestly, what does Israel really do for us, besides spy on us and piss off other countries? What difference does it make that Israel is the only democracy in the middle east? Our support of Israel makes us look like hypocrites when Israel tramples all over the rights of palestinians. You state that Israel has taken our side in every major conflict - this is really not surprising considering how much money we give them. Have they contributed financially or militarily to any of our efforts in these conflicts?
Response:
hello. as far as financial aid to israel, i agree. that 2.2 billion should be spent here at home and not given to a country that doesn't really need it.
other than that, israel votes with the US in the general assembly 95%. only one nation is more aligned with our positions on israel (Micronesia). i recommend you read this article titled "A World Without Israel". it makes a solid point that our relations with the arabs would not be as cozy as you say if israel didn't exist
www.themiddleeastnow.com/worldwoisrael
you say israel tramples on rights of the palestinians? what about the other way around? the palestinians are constantly launching rockets into civilian areas in israel. is this not trampling on israel's right to safety and security?