Last week, the Times of Israel published two outstanding op-eds from American rabbis in which they explain why strong bipartisan support remains so vital for Israel’s security.
In “AIPAC is the Unifier,” Rabbi Jacob Herber of Herzl-Ner Tamid Synagogue in Mercer Island, Washington, writes:
“[Israel’s] survival can never be taken for granted…
AIPAC’s embrace of bipartisan leaders on this narrow and specific issue is a model for unity and community. And of course, it is the only practical path to advance policy in Washington.
Without bipartisan support, we wouldn’t see Iron Dome funding, we wouldn’t see bills promoting normalization between Israel and her Arab neighbors, and we wouldn’t see opposition to anti-Israel discrimination at the U.N.”
"As a lifelong Zionist and a proud advocate for Israel, I have long admired AIPAC’s disciplined and pragmatic approach: Keep the pro-Israel tent wide, build strong relationships on both sides of the aisle, and ensure the doors are always open to the decision-makers in government who have the power to determine policy.
AIPAC doesn’t ask me to be bipartisan, but I need them to be, and I am deeply appreciative that they are – even when it may be unpopular."
Both rabbis note that a commitment to bipartisanship does not mean that Republicans and Democrats must agree on every issue—in some cases, they can disagree vehemently.
But when it comes to Israel’s safety, we must always strive to work together.
At a time when bipartisanship is increasingly rare in Washington, AIPAC is proud to lead the fight to strengthen bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel alliance.
We are the only organization in Washington that works with pro-Israel Democrats and Republicans in support of policies that advance the U.S.-Israel relationship.
You and other AIPAC members can be proud of that. But we must continue to stand together to keep it that way.
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
