John, are you familiar with AIPAC?

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is a powerful right-wing
lobbying group that has given a platform to antisemites like Pastor John
Hagee, who suggested God sent Hitler to hunt Jews, Islamophobes like Steve
Emerson, who has spent decades spreading anti-Muslim misinformation, and
white nationalists like Rep. Steve King, who… well, you know how racist
Steve King is.

AIPAC also promotes fringe Middle East policies like ending the Iran
nuclear deal and promoting Trump’s “peace” plan which specifically
supports Israel’s annexation policy.

Look, there are plenty of terrible right-wing organizations that support
Trump’s racist policies and give platforms to Islamophobes, white
nationalists and antisemites sadly, but AIPAC is different: AIPAC is also
supported by Democrats.

Every year, a long list of elected Democrats go to the AIPAC conference,
court lobbyist donations, and praise their work instead of holding them
accountable. And we’re not talking fringe Democrats either; the list
includes Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,
and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

In 2016, Bernie Sanders skipped the conference. Last year, thanks to
aggressive organizing led by our friends at MoveOn, none of the Democrats
planning to run for President attended, most of them publicly stating
support for boycotting the conference. Now, AIPAC’s conference is
happening once again at the beginning of March, only a few weeks away.
Right now in 2020, only Elizabeth Warren has committed to not attend.

[ [link removed] ]We’re joining MoveOn, Indivisible, the Working Families Party, and
IfNotNow, a vibrant and inclusive movement within the American Jewish
community open to any who seek to shift the American Jewish public and our
political leaders towards a hopeful vision for Israelis and Palestinians,
in calling on all 2020 Democratic candidates to #SkipAIPAC and boycott the
conference. Add your name now >>

[ [link removed] ]ADD YOUR NAME

IfNotNow co-founder, Emily Mayer, makes the case clearly in the coalition
statement for the campaign:

“Israel’s decades-long occupation has eroded the bipartisan consensus on
Israel and AIPAC, in a last-ditch effort to maintain influence, now
anchors an unholy alliance with antisemites, Islamophobes and white
nationalists. This unholy alliance shields the Israeli government from
any consequences for its actions and pushes for a blank check that has
had disastrous effects for both Palestinians and Israelis.”

Maurice Mitchell, National Director leading the Working Families Party,
called on all presidential candidates to embrace a progressive vision
where all people, including Palestinians and Israelis, can thrive:

"This is a test of moral leadership for the presidential field. AIPAC
has given a platform to toxic bigotry and provided cover for right-wing
nationalists like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu."

[ [link removed] ]No Democrat should give AIPAC political cover with their presence. Sign
the petition demanding all of the 2020 Democratic candidates for President
skip AIPAC’s conference in March.

Democrats are leaders in demanding and working towards peace in the Middle
East.

It’s critically important that the next President of the United States
understands the importance of refusing to support a conference that gives
a platform to right-wing extremism and antisemitic hate.

In solidarity,

--Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Chair
Democracy for America



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