Friend of Israel, 

One year ago this week, I was just returning home from an AIPAC mission to Israel.

It was a trip I’ll never forget.
 
One day, AIPAC members and I we were visiting communities in southern Israel.

Less than 12 hours later, those same communities were bombarded with rockets from Gaza.

Since then, more than 1,300 rockets have been fired at Israel’s citizens by terror groups in Gaza, including ten rockets in the past two weeks alone. Five Israelis have been killed. Dozens injured. Millions forced into bomb shelters.

These ongoing attacks leave me with two primary thoughts:

First, America’s steadfast support for Israel’s security is essential.
 

Second, our work together, and your support of AIPAC, truly makes a difference.

More than 360 rockets that would have hit Israeli homes, schools, hospitals or businesses over the past 12 months were intercepted midair thanks to Iron Dome.

Your support of AIPAC enables us to work with Congress each year to ensure Israel receives critical funding for this life-saving program.

But Israel’s enemies are growing in strength. And unfortunately, you and I both know that this is not the last time terror groups will target Israelis.

So today, I ask that you stand with AIPAC.

Stand with AIPAC and help us educate both current members of Congress and candidates running in next year’s election about the threats facing Israel.

Stand with AIPAC and urge Congress to support vital missile defense programs like Iron Dome that help Israel to protect its citizens against missiles from Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran.

Stand with AIPAC to reject calls to reduce or condition American aid to Israel, which would jeopardize the ability of our ally to defend itself, by itself, against growing threats across the region.

Stand with AIPAC to ensure a brighter future for both the United States and our strategic ally Israel.

Thank you.

Brian Shankman
Director of Regional Affairs and Development