The United States is witnessing the emergence of a progressive coalition called Reject AIPAC, which aims to counter the influence of the pro-Israel lobby group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Reject AIPAC is comprised of over 20 progressive organizations, including the Working Families Party, Sunrise Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace, IfNotNow, Peace Action, and Democratic Socialists of America. The coalition criticizes AIPAC for promoting a US foreign policy that contradicts human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as for supporting the unconditional provision of US military funding and weapons to the Israeli government [23b1508c]. Reject AIPAC plans to launch a significant electoral defense campaign to support lawmakers targeted by AIPAC. In response, AIPAC has already initiated a $100 million funding campaign for the 2024 election to support lawmakers it considers pro-Israel [23b1508c]. Reject AIPAC has also accused AIPAC of financially supporting far-right politicians and candidates, including those involved in the Capitol Hill riots on January 6 [23b1508c]. The emergence of Reject AIPAC highlights the growing divide between progressive activists and traditional Democrats, such as Congressman Adam Schiff, who faced interruptions during his victory speech in the California Democratic primary for the US Senate with cries of 'Free Palestine.' The ongoing conflict in Gaza has further strained the Democratic Party, as President Joe Biden's unwavering support for Israel has caused discontent among the party's progressive base. The US's longstanding alliance with Israel has come under scrutiny, with criticism directed at Biden's stance. The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with over 31,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, having lost their lives since the Israeli offensive began on October 7 [23b1508c].
Activists, including members of Code Pink, confronted lawmakers and members of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on Capitol Hill. The activists were protesting the ongoing war in Gaza and calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. They also demanded that lawmakers refund the suspended budget for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). AIPAC, the largest pro-Israel PAC in America, was lobbying for continued support for Israel. The activists criticized Congress for honoring President Biden's request to provide $14.5 billion in military aid to Israel, despite the country's actions in Gaza. Israel has fired over 32,000 tonnes of explosives into Gaza since October 7, 2023, causing significant death, destruction, and suffering. The activists confronted lawmakers and AIPAC members, asking them why they supported Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza. Some lawmakers and AIPAC members walked away or avoided the questions, while others engaged in short, heated discussions. The activists' actions aim to hold elected representatives and AIPAC members accountable for their complicity in the situation in Gaza [8489885b].
About 100 American Jews have signed a letter organized by the Progressive Democrats of America, stating that the United States should not support Israel due to its alleged violations of human rights. The signatories include political activists, lawyers, actors, and academics, some of whom openly identify as anti-Zionists. However, the letter does not mention the Palestinian Authority, which the author argues is the most egregious violator of human and civil rights in the region. The author criticizes the signatories as hypocrites, claiming that their selective focus on Israel's alleged violations reveals their bias and lack of genuine concern for human rights [f8da621f].
Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace, is increasingly critical of Israel in America's evangelical community. She explains why she was unable to celebrate her coalition's 40th anniversary this month. Support for Israel in the American-Christian community, particularly evangelicals, has been significant in recent decades [3db3467a].