IFNOTNOW LAUNCHES REJECT AIPAC CAMPAIGN

As AIPAC doubles down on its alliance with the far-right in Israel and the United States, it’s time to Reject AIPAC.

  • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 25, 2023

    Matan Arad-Neeman
    press@ifnotnowmovement.org

    This week, IfNotNow Movement announced the launch of its Reject AIPAC campaign, which demands that federal candidates decline endorsements and financial contributions from right-wing lobby the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). This campaign comes at a time when AIPAC has chosen to back far-right candidates like Reps. Jim Jordan and Elise Stefanik, both of whom have espoused the antisemitic and racist Great Replacement Theory.

    AIPAC’s only requirement for candidates is that they provide unconditional support for Israel, even as its far-right government further entrenches occupation and apartheid, passes authoritarian judicial reforms, and violently attacks protesters. Amidst Israel’s rightward lurch, AIPAC has chosen to remain silent.

    The campaign begins with a national petition, in addition to six local petitions in Massachusetts, California, Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, and Philadelphia, addressed to 2024 candidates for U.S. Congress in each location. The petition is coupled with campaign launch events across the country, where hundreds of IfNotNow members and fellow progressive Jews are gathering to grow the movement of American Jews who reject AIPAC.

    Eva Borgwardt, IfNotNow’s Political Director said, “We’re at a crossroads. Our political and community leaders have a choice to make: are they on the side of equality, justice, and a thriving future for all in Israel-Palestine and the U.S. or are they on the side of AIPAC and their extremist allies?”

    AIPAC has also taken aim at progressive candidates by pouring millions of dollars into Democratic primaries. According to numbers compiled by IfNotNow, in 13 key races between progressive and centrist candidates in 2022, AIPAC and allies like the Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) spent more than all other outside groups combined. This report is available upon request.

    Borgwardt added, “AIPAC is not just an obstacle to progress for Israelis and Palestinians. Their intervention in Democratic primaries serves as a huge obstacle to necessary policies like universal healthcare, meaningful climate action, and workers’ rights. AIPAC’s endorsement should be as welcome in progressive circles as the NRA or the fossil fuel lobby.”

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