Greater Philadelphia Jews Reject AIPAC
Dear Greater Philadelphia Congressional Candidates,
We write to you as members of the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community who are committed to a just and thriving future for all people in both the United States and Israel-Palestine. We are gravely concerned about the attacks on U.S. democracy, the escalation of Israeli military and settler violence against Palestinians, and the role of the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in bolstering extremist leaders and dangerous policies in both the U.S. and Israel-Palestine. Though some claim otherwise, AIPAC does not speak for the American Jewish community. We ask that you commit to reject AIPAC’s endorsement and contributions.
We believe that Jewish safety relies on the safety and well-being of all others, including Palestinians. Our shared future also depends on drastic climate action, universal access to healthcare, reproductive care, racial justice, and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. AIPAC’s agenda actively works against this vision. Those of us who are queer Jews, Jews of Color, working class Jews, disabled Jews, or are otherwise marginalized find ourselves doubly under threat from AIPAC and its far-right allies.
AIPAC’s actions are undermining U.S. democracy while furthering Israel’s oppression of Palestinians. Just like the worst actors in our political system – the NRA, the fossil fuel lobby, and anti-abortion groups – AIPAC is spending millions of dollars of right-wing corporate money to further their antidemocratic agenda. As proud American Jews, we are writing to you to say that AIPAC’s values and agenda have no place in our communities or in our politics.
AIPAC harms American democracy by endorsing extremists: In 2022, AIPAC endorsed 109 Republican Members of Congress who voted to decertify the results of the 2020 election, some of whom have employed the antisemitic and racist “Great Replacement Theory.” Several have at every turn obstructed the functioning of the U.S. government and blocked policies that would enable everyone in this country to thrive.
AIPAC lobbies against Palestinian rights: AIPAC lobbies against bills in Congress that criticize Israel’s military occupation, illegal settlement expansion, and the destruction of countless Palestinian homes and communities. AIPAC blames Palestinians for their own oppression, and demands that their endorsees provide unconditional and unaccountable support to Israel. AIPAC has also made clear its support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government as it pursues an authoritarian agenda meant to entrench permanent, unchecked military rule over millions of Palestinians and an attack on Israel’s judiciary. These are real and serious issues, and AIPAC fights against their free discussion in the United States Congress.
AIPAC undermines our shared future: In order to advance their extremist agenda, AIPAC’s Super PAC, the United Democracy Project, has spent millions to defeat progressive congressional candidates who are fighting for our climate, healthcare, and racial justice. This included spending over $4 million to try to defeat Pennsylvania’s newest progressive champion Rep Summer Lee because she believes it's vital to “protect and stand up for Palestinians.”
Our Jewish and American values demand that we speak up and take action in defense of freedom, human rights, and communal well-being. We envision a thriving future for all here in the United States and in Israel-Palestine where everyone enjoys equality, justice, and freedom. AIPAC has demonstrated time and again that it is actively opposed to these basic values. We ask you to uphold these values by committing to reject AIPAC’s endorsement and contributions.
Signed,
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