The Lobby Gains Clout

Abstract

It is impossible to form a proper estimate of Israel—its creation, wars, and expansionist policies—unless we examine it as part of a triangular relationship; the Jewish diaspora and the Western powers are the other actors in this relationship.

Without this lobby, Israel would have gone down the drain.

—Isaiah (Si) Kenen

During every congressional campaign, each candidate for every seat is asked to describe his or her views on the Middle East. Most office-seekers happily comply in writing. AIPAC then shares the results with its members, helping them to decide who is the most pro-Israel.

—J. J. Goldberg, 1996

AIPAC has one enormous advantage. It really doesn’t have any opposition.

—Douglas Bloomfield, 2003

In the last two decades between 1980 and 2000, American Jews gained power and influence beyond anything that they had ever experienced.

—Stephen Schwartz, 2006

A lobby is like a night flower: it thrives in the dark and dies in the sun.

—Steven Rosen, 2005

If Israel nuked Chicago, Congress would approve.

—Steve Reed, 2009¹