CLAL Special Features
In Support of AIPAC
September 9, 2004
Dear Colleagues,
We are writing in response to the recent media reports alleging that AIPAC has been involved in inappropriate activity and is currently under federal investigation. CLAL organizationally and we personally have worked with AIPAC leadership and staff for decades. We offer our staunch support for AIPAC and have full confidence that these accusations are false and baseless. We are deeply disturbed about the leaks to the media of alleged and unproven acts, and the reporting of these leaks in the media. One cannot help but question the motives of those who have created the impression that AIPAC or any of its employees have violated any rules or laws.
We live in a challenging and complex moment in world affairs and specifically in Middle Eastern affairs. AIPAC has tirelessly, expertly and effectively worked to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship - a relationship based on shared values and interests. Because of AIPAC's outstanding work, the U.S. and Israel share one of the strongest alliances of any two nations in the world. AIAPC has been remarkably successful in forging this relationship between two great democracies and in marshalling political and moral support for Israel, because of a passionate community of engaged American citizens, both Jews and non-Jews. AIPAC is an example of how democracy works. Those who are using the current investigation, which after more than a year has turned up nothing, to impugn the strength of the alliance or the reputation of AIPAC, are doing a disservice to American interests in the Middle East.
We look forward to continuing to work with AIPAC leadership and its professional staff on issues important to America's strategic and principled interests in the Middle East, central of which is the unbreakable relationship between the U.S. and Israel.
Thomas O.
Katz, Chairman
Rabbi Irwin Kula, President
Donna M. Rosenthal, Executive Vice
Chairman
Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, Vice President
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