This morning, AIPAC was featured on the @nytimes podcast The Daily. The NYT did not ask us for comment or to verify any of the “facts.” As a result, listeners were subjected to several inaccuracies, omissions, and mischaracterizations about our work and our members. Below are just some of these false claims:
❌ CLAIM: AIPAC is assuming a "fully partisan" posture. ✅ FACT: AIPAC’s members are Democrats, Republicans and Independents who advocate for bipartisan policies and build bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel alliance. We support pro-Israel Democratic and Republican candidates❌ CLAIM: AIPAC took Israel’s side over America’s when we opposed the 2015 Iran deal. ✅ FACT: We opposed the JCPOA because the deal didn’t do enough for America’s strategic interests. A bipartisan majority of Congress agreed with our perspective.❌ CLAIM: AIPAC’s actions are contributing to antisemitism. The Daily suggested our engagement in the political process has "provided an opening for bad actors...who are not just criticizing Israel, but who are criticizing Jews and Jewish influence." ✅ FACT: This is an❌ CLAIM: “AIPAC is the first to say that criticizing AIPAC is antisemitic.” ✅ FACT: Blatant lie. We have never said that criticism of AIPAC is inherently antisemitic.❌ CLAIM: AIPAC targets members who won't commit to "unconditional" support for Israel or “unconditional aid” to Israel. ✅ FACT: AIPAC is focused on strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship. There have always been disagreements between the governments, and we believe leaders❌ OMISSION: The Daily failed to mention our principled and consistent opposition to anti-Israel candidates from both parties. ✅ FACT: AIPAC members helped defeat anti-Israel incumbent Republican Thomas Massie this cycle, Bob Good last cycle, and other Republican candidates whoAIPAC and our 6.5 million members across America are proud to participate in the political process and advocate for an alliance that helps keep America safer, stronger and more prosperous. We are unapologetic, and we won't be deterred.
