If AIPAC thought that by cutting Rosen and Weissman loose it would be able to disassociate itself from them, it has already been proven wrong. The Jerusalem Post reported recently that the FBI had renewed its questioning of several Jewish leaders and former AIPAC officials in the wake of the Franklin conviction.
It is unclear what motivated the FBI to pursue the AIPAC officials. What is clear enough, however, is that effect of the prosecution has not only weakened AIPAC but has made all American Jews who lobby the U.S. Congress and executive branch on behalf of Israel the objects of suspicion and has empowered the anti-Semitic forces in the U.S. government who insist that all Jewish activists are somehow stained with questionable patriotism.
If the American Jewish community wishes to mitigate the damage this episode has already done to its good name and reputation, it must unify behind Rosen and Weissman and insist that the charges against them be dropped. And if AIPAC wishes to continue to be viewed as the main American Jewish lobbying organization in the U.S. capital, it should be advised by its members and colleagues to lead the charge.