by Yishai Fleisher
I just came back from AIPAC 2016 and I had a blast! There was magic in the air when we, almost twenty-thousand AIPAC delegates – all Israel-lovers, filled the Verizon Center to near capacity. The unity of purpose of the gathering, to strengthen Israel and the US – Israel relationship, gave the event an air of a pilgrimage holiday, albeit not in Jerusalem, but at another great capital, Washington.
But as an Israeli, American, and settler at the Policy Conference, I had mixed feelings and many thoughts:
Who Is AIPAC Really For?
First, I could not help being impressed with Washington, which is so grand, so aesthetic, so powerful. Coming from the much smaller and younger Israel, one appreciates the level of civilization achieved in America’s capital, and the whole Northeast corridor for that matter, which I traversed on the way down to DC. Moreover, not only is America big, but the AIPAC experience itself is big and well produced – inspiring one to think bigger and classier about an Israel which sometimes suffers from Middle Eastern repressed, divisive, and small thinking.
On the other hand, as an Israeli in DC you realize why American Jews love AIPAC – it gives them the perception of a perfect life balance: you get to live in America – but you also get to feel as though you are indispensable to Israel because of your lobbying efforts, and your political strength which helps keep the World’s Superpower on Israel’s side. Perfect! You can be Zionist but live in America – the best of both worlds. And it makes sense: if American Jews continue to choose life in America, why not help Israel and be true to both your loves? But one sometimes wonders whether AIPAC is as much about American Jews feeling good about themselves as it is about helping the Jewish State move forward.
Homeland vs. Motherland
As I pondered these issues, I heard a speech by Rabbi Steven Weil, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union, in which he blessed “Our home land, America” and “Our mother land, the State of Israel.” At first, I winced at that formulation. I personally chose to unite the concept of homeland and motherland by choosing Israel over America to live out my life’s-passion. But after a short reflection, I understood that his sentiment was honest, and frankly, understandable.
American Jews have helped make America great. They feel ownership over New York and Los Angeles, cities which they had a hand in building. But while they may choose to live in America, AIPAC Jews also love Israel, come to Israel, send their children to Israel, and support Israel with their hearts, money, and political clout. So, for me, flying to America and taking the train down to Washington for Policy Conference is an exercise in loving the brother and sister who is not making Aliyah, but still wants to be connected to the project of building and defending the Jewish State. And I make that trip gladly.
The Future of the Two-State Solution at AIPAC
As a representative of the Jewish communities of Judea & Samaria, eastern Jerusalem (where I live) and Hebron (where I work), I was quite attuned to Two-State Solution and Land-for-Peace messaging at the Conference – a set of ideas that people like myself have been trying to defeat for decades. AIPAC is still pushing the Two-State Solution and the official Mission statement says: “As America’s bipartisan pro-Israel lobby, AIPAC urges all members of Congress to support Israel through foreign aid, government partnerships, joint anti-terrorism efforts and the promotion of a negotiated two-state solution – a Jewish state of Israel and a demilitarized Palestinian state.”
