Attacks on AIPAC from Left and Right: Meandering Thoughts

“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong…”

The general intent with this Substack is to focus on what’s being said and advocated with respect to Israel and its supporters; while throwing in my my own perspectives and experiences. But there will of course be exceptions. And this piece is one of them.

These days, attacks on Israel and AIPAC (and occasionally on me) have primarily been from organizations and individuals on the “Progressive” left; from anti-Zionists, quasi-isolationists (or self-described “realists”) and of course, from antisemites on left and right (Sometimes it’s hard to determine or characterize whether some of these people are left or right!)

There are obviously a number of Jews on the left - some “Zionist Left;’ some unequivocally anti-Zionist Jews - along with many on the “Progressive left - who are to put it mildly, extremely-unhappy with Israel and extremely-unhappy with policies and actions AIPAC has taken. Not just this year. Or last year. Or 5 years ago. 10 years. In fact going back literally decades. Obviously the attacks on AIPAC have ramped up over the past few years which of course is regrettable! There’s a spectrum of Jewish critics of Israel and AIPAC: Some support Israel but think Israel pursuing policies detrimental to Israel; some are “pro-Israel” but view Israel at doing wrong; to others who regardless of what Israel does; still seek its destruction. And of course some are unhappy with AIPAC’s involvement in political campaign contributions.

Basically: The attacks on AIPAC from these groups and individuals are to a large extent testament to the frequent successes and accomplishments of AIPAC. Critiques against AIPAC (sometimes euphemistically characterized as “The Jewish Lobby” and “The Israel Lobby” have been going on for decades. Albeit more a lot more than before. The current level of the campaign of hate and the open advocacy for the destruction of Israel are in my 4 decades of experience, unprecedented. But that discussion is for another time.

Then there are those for whom AIPAC doesn’t go far enough; charging biazarrely that AIPAC is not really pro-Israel. I confess that it's an "interesting" experience to see AIPAC get criticized/attacked from the (very) Zionist right; with some depicting AIPAC as some sort of "soft-on-Israel" organization which is not really pro-Israel. And using extreme language and advocating truly-extreme policies for Israel. Now obviously AIPAC can be critized from any direction; but from friends of Israel; it’s always hardest (even if not the most impactful)

Without questioning these advocates unquestioned Zionist commitment; sometimes the most-extreme positions advocated are not the wisest; not the ones most likely to succeed'; not the ones most-likely to attract support. And perhaps in some instances are just bizarre!

As I’ve noted previously; my 38-years as AIPAC’s “Director of Policy Analysis” ended a few weeks ago. I have no mandate (or deep intention) to speak on behalf or in defense of AIPAC. I would never suggest AIPAC (or Israel) is perfect or that I agree with everything that either the country or the organization may do (or may fail to do!) Given my “softly softly prediclictions” I may not even agree with the tenor of every AIPAC tweet!

But at the same time; I have never sought to disguise the obvious: I am a Jew, a Zionist, extremely “Pro-Irael” (and pro-American) and I’m generally supportive of the AIPAC approach - especially the “Mantra” that says it’s up to the people of Israel to make decisions about their government and the policies it advocates. Regardless of whether these policies are wise or otherwise! Ultimately the people of Israel have to live with the consequences. Also the usally laser-beam bipartisan focus of AIPAC on the central issues.

The most extreme statement by some friends of Israel may not be the soundest. Israel may be "A Nation that Dwells alone." But Israel is obviously not all powerful and can not do whatever it wants to any level. And people outside Israel (or even inside Israel) should be just a little-less sure that they know what's best for Israel. Because none of us can ever be certain. And there is also the matter of “unintended consequences.” When actions one takes, often have unintended consequences - sometimes for good. Sometimes not.

The positive news is that while I might of course be wrong in some of my beliefs. Or uncertain about which policies should be pursued. (I envy those who have such certitude about things or even certainty over which Presidential candidate would be “Best” (however one defines best!) But I’m extremely comfortable in where I sit. And I don’t needs lessons from anyone on how to be a “good” Zionist. Or what being a “good Zionist” even means. These days, just being a publicly-proclaimed Zionist is a great first step!

As it says in Ecclesiastes 9:11 “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong…” To which I’d add my own contribution “The race is not to the loudest, nor the victory, to the most strident.”

Am Yisrael Chai

Have a good week