I guess it takes a Jewish Presidential candidate to summon the guts to refuse to attend the AIPAC conference. Yup, Bernie Sanders told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee that he’s going to skip their annual Israel love-fest because he’s got to campaign for the White House. Mondoweiss, one of my favorite I/P bloggers, released the story and a copy of Bernie’s letter to AIPAC:
Seriously, this is a brave move considering how sensitive these lobbyists are about being snubbed and how much money they can bundle to target a dissenting candidate, but let’s face it AIPAC is losing traction. First, they lose their 40-million dollar campaign to kill the Iran deal, then they launch a campaign to outlaw popular divestiture campaigns in the states, and now this — an immensely popular progressive candidate, igniting the long dormant left, responding — in all likelihood — to a grassroots petition urging him not to attend the conference.
Wouldn’t it be great if Bernie’s courage caught on and other top-tier candidates refused to attend future AIPAC conferences? Think of the possibilities — Peace, for one, because as long as the US pumps billions to subsidize a government bent on Palestinian home demolitions and settlement expansion, there will only be hatred and tears and global backlash.
When I read about Bernie’s letter to AIPAC, I immediately donated another chunk of change. Maybe you will, too.