CLAL Special Features
In Support of AIPAC
September 9, 2004
Dear Colleagues,
We are writing in response to the recent
media reports alleging that AIPAC has been involved in inappropriate
activity and is currently under federal investigation. CLAL
organizationally and we personally have worked with AIPAC leadership and
staff for decades. We offer our staunch support for AIPAC and have full
confidence that these accusations are false and baseless. We are deeply
disturbed about the leaks to the media of alleged and unproven acts, and
the reporting of these leaks in the media. One cannot help but question the
motives of those who have created the impression that AIPAC or any of its
employees have violated any rules or laws.
We live in a challenging and complex
moment in world affairs and specifically in Middle Eastern affairs. AIPAC
has tirelessly, expertly and effectively worked to strengthen the
U.S.-Israel relationship - a relationship based on shared values and
interests. Because of AIPAC's outstanding work, the U.S. and Israel share
one of the strongest alliances of any two nations in the world. AIAPC has
been remarkably successful in forging this relationship between two great
democracies and in marshalling political and moral support for Israel,
because of a passionate community of engaged American citizens, both Jews
and non-Jews. AIPAC is an example of how democracy works. Those who are
using the current investigation, which after more than a year has turned up
nothing, to impugn the strength of the alliance or the reputation of AIPAC,
are doing a disservice to American interests in the Middle East.
We look forward to continuing to work
with AIPAC leadership and its professional staff on issues important to
America's strategic and principled interests in the Middle East, central of
which is the unbreakable relationship between the U.S. and Israel.
Thomas O.
Katz, Chairman
Rabbi Irwin Kula, President
Donna M. Rosenthal, Executive Vice
Chairman
Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, Vice President
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