WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The Israeli-American Council hosted more than 60 Democratic and Republican members of Congress during a special luncheon at the Library of Congress on Tuesday to mark the 70th birthday of the state of Israel. Featured attendees at the event included House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), IAC Chairman Adam Milstein, IAC CEO Shoham Nicolet and IAC for Action Chairman Shawn Evenhaim. The guest list also included a range of high-profile business and community leaders, including Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson.
A bipartisan celebration of Israel’s remarkable achievements during its 70 years of independence, the event brought to life the extraordinary relationship between Israel and the United States while highlighting the unique and growing role that Israeli-Americans are playing in strengthening the bonds between people and governments of both nations. In honor of Yom Hazikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day – the event began with a moment of silence to remember the Israelis and Americans who died in defense of freedom.
“The IAC is thrilled and honored to host more than five dozen members of Congress from both sides of the aisle for this special bipartisan celebration of Israel’s landmark 70th Birthday. This event highlights how far we have come in building a vibrant and engaged coast-to-coast community in just a few years,” said IAC CEO Shoham Nicolet
“The Israeli-American community is organized and energized like never before. Our community is engaging in America’s political process and making our voice heard at all levels of government,” said IAC for Action Chairman Shawn Evenhaim.
“The U.S.-Israel relationship is – and must always be – rooted in bipartisanship. As we see from the incredible crowd of Democratic and Republican elected leaders here this afternoon, America’s alliance with Israel is an issue that can bring us together across party lines,” said IAC Chairman Adam Milstein.
“The Israeli-American community acts as a living bridge between people in the United States and in one of our closest allies, Israel. I am grateful for all that they do to communicate to fellow Americans and fellow Israelis the importance of a strong, vibrant partnership,” said Senator Robert Menendez.
“Israeli-Americans contribute so much and serve as a critical link in our special relationship with Israel. I am proud to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence with my dear friends in the Israeli-American community,” said Senator Lindsey Graham.
The IAC’s sister organization, IAC for Action, focuses on mobilizing the Israeli-American community in advocacy. IAC for Action’s bipartisan advocacy – led by Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson along with Haim Saban – helped to secure bipartisan support and ultimately, drive the passage of the Taylor Force Act, which conditions continued U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority on ending the practice of paying the families of deceased terrorists. After mobilizing the Israeli-American community to lobby for support of the bill, its contents were added to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law on March 23.
Additional efforts at the federal level include a resolution recognizing Israeli-Americans’ contributions to the country, as well legislation aimed at combating the hateful BDS movement. The IAC for Action is also leading a range of efforts in state and local government to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship and fight the BDS Movement. This work has included leading advocacy efforts to pass anti-BDS legislation in more than a dozen states – from California to Nevada to Texas – and working with state and local governments to ensure that existing BDS legislation is effectively implemented.
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Preceding provided by the Israeli-Americann Council.