AIPAC: American Israel Public Affairs Committee Boldly Standing with Israel Annual Event

LISTEN NOW! (Or WATCH FULL PROGRAM!) It is absolutely vital for America to stand with Israel. When we understand this reality, we can truly recognize the blessing when our leaders stand with Israel. This couldn’t be more true than when we look at the existence of AIPAC, The American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Multiple leaders attended AIPAC’s annual event, but it’s important to first understand what AIPAC is. As AIPAC describes in their own words, their purpose, we begin to see why we should not only support Israel, but also the existence of AIPAC.

“Israel relies on its ally, America, in order to confront all challenges it faces and the best way to guarantee that the United States continues to stand by Israel is through bipartisan support in Congress.” The safety and security of Israel is not a Democratic issue, and it’s not a Republican issue. It’s an American issue. “We work with both parties to ensure Democrats and Republicans come together to keep Israel safe.”

Of all the arenas in the world where Israel is constantly being attacked, The United Nations is front and center. There is no better voice to express America’s steadfast support of Israel in this arena than America’s own Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley. At the onset of this dialogue, Ambassador Haley is asked about how to hold Iran accountable considering the Nuclear Deal that was passed during the Obama Administration. As Ambassador Haley recounts the actions and effects of the Deal, she points out, how we have to watch Iran “like a hawk”. She specifically shares why. “You can put sanctions on a country. To take sanctions away, it’s very hard to put sanctions back on.” She expresses her disapproval of the deal itself by stating, “Why that was ever allowed to go through, why that was ever passed is beyond me. I mean, it was terrible.”

Since the moment that Nikki Haley took over the position of America’s Ambassador to the United Nations, she has been openly and boldly supportive of Israel, as well as open about America’s awareness of those countries that are not. She was asked to expand on her first public quote of “taking names, and we will make points to respond to that accordingly” and what that means. She responds bluntly; “Basically, what it comes down to is that I’m not there to play. And, what I wanted to make sure of, was that the United States started leading again.” She continues, “Have the backs of our allies. Never again do what we saw happen with Resolution 2334 and make anyone question our support.”

Ambassador Haley shares the heartfelt reality of what many felt that deeply support Israel. “When Resolution 2334 happened, and the U.S. abstained, the entire country felt a kick in the gut. We had just done something that showed the United States at its weakest point ever. Never do we not have the backs of our friends. We don’t have a greater friend than Israel. And, to see that happen, was not only embarrassing, it was also hurtful.” As difficult as it is to recognize that this did happen, she reassures all of those who are present; “That will never happen again.” We each have powerful abilities to see change become reality when it comes to supporting Israel. “The power of your voice is an amazing thing. So, one, changing the culture of the U.N. is very important; and the way you change the culture of the U.N. is the United States tells them what we’re not going to put up with. We start to change the culture to what we should be talking about, and then we actually act on what we say.”

Ambassador Haley sets the definitive tone in her position as Ambassador to the United Nations and how it stands separate from the previous days of America’s involvement in the United Nations with this powerful statement. “The days of Israel bashing are over.” It just doesn’t get any clearer than that. She continues, “…You’re not going to take our one democratic friend in the Middle East and beat up on them. And, I think what you’re seeing is, they’re all backing up a little bit, the Israel bashing is not as loud…” She also confronts the naysayers who assume that nothing can be accomplished in the United Nations. “They need to know there is a new sheriff in town.”

Amongst other distinguished leaders from America, Vice President Mike Pence also shared his heart towards Israel and commented on America’s strong bond with Israel. Vice President Pence shares his deep gratitude to serve but also to stand alongside our President. He also expresses the encouragement of our new President; “For the first time in a long time, America has a President who will stand with our allies and stand up to our enemies.” If there were any questions regarding Israel, the Vice President takes the time to answer those with clarity. “And, under President Donald Trump, if the world knows nothing else, the world will know this: America stands with Israel!”

The Vice President continued to highlight the actions of the President towards Israel as he commented on the subject of America’s Embassy and the Palestinian Conflict. “…After decades of simply talking about it, the President of the United States is giving serious consideration to moving the American Embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem.” He continues, “President Trump is also invested in finding an equitable and just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.”

While there are many discussions and varying topics regarding America’s involvement with Israel, the Vice President highlights what is pinnacle in the eyes of the President. “President Trump will never compromise the safety and security of the Jewish State of Israel.” Considering America’s longstanding relationship with Israel, the present reality has special significance. “I’m proud to say that America’s support for Israel’s security is at a record level.” He continues, “And President Trump has made it absolutely clear, our commitment to Israel’s defense is non-negotiable; NOT NOW! NOT EVER!”

As the Vice President continues to discuss the realities of Israel’s safety and security, he isn’t bashful of recognizing and identifying the threats of evil that exist. “And, in President Trump, America has a leader who will call our enemies by their name…At this very moment, our Administration is crafting plans to defeat Radical Islamic terrorism so it can no longer bring violence to our enemies, to our allies, or inspire violence here at home.” As clear as these very words are, Vice President Pence makes sure there is no doubt of President Trump’s willingness to eradicate all signs of Radical Islam. “We will hunt down and destroy ISIS at its source, so it can no longer threaten our people, our allies, or our most cherished ally: Israel.”

As the Vice President continues to talk about the threats in the world, he changes topics to address Iran. “This Administration has put Iran on notice.” He shares more specifically, “America will no longer tolerate Iran’s efforts to de-stabilize the region and jeopardize Israel’s security. The Ayatollah’s in Tehran openly admit their desire to wipe Israel off the map and drive its people into the sea…” But, as the Vice President expresses, “The United States of America will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. This is our solemn promise to you, to Israel, and to the world.”

It is such an honor to have Israel’s Prime Minister speaking about America’s support of Israel. At this year’s annual AIPAC event, Prime Minister Netanyahu shared his condolences for America’s support as well as AIPAC’s long standing efforts to make this conference a reality. “Thank you to the bipartisan leadership of Congress and to the many members of the House and Senate who have come to show support of the great U.S.-Israel Alliance.” The Prime Minister wastes no time is expressing his deep gratitude for America’s support of Israel. “Israel has no greater friend than America, and America has no greater friend than Israel”.

As other respected leaders address the issues of safety in the region and the peace and safety of Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu also comments on the realities involving Iran. “I’m confident that the United States and Israel will stand together, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure that light triumphs over darkness, and hope triumphs over despair. That means preventing Iran from ever, from ever developing nuclear weapons. That is our policy. It will always be our policy.”

As the Prime Minister comments on Israel’s robust creativity in its business sector and ingenuity, he also comments on this only being possible because of America’s support. “I want to thank the President for his strong support for Israel. I want to thank Vice President Pence for his warm words for Israel last night.” He continues, “You see that expressed in Ambassador Haley standing up for what’s right for Israel, and for the truth at the United Nations.” As leaders speak of America’s strong commitment to defend Israel, the Prime Minister comments on the actions that demonstrate those words. “You see it in the budget requests submitted by President Trump. It leaves military aid to Israel fully funded even as the fiscal belt is pulled tighter. And, we appreciate that!”

As the Prime Minister shares his closing remarks, he comments on Israel’s steadfast willingness to work with all of their peaceful neighbors. “Israel is committed to working with President Trump, to advance peace with the Palestinians and all of our neighbors.” He continues, “I believe that the common dangers faced by Israel and many of our Arab neighbors now offer a rare opportunity to build bridges toward a better future.”

These are such empowering moments for each of us to recognize the urgency to stand with Israel during this critical hour in the world. America stands with Israel! Israel stands with America! Be encouraged in your perspective of Israel as you see the urgency for action and prayer in defense of Israel, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: Radical Islam, Hamas, nuclear weapons, The Middle East, AIPAC, The United Nations, technology, driverless cars, and prayer. John and Steve shared in this segment.

Screenshot courtesy of Youtube.com AIPAC