Israel Allies Caucus

The Israel Allies Caucus is a caucus in the United States House of Representatives made up of members who strongly support Israel. It was formed on July 27, 2006, to affirm United States support for Israel amidst growing international pressure for Israel to implement an immediate and unreciprocated ceasefire during the Israel-Lebanon conflict. It is the only bipartisan Caucus in support of Israel in the U.S. House.

History

The caucus was modeled after its counterpart in the Knesset, the Christian Allies Caucus.[1][2] The Congressional Israel Allies Caucus inspired the establishment of 36 pro-Israel Caucuses in Parliaments worldwide, coordinated by the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF).[3] As of 2017, the President of the Foundation is Josh Reinstein.[3] According to its website, the Israel Allies Foundation "works with Congress and parliaments around the world to mobilize political support for Israel based on Judeo-Christian values." Additionally, they support the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus in its leadership role within Congress and seeks to engage and interact interfaith leaders and organizations with this important body of lawmakers.[4]

The countries listed by the website as members of the international body (IAF) are Brazil, European Union, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Paraguay, The Philippines, South Africa, Australia, Latvia, Switzerland, and Uruguay.[5] The IAF's Declaration of Purpose resolves eight points, including that "Jerusalem is, and should be, the undivided capital of Israel and the Jewish People, and in recognition of this all the nations of the world should locate their embassies in Jerusalem" and that "the Iranian regime with its developing arsenal of weapons of mass destruction and its stated goal of destroying Israel constitutes a clear and present danger to the existence of the State of Israel that must be opposed."[6]

The Israel Allies Foundation hosts regular events in Israel and around the world, including an annual celebration of Jerusalem Day on Capitol Hill and a Chairman's Conference held every year in Jerusalem bringing together Members and Chairmen of the Israel Allies Caucuses worldwide during Sukkot.[7]

Vice President Mike Pence is a former Co-chairman of the Caucus.[3]

Founding members

The Founding Co-Chairs were Mike Pence (Republican, Indiana); former House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (Republican, Virginia); and Eliot Engel (Democrat, New York).[9]

Co-chairs

The co-chairs of the congressional Israel Allies Caucus in the 116th United States Congress are:[10]

References
  1. Lefkowitz, Etgar (28 July 2006). "Israel Allies Caucus formed in US Congress". Jerusalem Post.
  2. Hoffman, Gil (16 January 2014). "Israel Allies Foundation names Washington DC director". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 1492863214.
  3. Fendel, Hillel (28 May 2017). "What Rabbi Benny Elon Did For Jerusalem". Jewish Press. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  4. "About the Israel Allies Foundation | Israel Allies Foundation". www.israelallies.org. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  5. "USA | Home | Israel Allies Foundation". israelallies.org. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  6. "Declaration of Purpose and Solidarity With the People and State of Israel" (PDF). Israel Allies Foundation. Retrieved November 13, 2013.
  7. "Upcoming Israel Allies Foundation Events | Israel Allies Foundation". israelallies.org. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  8. "Arena Profile: Trent Franks". Politico. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  9. Lefkovitz, Etgar (4 May 2009). "Christian supporters of Israel gather in Washington". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 319683740.
  10. "Congressional Israel Allies Caucus". Israel Allies Foundation. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
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