AIPAC’S 2016 theme of “Come Together” really lived up to it’s billing as it has had some of the most diverse guest speakers to entertain the podium. Here are just a few with some hi-lights (so far).
(1) Pat Robertson son addressed the audience and told how the network CBN (Christian Broadcast Network) works with Israel and promotes their good works.
(2) African American legislators from South Carolina discussed their efforts to stop disincentive programs with Israel and work to promote trade with Israel instead
(3) Christian Clergy and Jewish Clergy discussed their strong friendship that developed under the AIPAC umbrella and continues to grow. There was one partnership in West Virginia that brought over 20 Christian Clergy leaders and parishioners (that filled many a bus) together to Washington to try to persuade their leaders to stop the Iranian deal.
(4) Ann Lewis described the Progressive desire to continue to protect and promote Israel.
(5) California legislators described how Israel was able to help with their drought problems.
(6) Kenya officials thanked Israel for providing the technical skills so they could learn to feed themselves.
(7) Several video’s demonstrated how AIPAC reaches out to leaders from both parties, the military, school leaders, Hispanic officials and informs them on the important issues in the alliance as well as has trips to Israel to show them the facts on the ground
(8) One Christian Pastor told a moving story about how his father was able to save over 200 American Jewish servicemen during WWII from extermination, by putting his life on the line as well as the other troops and as such received Israel’s highest medal of honor.
(9) Vice President Joe Biden gave the administration position on how he believes this administration supports Israel
(10) Bill Crystal a prominent member of the conservative movement and
Ann Lewis from the progressive side showed how they could unite for the benefit of the U.S Israeli Alliance.
(11) A video presentation showed how Arabs and Israel youth are brought together in Israel through the great American past-time baseball.
(12) A fascinating story was told how a friendship between Harry Truman and a former business associate Eddie Jacobs may have been the turning point in getting the Jewish state recognized.
(13) It was also an interesting tid bit to discover that 75 % of the military aid Israel receives from the U.S must be in the U.S.