AIPAC Targeting Pro-Israeli Jewish Congressman

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The American Prospect recently reported: “Will AIPAC Crush One of Congress’s Most Prominent Jewish Democrats?

The targeted congressman, Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich.), tells MSNBC: “I’m not just Jewish, I’m one of two former synagogue presidents in Congress. … AIPAC has completely gone off the rails and they are trying to end my career because I won’t fall in line with their view of what it means to be pro-Israel.”

RONALD ARONSON, ronald.aronson@wayne.eduAronson is distinguished professor emeritus of the history of ideas at Wayne State University in Detroit. He recently wrote the piece “‘Anti-Israel’ and ‘Pro-Israel’ in Michigan Election” in Tikkun magazine about AIPAC’s targeting of Levin, whose primary is on Aug. 2.

Aronson explains AIPAC’s targeting: “The main reason is Levin’s Two-State Solution Act, which he presented to Congress after the High Holidays in September, flanked by Peace Now’s Hadar Susskind and J-Street president Jeremy Ben-Ami. With no negotiations taking place since the ill-fated efforts of John Kerry, and with the Israeli colonization of the West Bank proceeding relentlessly, the two-state solution has been abandoned virtually everywhere except as a shibboleth to which lip service must be given to undercut accusations of ‘apartheid.’ In the face of these realities Levin, J-Street, and Americans for Peace Now, along with over 40 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives seek to reassert the two-state solution as active American policy.”

RICHARD SILVERSTEIN, richards1052@gmail.com, @richards1052   Silverstein writes at Tikun Olam and recently wrote the in-depth overview piece “AIPAC Astroturf Groups Plow Millions into Defeating Progressive Democrats.” He was featured on IPA news releases on AIPAC’s successful targeting of Donna Edwards and another titled “AIPAC Has Taken Over the Democratic Primary Process.” He also contributes to Middle East Eye, Jacobin magazine and other outlets.