IAC may soon become a force that could compete with AIPAC, at a time when some Jewish Americans have lost confidence in the latter,Washington Wrap: IAC’s Growing Numbers and Influence,IAC may soon become a force that could compete with AIPAC, at a time when some Jewish Americans have lost confidence in the latter
Last year there were 2000 participants and this year according to CEO Adam Milstein the conference drew 2 700. The number of IAC branches has likewise burgeoned with 15 branches currently scattered across the US (Photo: Perry Bindelglass)
W hen Jewish American tycoon Sheldon Adelson ascended the stage at the Israeli American Council’s annual conference this week he said he was reminded of AIPAC’s glory days back when the pro-Israel lobby was just developing its foothold.
The comments sparked speculation whether he was simply noting the meteoric development of IAC — which is taking an increasingly central role inside the community of Israeli-Americans — or predicting that IAC may soon become a force that could compete with AIPAC at a time when some Jewish Americans have lost confidence in the latter for its perceived failure to lobby Congress against the Iran nuclear agreement and also for AIPAC president Lilian Pinkus’s apology to the group’s 2016 policy conference for candidate Trump’s criticism of President Obama.
Either way it’s hard to ignore IAC’s phenomenal growth rate. From 650 participants in its first conference that number doubled in the second year. Last year there were 2 000 participants and this year according to CEO Adam Milstein the conference drew 2 700. The number of IAC branches has likewise burgeoned with 15 branches currently scattered across the US and an additional five new branches planned for the coming year.
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