AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, was established in 1954 by leaders of the American Jewish community who recognized that Israel's needs could not be satisfied by philanthropy alone. The economic, military and political support necessary for Israel's survival could only come from the U.S. government. AIPAC's mission ever since has been to nurture and advance the U.S.-Israel relationship, to assure that the ties are continuing and solid.

AIPAC works day in and day out with Congress and the Administration to advance the U.S.-Israel relationship. Its staff attend every hearing, every session and every meeting to make a difference on fundamental issues affecting the U.S. and Israel: combating weapons proliferation to rogue nations such as Iran and Iraq, securing vital financial aid for Israel, promoting strategic cooperation between our armed forces, developing sound anti-terrorism policies, and advancing the Middle East peace process.

AIPAC is a source of information for virtually every candidate for federal office in the U.S. AIPAC staff works with each Senate and House campaign making sure that every candidate understands the pro-Israel community's views and receives factual and timely information about the U.S.-Israel relationship.

AIPAC's student leadership programs are a vital means of building community strength — now and into the future. Staff work with students on 200 campuses in all 50 states to educate them about the issues and involve them in the process. AIPAC's college internship program is considered one of the nation's finest, and its regional and national seminars for college students are some of the most stimulating and educational experiences available.