While AIPAC’s critics rejoice as lobby shifts strategy, its defenders push back

AIPAC announced it is ending direct contributions and candidate endorsements, shifting to mobilizing individual donors. Critics celebrated the move, while defenders called it a smart course correction amid antisemitism. AIPAC's super PAC will continue operating. The decision marks a significant reversal of a strategy launched in 2021, with the lobby facing a challenging environment and becoming a target for progressive candidates.

AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby, announced on Wednesday that it is ending direct contributions and candidate endorsements, shifting its focus to mobilizing individual donors. The decision marks a significant reversal of a strategy launched in 2021, ahead of the 2022 election cycle. AIPAC's super PAC, the United Democracy Project, will continue to operate. The move came amid what AIPAC called 'one of the most challenging environments in recent memory,' with the lobby becoming a target for progressive candidates, particularly Democratic Socialists of America members. Critics including the DSA, J Street, and Jewish Voice for Peace celebrated the announcement, with the DSA stating that 'working people do not want their tax dollars to fund apartheid and genocide.' Defenders, including former AIPAC staffer Jonathan Greenberg, argued the shift was a smart course correction amid antisemitism. The article notes that both supporters and detractors agree the 72-year-old institution is not going away.