Understanding the strategic relationship between the United States and Israel

Date: January 17, 2012

In continuation of its work at college campuses, the ADL conducted the third I-Pitch for Israel workshop on the UCSD campus. This session focused on informing the students about the strategic relationship between the United States and Israel and the effects of the current political climate in the Middle-East on Israel.

Elliott Nahmias, Area Director for The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) educated the I-Pitch students about the importance of the US-Israel relationship and described some of the key facets of this relationship. This provoked a lively discussion about foreign aid to Israel and how Israel's inventions and innovations especially in the military domain are of significant benefit to the United States, the US Military and to the rest of the world. Students were also informed about some of the key developments from the Arab Spring that have significant ramifications for the State of Israel.

The current state of the Israel- Palestine peace talks, Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon and the state of relations with Syria were discussed in particular. Elliott emphasized that Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon “is not just an issue for Israel but has implications for the rest of the world as well.” This is a point he believes students need to stress when speaking to community members or other students about the worldwide repercussions of Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons.

The work that AIPAC does with the United States government on critical issues such as securing Israel's safety and political interests was well-illustrated through this discussion.

The night concluded with exploring ways in which students can be active in advocating for Israel on their college campus and getting involved with organizations that lobby for Israel.