Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Speak at Policy Conference 2010

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has confirmed that she will address a plenary session at AIPAC Policy Conference 2010, which will be held March 21-23 in Washington, D.C. This will be her first policy address on the U.S.-Israel relationship since joining the Obama administration. Secretary Clinton joins a list of other dignitaries who have confirmed their attendance, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Quartet Representative Tony Blair, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Amb. Michael Oren, Col. Richard Kemp and Prof. Alan Dershowitz. View a full Policy Conference program and register for the pro-Israel community's preeminent annual event.

Students Attend the Saban Leadership Seminar

Pro-Israel students from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. last December for the Saban Leadership Seminar. Students from over 150 campuses participated in the four day seminar to refine their political advocacy skills, engage in programs about the current state of affairs in the Middle East, and to better understand the intricacies of the U.S.-Israel alliance.  

Saban Leadership Seminar students heard from Israel's Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren, AIPAC Executive Director Howard Kohr, as well as other leading experts on Iran's nuclear program, the Arab-Israeli peace process, and American electoral politics. Eric Gallagher, a student activist at The George Washington University commented, "The Saban Leadership Seminar taught me that the best way I can strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance is through electoral activism and building relationships with members of Congress."

Students Hone Political Skills at High School Summit

Four-hundred forty high school students gathered in Washington recently for the 5th annual AIPAC Schusterman Advocacy Institute High School Summit. Hailing from 150 high schools in 22 states, the student activists-traveling in delegations from Jewish Day Schools, Synagogues or through their BBYO, NCSY or USY Youth Group region-took part in three days of intensive pro-Israel political advocacy training. Through a series of seminars and workshops, high school students learned how they can play an active role in securing the U.S.-Israel relationship. "We are leaders on our issues today, and are not waiting for the future," declared Samantha Levinson, a student attending through her local BBYO chapter. "It is our time to build relationships with policy makers and strengthen the American-Israel relationship." Students also had the opportunity to hear from experts on a range of issues, including the Iranian nuclear threat, the Goldstone Report and the threats Israel faces from Hizballah and Hamas. High School Summit participants also toured Capitol Hill and met with Congressional staff members. Yoni Bonan, a student from Hillel Community Day School in Miami, Florida, said he left the Summit feeling "proud of myself and especially AIPAC for helping me be more confident and educating me about Iran, Israel and the [U.S.-Israel] relationship."

Support The AIPAC Tomorrow Campaign

AIPAC contributors who make a bequest or other planned gift to AIPAC's endowment program by January 22, 2010, will be honored in the award-winning book, Commitment Matters. All legacy donors are listed on the AIPAC Partners for Tomorrow Honor Roll. Those who pledge $1 million or more can share their personal stories through a full page portrait and testimonial. Donors who commit $100,000 or more are invited to publish their motivations "in their own words." The book will be distributed during AIPAC's Policy Conference March 21-23, 2010. Commitment Matters features the inspirational stories of AIPAC members whose endowment gifts will help ensure AIPAC has the resources needed to meet whatever challenges lie ahead for the U.S.-Israel relationship for years to come.

To find out more about The AIPAC Tomorrow Campaign and discuss the many ways you can make a legacy gift, contact Endowment Director Jodi Kurtis: jkurtis@aipac.org or 202.639.5243.

Former CIA Director Headlines Washington State Event

Former CIA Director James Woolsey headlined AIPAC's annual Pacific Northwest Dinner earlier this month in Seattle, Washington. Woolsey briefed over 650 state community leaders, pro-Israel activists, elected representatives and students on the joint security challenges facing the United States and Israel. Members of Congress attending the Emerald City event included Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R), Dave Reichert (R), Jay Inslee (D), Rick Larsen (D) and Jim McDermott (D), each of whom spoke about the vital importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.