Monday, May 4 | Tuesday, May 5
Support for Israel is not just a Jewish issue-it is also a celebrated cause for Americans from all walks of life. Israel supporters from across the nation have made their voices heard, from the steps of Los Angeles' City Hall to the pulpit in a Detroit chapel. Today, they join together to kick off this year's Policy Conference with a tribute to the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Special GuestsToday's exclusive AIPAC In-Depth broadcast brings together four of the world's most experienced national security specialists to examine the foreign policy challenges facing the United States, Israel and the world.
PanelistsChoose from a number of exciting programming options including innovative briefing theaters, expert policy briefings and stimulating Scholar in Residence discussions.
The Arabian Peninsula is at once the birthplace of Islam, the epicenter of global oil trade and a hotbed of radical Islamist sentiment—and, it is situated just across a narrow waterway from Iran. Two experts shed light on the personalities and political forces shaping the Gulf today and explain how developments in the region reverberate far beyond the Middle East. This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
FeaturingThe Palestinian Authority has taken steps to exert its rule over the West Bank, but the challenges of Hamas terrorism, corruption, infighting and political legitimacy remain. Who is calling the shots in Ramallah, and what are the chances that the PA can lay the groundwork for a functioning Palestinian state in the West Bank? This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
FeaturingCairo and Amman both inked peace treaties with Israel, ushering in hopes for regional commerce, cooperation and co-existence—but the reality is a bit more complicated. This panel of experts examines the internal dynamics shaping Egypt and Jordan today and gauges the challenges and opportunities that the future holds for their ties with Israel. This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
FeaturingWith satellite dishes mounted on every roof across the Muslim world, stations like Al Jazeera, Al Manar and Al Arabiya now reach millions of viewers. What does the Arab street see and hear about us when they tune in? This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
FeaturingIsrael's peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority seem to stop and start, without an end to the conflict in sight. What exactly is up for discussion between the parties? Can efforts to build up Palestinian civil society bear fruit? Is Israeli-Palestinian peace on the horizon? This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
FeaturingAn expert panel examines how America and its allies can cut off the money Tehran needs to pursue atomic arms and dry up the financial reserves of state sponsors of terrorism. This session is also offered on Sunday from 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
FeaturingAging leaders and Islamic extremism, formidable economic clout and the World Wide Web—these factors, and many others, are rapidly changing the face of the modern Middle East. Three of America's most renowned foreign policy experts delve into the issues that are reshaping the contours of the Arab and Muslim worlds. This session is also offered on Sunday, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
FeaturingFrom Mumbai to Madrid, from Bali to Buenos Aires, al-Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates seem to have expanded their presence across the globe. Has the worldwide terrorist network grown, and what can the United States do to limit the reach of radical Islamist terror? This session is also offered on Sunday, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
FeaturingIran threatens the destruction of Israel, exports fundamentalist Islam through its terrorist proxies and controls much of the world's energy supplies. How would a nuclear-armed Iran alter the strategic balance in the Middle East, spur regional nuclear proliferation and threaten the world? This session is also offered on Sunday, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
FeaturingAt the helm in Congress, at the State Department and in nations across the globe, women hold some of the most important and powerful positions on the international scene. Three leading female figures share their experiences from the political world and discuss their unique approaches to leadership and pro-Israel activism.
FeaturingDespite daily struggles with war and terrorism, Israel has gone to great pains to wage its battles humanely and responsibly. Hear from an expert on Israel's legal and moral obligations to uphold human rights in its fight against terrorism and learn from one of Israel's top military officials about how these laws are implemented and enforced in the field. This session is also offered on Sunday, 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
FeaturingFor decades, the United Nations has proven notoriously hostile to all things Israel. Hear from the diplomats who have defended the Jewish state in the halls of Turtle Bay and explore what the future holds for the tiny democracy as it stands its ground at the United Nations. This session is also offered on Sunday, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
FeaturingWhile the international media scrutinizes Israel's every move, the country faces enormous challenges in telling its true story to the world. Learn from three top communications specialists about Israel's place in the eye of the international media. This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
FeaturingWith parliamentary elections just behind us, and new leadership taking hold in Jerusalem, two Israeli political experts offer firsthand accounts from the campaign trail and share their predictions for the road ahead. This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
FeaturingTasked with protecting its citizens from unrelenting terrorism, Israel has developed some of the most cutting-edge homeland security techniques on the planet-and, it has been eager to share its expertise to protect the American people. Three top homeland security officials explore how the United States and Israel are cooperating to keep their citizens safe. This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
FeaturingHow can the United States and Israel, along with the international community, meet the needs of the civilian population in Gaza without strengthening Hamas? Why is Israel opening Gaza border crossings to allow more food, medical equipment and supplies while Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel? Learn how the United States and Israel are working together to strike a balance. This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
PresenterThis class examines the key players who formulate foreign aid legislation-both in Congress and outside-and how they put a bill together; how a foreign aid bill becomes law; obstacles to overcome during this process; the many different ways such bills actually get enacted and what provisions a typical bill includes. This session is also offered on Sunday, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
PresenterThis Master Class explores the foundation of the Israeli political process, the various parties that can form coalitions and how those coalitions are formed. Participants also examine how decisions are made within a coalition government and discuss Israeli public opinion with regard to the electoral process. This session is also offered on Monday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
PresenterThis class analyzes how foreign aid helps to create a more secure America and a safer Israel. We discuss how the concept of national security has changed to include not only traditional military threats, but also the spread of terrorism, radical ideologies, diseases and economic turmoil. During this interactive session, participants will be pushed to answer the toughest questions AIPAC lobbyists face on Capitol Hill on a daily basis.
PresenterThis class examines one of the main causes for the Palestinians' failure to establish a state of their own and make peace with Israel: their leadership's tenacious insistence on establishing a Palestinian state that would replace the Jewish state, while repeatedly rejecting opportunities to create a Palestinian state that would live side-by-side with Israel. This session is also offered on Monday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
PresenterWidely acclaimed essayist and foreign policy expert Josef Joffe, publisher and editor-in-Chief of the German weekly Die Zeit, is a Fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution specializing in international security, the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy.
PresenterTal Becker is an expert on international law who served as legal advisor to Israel's U.N. mission from 2001 to 2005
PresenterA Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near Policy and Jerusalem's Shalem Center, Martin Kramer is an authority on contemporary Islam and the modern Middle East.
PresenterAmbassador Marc Ginsberg, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Morocco under President Clinton, is a FOX news analyst who is regularly called upon to explain events in the Middle East.
PresenterA Professor of History at Union College in New York, Stephen Berk is an expert on topics related to Jewish history, ranging from Russian pogroms to the Holocaust to current attempts to deny Israel's right to exist.
PresenterMake your commitment to AIPAC a permanent one through a gift in your estate. AIPAC's endowment team will be on hand to explore with you the various planned giving options (both charitable and non-charitable) available to benefit both you and AIPAC.
Choose from a number of exciting programming options including innovative briefing theaters, expert policy briefings and stimulating Scholar in Residence discussions.
Syria continues to play a destabilizing role across the Middle East, maintains close ties with Iran and is in the midst of unprecedented internal turmoil. All the while, Bashar al-Assad speaks of his desire for peace with Israel. Three experts discuss Damascus' true motives and the prospects for, and possible contours of, an Israeli-Syrian peace agreement. This session is also offered on Sunday from 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
FeaturingThe Arabian Peninsula is at once the birthplace of Islam, the epicenter of global oil trade and a hotbed of radical Islamist sentiment—and, it is situated just across a narrow waterway from Iran. Two experts shed light on the personalities and political forces shaping the Gulf today and explain how developments in the region reverberate far beyond the Middle East. This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
FeaturingThe majority of the world's oil sits beneath the sands of unstable nations and under the control of hostile authoritarian leaders. Is there still an American appetite for energy independence? If so, what will it take to achieve, and can such a move secure our nation? This session is also offered on Sunday, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
FeaturingThe Palestinian Authority has taken steps to exert its rule over the West Bank, but the challenges of Hamas terrorism, corruption, infighting and political legitimacy remain. Who is calling the shots in Ramallah, and what are the chances that the PA can lay the groundwork for a functioning Palestinian state in the West Bank? This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingCairo and Amman both inked peace treaties with Israel, ushering in hopes for regional commerce, cooperation and co-existence—but the reality is a bit more complicated. This panel of experts examines the internal dynamics shaping Egypt and Jordan today and gauges the challenges and opportunities that the future holds for their ties with Israel. This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingWith satellite dishes mounted on every roof across the Muslim world, stations like Al Jazeera, Al Manar and Al Arabiya now reach millions of viewers. What does the Arab street see and hear about us when they tune in? This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingPakistan sits at the nexus of radical Islamist terrorism. The state possesses an arsenal of nuclear weapons. And, Islamabad appears to have only tenuous control over its intelligence services. Is Pakistan becoming a failed state? What would such a scenario mean for the United States, Israel and the world? This session is also offered on Sunday from 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
FeaturingIsrael's peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority seem to stop and start, without an end to the conflict in sight. What exactly is up for discussion between the parties? Can efforts to build up Palestinian civil society bear fruit? Is Israeli-Palestinian peace on the horizon? This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingAn expert panel examines how America and its allies can cut off the money Tehran needs to pursue atomic arms and dry up the financial reserves of state sponsors of terrorism. This session is also offered on Sunday from 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
FeaturingOnce a Western ally, Iran has been, since its Islamic Revolution in 1979, one of the toughest foreign policy challenges for American diplomats and military planners. This panel explores the history of U.S. efforts to reach out to Iran and examines whether there is any hope that Washington can embark on a new course with its longtime Persian adversary. This session is also offered on Sunday, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
FeaturingDrawn together during the civil rights movement, African Americans and Jews have a shared history and a biblical connection to the Land of Israel. How can this historical alliance be reignited around the pro-Israel cause?
FeaturingChristian, African American and Jewish students talk about their experience on campus.
FeaturingHenry Kissinger once quipped that Israel has no foreign policy, only domestic affairs. But that is no longer true. This panel examines Israel's efforts to upgrade its ties with Europe, gain legitimacy and acceptance across the Muslim world, provide aid to Africa and engage new allies and friends across the globe. This session is also offered on Sunday from 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
FeaturingWhile the international media scrutinizes Israel's every move, the country faces enormous challenges in telling its true story to the world. Learn from three top communications specialists about Israel's place in the eye of the international media. This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingWith parliamentary elections just behind us, and new leadership taking hold in Jerusalem, two Israeli political experts offer firsthand accounts from the campaign trail and share their predictions for the road ahead. This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingTasked with protecting its citizens from unrelenting terrorism, Israel has developed some of the most cutting-edge homeland security techniques on the planet-and, it has been eager to share its expertise to protect the American people. Three top homeland security officials explore how the United States and Israel are cooperating to keep their citizens safe. This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingHow can the United States and Israel, along with the international community, meet the needs of the civilian population in Gaza without strengthening Hamas? Why is Israel opening Gaza border crossings to allow more food, medical equipment and supplies while Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel? Learn how the United States and Israel are working together to strike a balance. This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
PresenterThis session provides an in-depth exploration of Hamas' rise as both a terrorist group and political force, culminating in their leading role in Palestinian life and the 2007 Gaza takeover. Participants review Hamas' makeup and direction over the past year, lessons learned from Operation Cast Lead and the role of the leadership in Damascus, as well as the growing influence of Iran.
PresenterThis Master Class examines the decision-making system in the national security arena, by focusing on the role of the President, the National Security Council and the Cabinet and looking at the changes underway in the Obama administration.
PresenterWhat exactly Iran has been doing to covertly develop a nuclear capability? This Master Class reviews and analyzes the events that led to this most critical issue facing world security. Participants also discuss and assess options and alternatives to prevent an Iranian nuclear capability from emerging—as well as the implications for regional and global security if Iran is not stopped.
PresenterPro-Israel activists deal with tough questions all of the time, and this Master Class provides ways to answer them. If you have ever been confronted with one of THOSE questions and struggled to respond, then take a seat and take notes. This session will run again on Monday from 4:00-5:15 pm
PresenterDr. Daniel Taub is the Deputy Legal Advisor of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His areas of responsibility include counter-terrorism, international organizations and humanitarian law. He has been closely involved in the Middle East peace process and has served as a member of the Israeli negotiating teams in Israel's negotiations with both Syria and the Palestinians.
PresenterAnn Lewis was a Senior Advisor in the historic Hillary Clinton for President Campaign, where she oversaw outreach to women voters and to the Jewish community, and was also member of the Communications Team.
PanelistA retired Brigadier General in the Israel Defense Forces, Former Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh has been among Israel's most outspoken voices of the danger that a nuclear Iran poses to Israel and its American allies in the Middle East.
PanelistKenneth Stein of Emory University is one of America's leading academic experts on Israel and the author of four books on the Arab-Israeli peace process.
PresenterMake your commitment to AIPAC a permanent one through a gift in your estate. AIPAC's endowment team will be on hand to explore with you the various planned giving options (both charitable and non-charitable) available to benefit both you and AIPAC.
Syria continues to play a destabilizing role across the Middle East, maintains close ties with Iran and is in the midst of unprecedented internal turmoil. All the while, Bashar al-Assad speaks of his desire for peace with Israel. Three experts discuss Damascus' true motives and the prospects for, and possible contours of, an Israeli-Syrian peace agreement. This session is also offered on Sunday from 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
FeaturingThe United States and Europe share many of the same basic values, but often diverge on policy in the Middle East. This expert panel explains the origins of the American-European gap and gauges its impact on U.S. diplomacy and Israel's security. This session is also offered on Monday from 2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
FeaturingHizballah stockpiles its rockets, wields veto power over Lebanon's Cabinet and takes its marching orders from Damascus and Tehran. Has Hizballah grown its base of support? What are the internal dynamics shaping Beirut, and how do these developments affect the state of Israel? This session is also offered on Monday from 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
FeaturingPakistan sits at the nexus of radical Islamist terrorism. The state possesses an arsenal of nuclear weapons. And, Islamabad appears to only have tenuous control over its intelligence services. Is Pakistan becoming a failed state? What would such a scenario mean for the United States, Israel and the world? This session is also offered on Sunday from 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
FeaturingAging leaders and Islamic extremism, formidable economic clout and the World Wide Web—these factors, and many others, are rapidly changing the face of the modern Middle East. Three of America's most renowned foreign policy experts delve into the issues that are reshaping the contours of the Arab and Muslim worlds. This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingRussia shields Iran from international sanctions, while China bolsters Iran's economy with investments and lucrative oil deals. How do Iran's growing ties with these nations undermine American interests and threaten our ally Israel? This session is also offered on Monday from 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
FeaturingFrom Mumbai to Madrid, from Bali to Buenos Aires, al-Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates seem to have expanded their presence across the globe. Has the worldwide terrorist network grown, and what can the United States do to limit the reach of radical Islamist terror? This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingIran threatens the destruction of Israel, exports fundamentalist Islam through its terrorist proxies and controls much of the world's energy supplies. How would a nuclear-armed Iran alter the strategic balance in the Middle East, spur regional nuclear proliferation and threaten the world? This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingOnce a Western ally, Iran has been, since its Islamic Revolution in 1979, one of the toughest foreign policy challenges for American diplomats and military planners. This panel explores the history of U.S. efforts to reach out to Iran and examines whether there is any hope that Washington can embark on a new course with its longtime Persian adversary. This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
FeaturingThis exclusive off-the-record briefing by a senior AIPAC political expert explores an election that could impact American policy toward the Middle East.
FeaturingThe pro-Israel movement has a natural base of support in the Jewish community. Learn how rabbis and congregations from across the political and denominational spectrum are working with AIPAC to turn that base into a potent political force.
FeaturingThe 2008 election turned conventional wisdom about partisanship, voting patterns and political involvement on its head. This panel of leading political insiders explores the country's evolving political map, demographic shifts in the United States and the impact of youth voting on American politics.
FeaturingDespite daily struggles with war and terrorism, Israel has gone to great pains to wage its battles humanely and responsibly. Hear from an expert on Israel's legal and moral obligations to uphold human rights in its fight against terrorism and learn from one of Israel's top military officials about how these laws are implemented and enforced in the field. This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingFor decades, the United Nations has proven notoriously hostile to all things Israel. Hear from the diplomats who have defended the Jewish state in the halls of Turtle Bay and explore what the future holds for the tiny democracy as it stands its ground at the United Nations. This session is also offered on Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FeaturingHenry Kissinger once quipped that Israel has no foreign policy, only domestic affairs. But that is no longer true. This panel examines Israel's efforts to upgrade its ties with Europe, gain legitimacy and acceptance across the Muslim world, provide aid to Africa and engage new allies and friends across the globe. This session is also offered on Sunday from 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
FeaturingThe majority of the world's oil sits beneath the sands of unstable nations and under the control of hostile authoritarian leaders. Is there still an American appetite for energy independence? If so, what will it take to achieve, and can such a move secure our nation? This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
FeaturingThis class provides a historical review of Hizballah's creation and rise out of Iran’s 1979 Revolutionary Doctrine. The session also includes a brief discussion of Lebanon's current political situation and takes a closer look at Hizballah's influence throughout the Lebanese government and military.
PresenterThis class examines the key players who formulate foreign aid legislation-both in Congress and outside-and how they put a bill together; how a foreign aid bill becomes law; obstacles to overcome during this process; the many different ways such bills actually get enacted and what provisions a typical bill includes. This session is also offered on Sunday, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
PresenterParticipants examine both historical and theological foundations of Christian Zionism, the name given to the growing pro-Israel movement within the evangelical Christian community. The class then explores some of the most vexing questions within the Jewish community regarding this movement.
PresenterWith a primary focus on recent developments and central trends, this class examines how this "campaign" has evolved over six decades. Who were—and, more significant, who are-the primary actors in this effort? What are their goals, strategies and tactics? What are the prospects for the future?
PresenterThe nature of the U.S.-Israel defense relationship has been mischaracterized by many, including some of those "in the know," as a one-way street. This class focuses on the extent of the two-way nature of the relationship and how it benefits U.S. citizens. This class traces the evolution of this relationship, from the early 1960s to the present.
PresenterLarry Weinberg is Executive Vice President of Israel 21c, a non-profit that focus media and public attention on the value that 21st century Israel adds to everyday life in America through innovation and progress in technology, health care, culture and democracy.
PresenterA noted author and leading journalist, David Horovitz is the Editor-in-Chief of "The Jerusalem Post" and one of the most respected observers of Israeli politics, culture and society.
PresenterDavid Makovsky directs The Washington Institute for Near East Policy's studies of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, a subject that he has addressed in numerous books, monographs and articles.
PresenterA Middle East Correspondent for Ha'aretz and best-selling author, Avi Issacharoff routinely goes face to face with terrorists, citizens and Palestinian officials.
PresenterDr. Anat Berko is currently the Visiting Schusterman Professor at George Washington University. Dr. Berko, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Israel Defense Forces, is a member of Israel's Counter-Terrorism Team and Israel's National Security Council.
PresenterMake your commitment to AIPAC a permanent one through a gift in your estate. AIPAC's endowment team will be on hand to explore with you the various planned giving options (both charitable and non-charitable) available to benefit both you and AIPAC.
One of the Republican party's foremost strategic thinkers and AIPAC's Executive Director illuminate the looming threats to the United States and Israel and lay out the path for the two allies to achieve their common goals of peace and security.
Featuring* - invited
† - this session open to Senate Club and above only
Register by 12 midnight P.S.T. on May 8 to receive your $200 discount for next year's Policy Conference, March 21-23.
Israeli drip irrigation technology revolutionized agriculture.
President Harry S. Truman receives a Torah from Israeli President Chaim Weizmann at the White House on May 25, 1948.
Be part of an elite group of political activists from all over America dedicated to strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance.
