August 1, 2025

Free the Hostages. Deliver More Aid.

Over nearly three years, we have watched with anguish as families waited in torment for the release of hostages held in Gaza. We have mourned with those who lost loved ones in Hamas’s brutal October 7th attacks and have stood firmly behind Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism and growing threats from Iran.

While much of the world rushed to condemn Israel, we remained resolute, continuing to demand the return of every hostage and working to ensure Israel receives the vital security assistance it needs from the United States.

At the same time, we cannot turn away from the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Our Jewish values compel us to speak out. Aid must flow, and it must reach those who need it most. The suffering of innocent civilians does not contradict our commitment to Israel; it underscores it.

Let's be clear: both things can and must happen simultaneously. More than 664 days after the attacks, at least 50 hostages still remain in captivity, held in inhumane, life-threatening conditions without adequate food, medicine, or care. Their immediate release is non-negotiable.

Free the hostages. Deliver more aid. These goals are not in conflict.

Calling for humanitarian assistance does not diminish our unwavering support for the State of Israel or its people. Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East, and its strength is vital to our own national security. Preserving and protecting our Jewish homeland is paramount to our values. Expressing difficult truths, even to our closest friends, is not a sign of weakness or betrayal; rather, it is a mark of a deep, enduring partnership.

Aid must be delivered safely and responsibly, ensuring it reaches civilians without endangering Israeli lives or empowering Hamas. We can, and must, continue to fight for the complete elimination of Hamas, the release of every hostage, and the protection of innocent lives.

Since our founding over 40 years ago, JAC has been dedicated to electing candidates who support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and recognize the importance of a Jewish homeland. That mission has never been more urgent.

JAC AROUND TOWN

JAC's meeting with IL-9 candidate

Laura Fine

L:R Allison Shaewitz, Amy Zisook, Debby Karton, Marcey Barichello, Ashley Wexner, Elliott Hartstein, IL-9 candidate Laura Fine, Harrison Fischoff, Dena Kandelman, Jacki Parmacek, Joni Reed, Laura Gold, Stacey Sherr Michelon, and Marcia Balonick

JAC's meeting with MI Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow

L:R Holis Wein, Debby Karton, Elle Kane, Jean Broday, MI-Sen. candidate Mallory McMorrow, Allison Shaewitz, and Marcia Balonick

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ISRAEL

• In a first, Arab League countries condemn Oct. 7 attack, call on Hamas to disarm
• ‘No more partial deals’: Official says Israel, US now back comprehensive plan to end war
• EU must freeze trade with Israel until more aid enters Gaza, Swedish PM demands

BDS & ANTISEMITISM

• Under Mamdani, New York would become the epicenter of anti-Israel activism
• How a Harvard initiative studying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict collapsed
• Antisemitism training designed by pro-Israel groups is becoming compulsory at U.S. colleges—what’s in it?

CHOICE

• New York sues to stop Medicaid cuts for Planned Parenthood
• Missouri’s abortion rights amendment fell into the fetal viability trap—let’s talk about it
• The federal government is failing patients—will states step up?

SEPARATION

• Trump administration’s memo opens door for religious conversion attempts at work 
• Louisiana governor responds to Joe Rogan interview “separation of church and state is a MYTH”
• National park gift shops move to ban “corrosive” history books

GUN VIOLENCE

• The Trump administration slashed federal funding for gun violence prevention
• The newest CDC data confirms that gun deaths fell in 2024 but remained higher than before the pandemic
• Police say the New York skyscraper mass shooter assembled the weapon himself

CLIMATE & COURTS

• In a game-changing climate rollback, the EPA aims to kill a bedrock scientific finding
• Trump’s EPA now says greenhouse gases don’t endanger people
• Kavanaugh defends emergency orders as the Supreme Court faces more bids for intervention

POLITICAL BYTE

• Swing states and big names set the stage for explosive 2026 governor races
• Musk's "America Party" is failing to launch
• Trump’s new plan for retribution against Democrats

FYI

• The Jewish producer of Broadway hits like ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Rent’ shares the secrets of his success
• Debbie Dingell tells her story — even when she doesn't want to
• Harrison Ford slams state of American politics: 'Rich get richer, poor get poorer'

THE LAST WORD

“Democrats will never bend the knee to a wannabee king"

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY)

Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC) is a pro-Israel PAC with a domestic agenda. We support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and advocate for reproductive health and the separation of religion and state and incorporate other issues of importance to the Jewish community, including gun violence prevention and climate change. In addition to providing financial support for U.S. Senate and House campaigns, JACPAC educates our membership with outreach events designed to inform and activate their participation in the political process.

Paid for by Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions or gifts are not tax deductible. Contributions may total up to $5000 per individual. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle. Corporate contributions and contributions from non-US citizens who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence are prohibited. All contributions by individuals must be made from personal funds and may not be reimbursed or paid by another person.