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Unwavering Alliance: U.S.-Israel Cooperation Benefits Both Nations
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BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – STORIES
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In a time of global turbulence and political uncertainty, a critical alliance endures: the U.S.-Israel partnership, rooted in shared democratic values, cultural ties and strategic cooperation. Decades of collaboration have transcended different administrations, expanding into joint efforts on security, technology and research. The U.S.-Israel relationship not only enhances stability in the Middle East, but also delivers concrete benefits for both nations, demonstrating the lasting value of this important bond.
Shared Democratic Values: ‘Israel is a part of us’
The U.S. and Israel share the core values of democracy, freedom and innovation. These values create a natural alignment that extends beyond politics, providing a foundation of respect and open dialogue. Both nations support free expression, diversity and an entrepreneurial spirit that fosters an environment where ideas and innovation thrive.
The commitment to democratic ideals is reflected in the protections each country provides its citizens, including elections, free speech and freedom of religion that are the basis for vibrant civil societies. Democratic governance encourages active civic participation and the protection of individual rights. This is in stark contrast to Israel’s enemies currently waging war against the Jewish state: Hamas ruling Gaza, Hezbollah dominating Lebanon’s politics, the Houthis hijacking Yemen and Iran’s tyrannical rulers funding them all. A female student in Iran was recently arrested after walking through campus in her underwear to protest being assaulted for not wearing a hijab.
Responding to the 10/7 massacres, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: “Israel is a country with whom we have so many ties of kinship, of tradition and of values. Oct. 7 was an attack on decent values that, as America, we have defended and upheld. Israel is a part of us, and we are part of Israel.”
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History of the U.S.-Israel Relationship: Jewish, Christian Ties
The deep U.S.-Israel relationship has been forged through shared values and mutual commitment. The U.S. and Israel are both home to the largest Jewish populations in the world. This unique cultural connection fosters trust between the two nations, transcends policy and political shifts and has survived regional tensions and economic crises.
Before Jews reclaimed independence in their ancestral homeland, American Jewish organizations were instrumental in providing financial aid, education and infrastructure to build schools, hospitals and social services in the early 20th-century. This community support laid the foundation for modern Israel and fostered lifelong ties between Americans and Israelis.
American Christian Zionist movements also played a pivotal role. The American Palestine Committee was founded in 1932 as a pro-Zionist, Christian organization that advocated for legislation that called for the establishment of a Jewish homeland. Many U.S. representatives, senators and mayors supported APC initiatives.
Over the decades, both Democratic and Republican administrations have maintained unwavering support for Israel, recognizing it as a key partner in promoting peace and stability. Significant moments, such as the 1979 Camp David Accords, the 2020 Abraham Accords and America’s continued support for Israel’s defense, demonstrate consistent bipartisan support for Israel.
Mutual Benefits: Trade, Technology and Security
The beneficial alliance also generates joint projects, economic prosperity and security benefits that impact American and Israeli lives.
Israel pioneered agricultural and ecological technologies, like drip irrigation systems now widely used on American farms to optimize water use and increase crop yields, benefiting American communities and drought-stricken countries around the world. Israeli disaster response teams provided critical support in the aftermath of the 2021 Surfside condo collapse in Florida. These teams brought specialized expertise in search and rescue operations, using technology developed in Israel to locate survivors.
Joint ventures in cybersecurity have created advanced solutions that protect businesses across the U.S. The allies work closely to address mutual threats through intelligence-sharing programs that are credited with preventing terror attacks, protecting both American and Israeli lives.
Call for Jewish Unity: November 10 Rally Falls on 86th Anniversary of Kristallnacht
Sparked by the 10/7 massacre, hate and violence against Jews in America and around the world has increased dramatically – becoming increasingly normalized. Nov. 9 to 10 marks Kristallnacht – Night of Broken Glass – when Nazi gangs attacked Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues in 1938. As we commemorate the dangers of uncontrolled hate and celebrate the enduring alliance between America and Israel, an upcoming event on Nov. 10 offers an opportunity for American Jews to come together after the elections in support of shared values and collective resilience. In challenging times, unity within the Jewish community reinforces our commitment to standing together, ensuring that we remain a source of strength and continuity for future generations.
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1. Support for Israel is an American value shared by both parties
The alliance between the U.S. and Israel remains resilient – transcending political shifts and partisan divides – regardless of which leaders are elected in Washington and Jerusalem. Bipartisan cooperation has enabled both countries to navigate global challenges, from counterterrorism efforts to advancing scientific research, security and technology. A united front enables both nations to face international challenges effectively, reaffirming that the U.S.-Israel relationship is not bound by political cycles. Shared democratic values, goals and strategic interests are essential to both the long-term security and prosperity of both nations.
2. America-Israel bilateral relationship benefits Americans
A strong U.S.-Israel relationship brings real, tangible returns to American communities. Joint scientific and medical research between U.S. and Israeli organizations contributes directly to advancements in medicine, cybersecurity and environmental sustainability. American farmers and consumers benefit from agricultural innovations, particularly in water conservation and crop technology. Collaborative defense projects, such as the Iron Dome missile defense shield, fuel U.S. defense innovation and job creation. These initiatives prove to Americans the value of this alliance.
3. U.S.-sponsored peace treaties prove alliance promotes stability in the Middle East
The Abraham Accords – facilitated by the U.S. – reflect its longstanding commitment to Middle Eastern peace, building on earlier successes such as the Israel-Egypt and Israel-Jordan peace treaties. The new normalization agreements with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Sudan have fostered new economic partnerships – trade, tourism and technological innovation – and led to interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange that are advancing shared regional prosperity. Peaceful ties, regional collaboration on security and counterterrorism create a safer environment for American interests. The Accords prove that the U.S.-Israel partnership promotes regional peace.
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Share the importance of the U.S.-Israel bond with your family, friends and co-workers
Take a moment to share the significance of the U.S.-Israel relationship with your social network. Emphasize the shared values, cultural connections and mutual benefits that make this partnership essential for both nations – and what the alliance means to you. Engaging in these conversations promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation for an alliance that advances democracy, stability in the Middle East and innovation.
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New Congressional Report Blasts University Leaders
The U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce recently released a report, Antisemitism on College Campuses Exposed. The 325-page document contains extensive examples of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel attitudes that led the committee to conclude that “instead of fulfilling civil rights legal obligations, in numerous cases, university leaders turned their backs on their campuses’ Jewish communities, intentionally withholding support in a time of need. And while university leaders publicly projected a commitment toward combating antisemitism and respect for congressional efforts on the subject, in their private communications they viewed antisemitism as a PR issue rather than a campus problem.”
The report validates concerns that continue more than a year after the 10/7 massacre. Jewish students, faculty and staff – and their allies – continue to be harassed, threatened and attacked on campus by students, faculty and outside agitators that support Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.
Universities – including Harvard, Columbia, Northwestern and UCLA – imposed minimal discipline for antisemitic behavior, sometimes conceded to student demands or obstructed disciplinary action. Northwestern negotiated with anti-Israel faculty, while UCLA allowed a violent, antisemitic encampment to restrict access to Jewish students.
The Task Force to Combat Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Bias at UCLA also recently released a report, Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Bias at UCLA. One major finding: 75% of Jewish students, faculty, administrators and staff believe that the “antisemitism is taken less seriously than other forms of hate and discrimination at UCLA.”
On a positive note, the ADL is commending 10 colleges and universities for efforts made to fight campus antisemitism: Barnard College, CUNY Brooklyn College, CUNY Queens College, Michigan State Univ., New York Univ., SUNY Purchase, Univ. of Colorado at Boulder, Univ. of Michigan, Univ. of Pennsylvania and Wellesley College.
Now is a great time to encourage your U.S. senators to pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2024 that was already approved by the House in May.
Stories Impacting American Jews
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Stories Impacting the U.S. and Israel
Stories From Around the World
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DAILY NEWS BRIEFS
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The Focus Project develops and distributes news, background, history and weekly talking points on timely issues to inform individuals and organizations about issues affecting the American Jewish community and Israel, and help readers speak with more consistency and clarity. The editions also provide potential responses for addressing incidents of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. With input from a spectrum of major American Jewish organizations, we focus on that which unites us, rising above political and individual agendas.
Recognizing that hatred of Jews comes in many forms and directions, we strive to address all sources as they arise, and educate our growing audience on topics ranging from inter-religious relations to relevant international developments. From week to week, we may focus on issues arising from the political left, university campuses, from the political right and from institutions, government, and corporations. We don’t try to address all issues in each edition. We hope you will find this information useful in your writing and/or speaking. We are always open to your feedback: info@focus-project.org.
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