Over the last few days, hundreds of American citizens gathered to participate in the American political process – lobbying for policy and engaging with lawmakers who align with their values, just as advocates do for a myriad of interests every single day. Yet, one group of Americans – supporters of the America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) – who advocate on behalf of the U.S. relationship with Israel, are being singled out and demonized, as if they were doing something immoral or unAmerican.

In the leadup to the 2026 midterm elections, there’s a new and growing trend among some candidates who are pledging to reject donations from organizations affiliated with AIPAC and other organizations supporting Israel, including Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI).

Groups like AIPAC and DMFI are comprised of loyal Americans, both Jews and non-Jews, who support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. When they donate to candidates, they’re advocating on behalf of the more than 75% of American Jews who, according to a recent Washington Post poll believe Israel’s existence is vital for the long-term future of the Jewish people.  They are acting out of their conviction as patriotic citizens that supporting our most consistently reliable ally is in America’s values and interests.

The groups do not consist of monolithic individuals.  Many do not necessarily support current governmental policies, yet they are deeply connected to Israel and want to ensure their elected officials understand the threats faced by the Jewish homeland and the need to ensure it can defend itself. Those candidates who reject support from these groups are ignoring the historic relationship between the United States and Israel, the shared values, and benefits America accrues from the alliance. These politicians may not realize it, but they are infringing on the fundamental right of a group of citizens to participate in the American political process and are giving credence to dangerous antisemitic tropes.

When California Gov. Gavin Newsom compares AIPAC to oil and tobacco companies, he suggests Jewish donors supporting like-minded political candidates are somehow evil or immoral. The fact is, support for Israel is an American value – Israel is the only democratic nation in the Middle East, and the only nation the United States can count on to vote with us consistently in international bodies.  Israel plays an important role as a bulwark against terrorist organizations comprised of fundamental extremists and rogue nations who are bent on destroying the west.  The relationship is not a one-way street, as the United States benefits in countless ways from Israel’s innovations, technology, intelligence and advances in science and health.

By rejecting Jewish political donations, candidates like Newsom and others are giving in to and empowering subversive elements who promote an insidious double standard that singles out and seeks to silence pro-Israel voices and to cut them out of the political process. Intentionally or not, it evokes historical charges of “dual loyalty,” suggesting American Jews care more for Israel’s future than that of their home country. This approach feeds stereotypes about Jewish money and political influence that can lead to antisemitic targeting of Jews.

No other community is similarly vilified for donating money to candidates who support their policy priorities, nor would it be tolerated. Most candidates have no problem accepting funds from special-interest groups or corporations who have a particular cause to promote, including those who overtly advocate for policies from which they will personally benefit.

Perhaps the time has come to pay more attention to candidates who support certain oil-rich countries in the Middle East who have sought to buy influence and the source of their funding, rather than American Jews.

Candidates for office may have different views on the U.S.-Israel relationship, but we know most support Israel’s right to exist and be safe from terrorist threat, as do the vast majority of Americans. The unintended consequence of demonizing and singling out one group will only empower those who reject Israel’s existence and embolden Israel’s enemies to continue their efforts to eradicate the only Jewish state in the world.

The political pressure on candidates to overtly reject “AIPAC money” is likely to increase, and to some it may feel like an easy win.  While candidates are free to choose to reject campaign contributions, they should realize that by rejecting support from AIPAC-affiliated groups and DMFI they are not showing courage or backbone, but succumbing to hateful outside pressures.  Those who choose to serve in public office must have the courage to reject these pressures and to recognize the danger in doing so, for they are feeding antisemitic tropes, isolating and endangering American Jews, and silencing their own constituents.

Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt is the chairman of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, the voice of Zionist rabbis in the United States.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)