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Israeli Influence in American Politics . Fred Lazin Ben Gurion University (NYU 2009-2010) lazin@bgu.ac.il. Mearsheimer & Walt . Myth of Israeli influence in Washington May be that Israelis foster myth Road to Washington via Jerusalem & NYC. Israel as Scapegoat. Bush on Iran
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Israeli Influence in American Politics Fred Lazin Ben Gurion University (NYU 2009-2010) lazin@bgu.ac.il
Mearsheimer & Walt • Myth of Israeli influence in Washington • May be that Israelis foster myth • Road to Washington via Jerusalem & NYC
Israel as Scapegoat • Bush on Iran • Next word out of his mouth “Israel” • What about our friends the Saudis? • Neo-Cons • Maybe support for Iraqi war had little to do with their commitment to Israel; Did they use Israel?
Research findings on Soviet Jewry Movement in USA • 1. Israel’s Liaison Bureau foster it (Sacher 1992) • Use diplomats, journalists to influence public opinion & Jewish & non Jewish orgs • E.g. Uri Ra’anan • Moshe Decter paid agent Center at AJCOngress • Recruit Martin Luther King, Walter Reuther, William O. Douglas, Mrs. Roosevelt, Reinhold Niebuhr
Israeli role • 2. help organize National Conference on Soviet Jewry • 3. role in Jackson-Vanik (JJ Goldberg not agree)
American Jewish Establishment • Issue bearing on Mearsheimer & Walt • 1. dropouts 1976 freedom of choice • Prime Minister Rabin & Leonard Fein at Philadelphia GA • 2. quota in 1989 when Soviets open gates US closes • Israeli pressure • American Jews agree (own self interest)
Future research • To what extent did Israel influence US to close its gates to Soviet Jews???