Photo courtesy of the Israeli-American Council. The Israeli-American Council (IAC) hosted a celebration of Israel’s 70th anniversary on April 17 with over 60 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle in Washington D.C.
According to a press release from the IAC, attendees included Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NY). Menendez spoke at the event and hailed the Israeli-American community for being “a living bridge between people in the United States and in one of our closest allies, Israel.”
“I am grateful for all that they do to communicate to fellow Americans and fellow Israelis the importance of a strong, vibrant partnership,” Menendez said.
Another senator who spoke at the event, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), echoed Menendez in stating that Israeli-Americans are “a critical link in our special relationship with Israel.”
It has been a big year for the IAC, given the recent passage of the Taylor Force Act, scores of anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) bills being passed in various states, raising over $16.5 million at their March gala.
“As we see from the incredible crowd of Democratic and Republican elected leaders here this afternoon, America’s alliance with Israel is an issue that can bring us together across party lines,” IAC chairman Adam Milstein said at the event.
Other notable attendees at the event included Sheldon and Miriam Adelson, who donated $13 million to the IAC at the March gala.
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