AIPAC: News, Policy, Analysis for the Middle East and U.S.-Israel Relations.

"The most important organization affecting America's relationship with Israel. — The New York Times

President Truman (left) was the first world leader to recognize the new state of Israel in 1948.

Israel has flourished as the only true democracy in the Middle East and established itself as America's number one ally in the region since its founding in 1948. Despite being forced to wage a constant struggle for survival, the Jewish state has tirelessly sought peace with its neighbors and emerged as one of the world’s most advanced nations, providing the world with innovations in fields of technology, medicine and agriculture. Click on the links below to view short background documents highlighting Israel's important achievements and contributions and strong relationship with the United States.

Israel: A Vibrant, Open and Tolerant Democracy

David Ben Gurion (left), Israel's first prime minister, reads the Jewish state's declaration of independence in May 1948.

David Ben Gurion declares independence.

For the past 60 years, Israel has been a sanctuary of democracy and pluralism in a region dominated by authoritarian regimes. Israel is the only country in the Middle East with free elections, a free press, freedom of religion, equal rights for women, protection of minority rights and other safeguards typical of a free society. Amid constant threat, Israel constantly works to protect its citizens while upholding the values that make the Jewish state a true Western-style democracy like the United States.

Learn more about:

Israel: A Beacon of Democracy in the Middle East
Freedom of Religion in Israel
Israel as a Country of Immigrants
Women in Israel: Equal and Vital to the Jewish State

Israel and the United States: Standing United for Peace

Israeli President Shimon Peres welcomes President Bush to the Jewish state.

President Shimon Peres welcomes President Bush to Israel.

With American backing, Israel has remained committed to making peace throughout its history, repeatedly demonstrating its desire to live side-by-side with the Palestinians and Arab states. Even before the founding of the state of Israel 60 years ago, the early Zionists sought peace with their Arab neighbors. While Israel continues to seek peace, America and Israel also are working together on creating new technologies to combat terrorists and protect their homelands.

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Israel’s Quest for Peace
America and Israel Work Together to Fight Terror
America and Israel Unite for Homeland Security Cooperation

Small Nation, Large Impact: Israel in the World

The Jewish state is now one of the world's leading incubators of technology.

Israel's hi-tech innovations have impacted the entire world.

Before it had even established embassies in many world capitals, Israel sent experts abroad to teach Third World nations such skills as how to upgrade medical facilities, improve schools and coax crops from arid land. Israel’s high-tech civil innovations have left an important mark on homes, offices and businesses around the world—not to mention the Internet. Today, Israel constitutes one of the world’s leading incubators of technology, life sciences, and eco-friendly products leading to a cleaner world, and serves as one of America’s premier Middle East trading partners.

Learn more about:

Israel’s Support for Third-World Nations
Israeli High-Tech Contributions Throughout the World
Israel’s Work in Agriculture and the Life Sciences
Israel Fights for a Cleaner World
U.S.-Israel Trade: A Flourishing Relationship