For years, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has been a powerful force in shaping U.S. policy towards Israel and Palestine. With its deep pockets and extensive lobbying efforts, AIPAC has successfully stifled any meaningful support for Palestinians and their struggle for justice. Now, it seems that AIPAC’s tactics are being exported to Europe, thanks to the support of U.S. funders.
Enter ELNET, the AIPAC of Europe. This pro-Israel lobbying group has been gaining traction in recent years, thanks to the generous funding of American donors. But what exactly is ELNET and why should we be concerned about its growing influence in Europe?
ELNET, short for European Leadership Network, was founded in 2007 with the aim of strengthening ties between Europe and Israel. On the surface, this may seem like a noble cause. However, a closer look reveals a more insidious agenda. ELNET’s main goal is to promote Israel’s interests in Europe, often at the expense of Palestinian rights.
One of the key tactics used by ELNET is to organize trips for European politicians and influencers to Israel. These trips are often funded by American donors, who have a vested interest in promoting a pro-Israel agenda. During these trips, participants are given a one-sided view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with little to no exposure to the realities faced by Palestinians. This serves to further cement a biased and pro-Israel perspective among European decision-makers.
But it’s not just about trips to Israel. ELNET also engages in extensive lobbying efforts, using the same tactics as AIPAC. This includes building relationships with European politicians and influencing policy decisions through campaign contributions and other means. In essence, ELNET is replicating AIPAC’s playbook in Europe, with the help of American funders.
So who are these U.S. donors funding ELNET? According to a recent report by The Intercept, the top donors include some of the biggest names in American politics and business. These include Sheldon Adelson, a billionaire casino mogul and staunch supporter of Israel, and Paul Singer, a hedge fund manager known for his conservative political views. In total, ELNET has received over $10 million in donations from American funders since 2011.
The influence of these American donors on European politics is deeply concerning. By funding ELNET, they are essentially exporting AIPAC’s tactics to Europe, where they can have a significant impact on policy decisions. This not only undermines the principles of democracy and self-determination, but also perpetuates the oppression of Palestinians.
It’s no secret that the U.S. has long been a staunch ally of Israel, often turning a blind eye to its human rights abuses. But now, with the help of American donors, this influence is spreading to Europe. And the consequences for Palestinians could be devastating.
But there is hope. As more people become aware of ELNET’s activities and the role of American donors, there is growing opposition to their influence in Europe. Grassroots movements and organizations are working to counter the pro-Israel narrative and raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians.
In the end, it is up to us, as global citizens, to speak out against the export of AIPAC’s tactics to Europe. We must hold our politicians accountable and demand that they prioritize justice and human rights over the interests of a foreign government. And we must support organizations and movements that are working towards a just and peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In the words of The Intercept’s report, “the U.S. donors funding ELNET are exporting the same tactics that have for years helped AIPAC crush support for Palestinians.” But with awareness and action, we can ensure that these tactics do not succeed in Europe. It’s time to stand up for justice and equality for all, and put an end to the influence of ELNET and its American funders.
