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AIPAC

The American Zionist Council (AZC), active from the late 1940s through the early 1960s, was the official umbrella organization representing various American Zionist groups in support of the State of Israel. Here’s what happened to it:

Formation and Role

  • Founded in 1949, the AZC coordinated political lobbying and public relations efforts to promote Zionist interests in the U.S.
  • It acted as a conduit for Israeli government funds, often channeled through the Jewish Agency, a quasi-governmental body in Israel.
  • It lobbied Congress, influenced U.S. foreign policy, and engaged in media and public outreach.

U.S. Government Crackdown (1962)

  • In 1962, under President John F. Kennedy, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the AZC to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
  • This demand stemmed from concerns that the AZC was operating as an agent of a foreign government (Israel) due to its foreign funding and lobbying activities.
  • If registered, it would have been forced to disclose all finances, contacts with U.S. officials, and operations, thereby reducing its effectiveness.

AZC Dissolution and AIPAC’s Rise

  • Under pressure and scrutiny, the AZC faded from public view after 1963.
  • Around the same time, AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), led by Isaiah L. Kenen, emerged as a separate organization focused solely on lobbying the U.S. Congress.
  • AIPAC was formed in 1951 (originally part of AZC operations) but became more independent and prominent after the AZC was targeted.

Important Note: AIPAC was never forced to register as a foreign agent. It has always maintained it is a domestic lobbying organization.

Today

  • The AZC no longer exists, having been effectively replaced in influence and function by AIPAC, which is now the most powerful pro-Israel lobbying group in the U.S.
  • AIPAC avoids foreign-agent classification by asserting its operations are domestic, despite strong historical ties to the Israeli government.

Legacy & Controversy

  • The DOJ’s attempt to enforce FARA on the AZC is still cited in debates over foreign lobbying transparency, especially regarding U.S.-Israel relations.
  • Some researchers argue that Kennedy’s efforts to hold the AZC accountable were abandoned after his assassination.
  • Critics point to this episode as a turning point where foreign influence quietly shifted forms but retained its power.