Imitating the Israel Lobby

A Christian advocacy blueprint for building political influence

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There is a lot of joy in the conservative movement following the recent inauguration of President Trump. For Christians seeking a more Christian nation, there is a lot to be happy about. Trump emphasized protecting religious freedom, including issuing executive orders to ensure that faith-based organizations are not forced to compromise their beliefs. His administration strengthened protections for prayer and religious expression in schools, an important issue for many Christians. He reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, preventing US taxpayer funds from being used for overseas abortion services. He has also talked about "combating anti-Christian bias" in his upcoming administration. But we need to remember that Trump has only four years remaining in his presidency, and there is no guarantee that his policies will continue after those four years come to an end. It is on this note that Christians should begin looking into ways to continue to move things forward in a positive direction, both following Trump's presidency and regardless of who wins the next elections.

If you've been anywhere near the internet over the last few years, you will certainly have heard some mention of the "Israel lobby." The Israel Lobby is exemplified by organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which has drawn concern from many Americans over its reach and impact.

While numerous lobby groups exist, the success of this group, along with its ability to influence policy, mobilize grassroots support, and create bipartisan coalitions that safeguard its objectives, has become a model of effective political advocacy.

Christians looking for ways to create America First and Christ First advocacy groups seeking to bolster their federal- and state-level lobbying apparatus can draw inspiration from this model, tailoring strategies to align with Christian principles and priorities.

WHAT IS THE ISRAEL LOBBY?

In his book The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, John Mearsheimer writes that the Israel lobby wields disproportionate influence over US foreign policy, often shaping decisions that prioritize Israeli interests.

Mearsheimer defines the Israel lobby as a loose coalition of individuals and organizations actively working to influence US foreign policy for the benefit of Israel. He emphasizes that this is not a single unified entity, but a network of groups sharing common goals.

The effect of the lobby is unquestionable. Mearsheimer posits that the lobby has successfully pushed the United States to provide unwavering support for Israel, including substantial financial aid, military assistance and diplomatic backing. He claims that this support often comes at the expense of broader US interests and has lead to conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.

What makes the Israel lobby so effective, however, are the strategies and tactics used to lobby the US government. Mearsheimer points out that the lobby engages with both major American political parties, ensuring that support for Israel remains a bipartisan issue. This strategy allows the lobby to maintain influence regardless of which party controls the government.

The book highlights various strategies used by the Israel lobby to exert influence, including:

• Lobbying Congress: Through organizations like AIPAC and many others, the lobby ensures that pro-Israel legislation and policies are passed and that those elected to positions of authority are supportive of their cause.

• Shaping Public Discourse: Pro-Israel groups actively work to present Israel in a positive light, counter criticism, and promote narratives favorable to their goals. This is often done through cross-promoting mutually-aligned compatriots, accounts, and media organizations.

LEARNING FROM THE ISRAEL LOBBY

The Israel lobby's success is rooted in several key practices:

1. Unified Mission: Organizations like AIPAC focus on a clear, shared objective – strengthening US-Israel relations. Christian groups should define similarly-focused missions, such as preserving religious freedom, protecting the sanctity of life, or advocating for biblical principles in policy.

   
   

2. Grassroots Mobilization: AIPAC has built a network in every congressional district, ensuring that policymakers hear from constituents regularly. Christian groups can replicate this model by building a nationwide network of supporters, encouraging them to participate in advocacy efforts, attend town hall meetings, and maintain regular contact with legislators.

   
   

3. Engage in Bipartisan Outreach: AIPAC prides itself on being a bipartisan organization, engaging with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to advance its agenda. Christian advocacy groups should adopt a similar approach, building alliances with policymakers from all parties to broaden their influence and avoid partisan limitations.

   
   

4. Invest in Political Education and Training: AIPAC conducts educational programs and provides resources to inform both policymakers and the public about issues pertinent to US-Israel relations. This includes organizing trips for legislators to Israel, offering firsthand experiences that shape their perspectives. Christian groups can implement educational initiatives such as seminars, workshops and informational campaigns to raise awareness about their causes, ensuring informed and sympathetic policymakers.

   
   

5. Leverage Financial Contributions Strategically: Financial contributions play a significant role in AIPAC's strategy. By supporting political candidates who align with their objectives, they secure champions within legislative bodies. Christian advocacy groups can establish political action committees (PACs) to fundraise and contribute to campaigns of supportive candidates, thereby gaining access and influence in the policymaking process.

   
   

6. Utilize Media and Public Relations Effectively: AIPAC effectively uses media to shape public discourse – issuing press releases, organizing press conferences, and engaging in public debates to promote their agenda. Christian groups should develop a robust media strategy, utilizing traditional and social media platforms to disseminate their message, counter opposition narratives, and mobilize public support.

   
   

7. Monitor and Influence Legislation Proactively: AIPAC maintains vigilance over legislative developments, actively lobbying for bills that support their mission and against those that do not. They provide legislators with policy analyses, talking points, and draft legislation to facilitate favorable outcomes. Christian advocacy groups should establish legislative monitoring systems to stay informed about relevant policy proposals, engage in direct lobbying efforts, and offer expertise to legislators to shape legislation proactively.

   
   

8. Build Coalitions and Alliances: AIPAC collaborates with various organizations, including non-Jewish groups, to build broad-based support for their initiatives. By forming coalitions, they amplify their voice and demonstrate widespread backing for their causes. Christian advocacy groups should seek partnerships with like-minded organizations, faith communities, and civil society groups to strengthen their advocacy efforts and present a united front on shared issues.

   
   

9. Ensure Organizational Transparency and Accountability: Maintaining transparency in operations and accountability to members enhances credibility and trust. AIPAC's structured approach to governance and clear communication with its supporters fosters a strong, cohesive organization. Christian groups should implement transparent governance structures, regularly update supporters on activities and financials, and establish accountability mechanisms to maintain integrity and public trust.

   
   

10. Adapt to Changing Political Landscapes: AIPAC demonstrates adaptability by adjusting strategies in response to political shifts, ensuring sustained relevance and effectiveness. Christian advocacy groups must remain flexible, continuously assessing the political environment, and modifying their approaches to address emerging challenges and opportunities effectively.

CHRISTIAN ALTERNATIVES: A BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

A Christian advocacy network could adopt these principles while remaining true to its unique mission. Potential examples include:

1. Mission-Driven Organizations:

   Organizations like the Faith and Freedom Coalition or Alliance Defending Freedom help mobilize Christians to advocate for policies aligned with biblical values and fight to defend religious liberty. However, much more can be done and needs to be done.
   

2. Grassroots Networks:

   Local Christian advocacy chapters can be established in every congressional district. From there, voter drives and letter-writing campaigns to legislators can be strategized and organized. networks like this should be the recipients of funding so they can work continuously to support Christian policies and candidates year round.

   
   

3. Educational Programs:

   Resources for lawmakers can be developed based on policies that Christians want to see on the biblical foundations of proposed policies. Hosting trips to key historical Christian sites, can provide cultural and spiritual context for those who go. The Israel lobby currently pays for trips to Jerusalem for politicians and influential individuals. Imagine an organization that ensured elected officials toured the beautiful cathedrals of Europe, went to a mass, and were able to take in the beauty of Christian civilization. Perhaps it would help show them why that civilization is worth fighting to protect.

   
   

4. Political Action Committees (PACs):

   Establishing PACs should be the focus of the next four years of favorable government. PACs can focus, as AIPAC does, on supporting candidates who are true Christians and promise to champion Christian principles, regardless of party affiliation.
   

5. Bipartisan Outreach:

   Building relationships with lawmakers from both parties ensures broad support. Christian lobbying organizations can build their policies around Christian values that resonate across the political spectrum, allowing partisan officials to easily incorporate aspects of Christian policies that are palatable to their voters.
   

6. Monitoring and Advocacy:

   • Track legislation and provide policy recommendations.

   • Equip local leaders with tools to engage with their representatives effectively.
     

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Christian advocacy groups will face challenges, including cultural opposition and media bias as they move forward. However, these obstacles can be easily mitigated through strategic planning, unity of purpose, and robust grassroots engagement.

By drawing on the successful tactics of other lobby groups, Christians can create an enduring and impactful advocacy network that shapes policy and culture in accordance with our values. The starting point, of course, will be in establishing an advocacy that can simultaneously present an acceptable framework of clear and achievable goals and policies and be answerable to the broader body of believers. This will be an immense challenge, but it is doable. If it can be done, just imagine the effect it will have. Imagine an America restored to its faith.

Arthur is a former editor and consultant. Born in India to missionary parents, he spent his early career working in development for NGOs in Asia, Central America, and Africa.

Arthur has an educational background in history and psychology, with certifications from the University of Oxford and Leiden in the economics, politics, and ethics of mass migration and comparative theories in terrorism and counterterrorism. He is currently launching CivWest, a company focused on building capital to fund restorative projects and create resilient systems across the Western world.

Editor's note:

HOW SOULS AND LIBERTY WILL MOVE FORWARD THE NEXT FOUR YEARS

There can be no doubt we have witnessed an extraordinary moment in the history of the United States and the world. The election of Donald Trump to a second Presidential term is a great victory for Christian patriots, but it is not a complete or final victory. Rather, it is a reprieve from the ceaseless assaults on life, liberty and faith we have had to endure for four years.

Donald Trump is president again! His decisions, Cabinet selections, and force of personality are already shaping the United States and the world in ways we could only dream of.

We have a Heaven-sent opportunity to step up and ensure this victory is not merely a one-off, but the first of many and the foundation of a lasting legacy of patriotic, Christian, pro-family policies.

Souls and Liberty will be part of that effort, but we cannot do it without you. It will require reporting and activism that YOU can be a part of.

Can you step up and support us? Just once – a one-time donation is very valuable. Or, better yet, support us every month with a recurring donation. Thank you, and may God bless you.

Stephen Wynne

Editor-in-Chief, Souls and Liberty