Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Free Israel Frolic
A fifth of all USA congressmen taking paid-for holidays to Israel this summer
A fifth of members of the House of Representatives will be taking their summer holidays in Israel this year with the trips being paid for by one of America's most powerful lobby groups. The American Israel Education Foundation is shelling out to take around eighty congressmen to Israel during the summer recess period. The group is a supporting organisation to the American Israel Public Affair Committee (AIPAC) which describes itself as 'America's leading pro-Israel lobby'. AIPAC is widely regarded as one of the most powerful lobbying groups in Washington, with many critics claiming they operate on behalf of the Israeli Government and have secured too much influence on congress.
According to the Jerusalem Post, 55 of the holidaymakers will be Republicans while 26 will be Democrats. Many will be visiting Israel for the first time. House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer will head the Democratic delegation, while House Majority Leader Eric Cantor will lead one of the Republican groups. This year Israel is believed to be the most popular foreign holiday destination for members of the house.
Congress on vacation to Israel from FTChanneel#7 on Vimeo.
