“Support for Israel” is often called the third-rail of U.S. politics. Any elected official daring to criticize Israel in any way will get “burned.” Why is that? What exactly is the Israel Lobby, and what is the extent of its power? When Al Jazeera produced a 4-part documentary series on this lobbying “industry,” intense pressure forced it to cancel the broadcast. Then The Electronic Intifada posted a leaked copy. THE LOBBY–USA, Episode 4 follows an undercover journalist posing as a pro-Israel volunteer who gets unprecedented access to the operations of Israel Lobby groups in Washington, D.C. We watch as Israel’s covert campaign strives to influence partisan politics, campus life, major network news reporting, and social media in America. This will be first in a series of VFHL salons on the theme “Marketing the Israeli Occupation.” Watch the Q&A discussion with panelists: Grant F. Smith: Author; Director, Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy Edward Ahmed Mitchell: National Deputy Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations Rebecca Vilkomerson (moderator): Author; former Executive Director, Jewish Voice for Peace
