Letters: AIPAC return on investment; Offer thanks on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

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AIPAC return on investment

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a powerful lobby group in Washington, spends millions annually to promote pro-Israel policies to U.S. Congress members. To butter the skids, AIPAC arranges for free all-expense paid eight-day junkets to Israel for Congress members.

AIPAC pays for these propaganda trips through the American Israel Education Fund, intentionally set up as a “charity” or 501(c)(4) instead of lobby group so that paying for the trips is not characterized as “lobbying.”

In August 2023, The Guardian reported that U.S. House Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, took 24 Democrats to Israel paid for by AIEF. Jeffries has been one of Israel’s most ardent supporters.

In November 2023, The Intercept reported that “in 2019 AIEF sponsored trips for 64 Democrats and 65 Republicans on 14 separate dates” and that “Each trip can cost up to $10,000 per person … members of Congress can also bring senior members of staff, spouses, or children.” “…donors helped finance 129 AIEF-sponsored trips to Israel in 2019, totaling $2.32 million.”

“Since 2019, AIEF has spent a total of $6.1 million on 309 trips to Israel, 144 for Republicans and 165 for Democrats…”

In 2019, the Congress approved $3.8 billion in military aid for Israel paid by US taxpayers. Divide that amount by $2.32 million paid by AIEF, i.e., that’s a 1,638-fold return on investment. Not bad.

Genevieve Shulick, Bellefonte

Offer thanks on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

The beginning of each new year brings something exciting for every person — whether it’s a life milestone such as a wedding or maybe a relaxing vacation. For the Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania State Lodge, it means National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is held each year on Jan. 9, and was created as a way for the community to show their gratitude to all law enforcement officers across the country.

Dozens of officers give their lives in the line of duty each year, making law enforcement one of the most dangerous careers imaginable. This is why we ask that you join us in honoring and thanking the select few who make this commitment to protecting your community on this day of appreciation.

Some of the easiest ways to show your gratitude include writing a thank you card to your local department, wearing an article of blue clothing, or simply thanking a police officer if you see one. We invite you to participate in making National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day one to remember for those who give so much of themselves.

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania State Lodge, we thank you for supporting those who protect our commonwealth’s communities every day.

Joseph Regan, Mechanicsburg. The author is the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania State Lodge.