The Israel Project

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The Israel Project is an initiative of pro-Israel organizations, political consultants and businesspeople. It shares an office address with B'nai B'rith International.[1].

The Wexner Analysis

In 2003, a document prepared for pro-Israel activists by The Luntz Research Companies and The Israel Project was leaked to The Electronic Intifada that spells out the tactics that Israel and its US advocates should use to maintain support for Israel and its hardline policies.

The document, entitled "Wexner Analysis: Israeli Communication Priorities 2003," counsels pro-Israel advocates to keep invoking the name of Saddam Hussein, and to stress that Israel "was always behind American efforts to rid the world of this ruthless dictator and liberate their people." Despite his solid support for Israel and Ariel Sharon, the document warns pro-Israel advocates not to compliment or praise President Bush. At the same time it acknowledges that Yasser Arafat has been a great asset to Israel because "he looks the part" of a "terrorist." The installation of Mahmoud Abbas as Palestinian prime minister, and potential replacement for Arafat, comes "at the wrong time," because he has the potential to improve the image of the Palestinians, and that could put the onus on Israel to return to negotiations. The document advises supporters of Israel to appear to affect a "balanced" tone, but admits that in arguing for Israel's policies, the illegal "settlements are our Achilles heel," for which there is no good defense.[2]

The document was commissioned by the Wexner Foundation, a private foundation that funds, among other pro-Israel initiatives, "Taglit Birthright," a program that pays for young American Jews to take free trips to Israel.

The Intellicopter

According to its website:

Through its Jerusalem office, TIP operates "Intellicopter" tours—two-and a-half-hour guided helicopter tours with expert guides that give reporters a bird's-eye view of the situation on the ground. The TIP "Intellicopter" educates journalists about security threats and opportunities for peace. Hundreds of journalists from more than 140 media outlets have taken the "Intellicopter" tour, including top journalists from the United States, England, France,Germany, Russia, Italy, Latin, America, Australia and Asia. Millions of people around the world have seen footage shot from these strategic aerial views—views which show Israel's tiny size and enormous security challenges.[3]

Funding

According to its website, Major funding for TIP's Jerusalem office is provided by:

Members

Board of Directors

Washington DC

Jerusalem

References, Resources and Contact

Contact

Washington DC Office
Phone: 202-857-6644
Fax: 202-857-6674
Email: info@theisraelproject.org
Postal Mail:
The Israel Project
2020 K Street, NW
Suite 7600
Washington, DC 20006
USA
Jerusalem Office
Phone: 011-972-2-6236427
Fax: 011-972-2-6236439
Email: rachelf@theisraelproject.org
Postal Mail:
The Israel Project
Jerusalem Technology Park, Malha
1 Agudat Hasport Hapoel Rd.
Jerusalem, Israel, 96951
Web: www.theisraelproject.org

Related Links

References

  1. The Israel Project, About Us, Accessed 14-March-2009
  2. Ali Abunimah, Leaked document exposes pro-Israel lobby's manipulation of US public, The Electronic Intifada, 25 April 2003.
  3. About TIP (Accessed: 5 October 2007)