AIEF-Funded Congressional Trips to Israel Persist Amid Declining US Support

Since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), a nonprofit affiliate of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) incorporated in 1988, has run at least 15 delegations that brought 78 members of Congress and staff to Israel. Funding in 2019 came from a small number of Jewish philanthropic foundations, including those of Republican mega-donor Paul Singer. Delegations visited the King David hotel in Jerusalem, the Magdala hotel, met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, toured military sites on the Lebanese border, and attended briefings in West Bank settlements.

The Guardian

The filings list 26 Democrats and 52 Republicans, including Steny Hoyer, Wesley Bell (MO) and Randy Fine (FL). Staffers from John Larson, Kathy Castor and Luz Rivas also traveled. Total disclosed spending exceeds $4.2 million, averaging $26,600 per participant. Per-traveler costs range from $16,000 for single members to over $44,200 for those with family; a 2025 delegation of 15 Democrats alone accounted for about $400,000 in gifted travel.

The Guardian

AIEF spokesperson Deryn Sousa said the missions aim to educate participants about the U.S.–Israel relationship, security concerns and geo-strategic challenges, and to provide visits to historical sites and meetings with officials across the political spectrum. No members of Congress or staff responded to requests for comment.

The Guardian

A recent poll found eight in ten Democrats and six in ten Americans hold unfavorable views of Israel, indicating waning public support. Progressive groups have condemned lawmakers’ attendance at briefings in settlements such as Alfei Menashe, an illegal outpost in the occupied West Bank. Scholars and human-rights organizations have labeled Israel’s conduct in Gaza as genocide, raising ethical concerns about the trips.

The Guardian

• “These trips have been a standard tool for building support for Israel on Capitol Hill,” — Stephen Walt, professor, Harvard Kennedy School

The Guardian

• “AIEF missions are designed to educate participants about the US-Israel relationship, the security concerns confronting our closest ally in the Middle East, and the geo-strategic challenges and opportunities in the region.” — Deryn Sousa, AIEF spokesperson

The Guardian

• “Participants visit historical and religious sites throughout the country and meet with Israeli officials and civilians from across the political spectrum who offer a diverse range of perspectives and opinions, offering well-rounded insights and full transparency into the complex culture, geography, politics and prospects for peace.” — Deryn Sousa, AIEF spokesperson

The Guardian

• “I think these recent trips represent continuity more than change,” — Stephen Walt, professor, Harvard Kennedy School

The Guardian

• “Winning people over is getting harder to do given the situation in Gaza and the West Bank and the rightward shift within Israeli politics itself.” — Stephen Walt, professor, Harvard Kennedy School

The Guardian