What I Learned From AIPAC: Why Supporting Israel Pays Off for America
This past October, I had the extraordinary opportunity to join an AIPAC mission to South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, an experience made even more meaningful because I shared it with my sister. One lesson became crystal clear: freedom and security are never guaranteed — they require action, alliances, and leaders who understand the stakes.
Being a strong ally to Israel is not a matter of charity or sentiment. It is a strategic investment — in American security, innovation, and economic prosperity. If we do not elect leaders who are pro-Israel, pro-democracy, and committed to fighting antisemitism, we empower those who oppose us. There is no neutral ground.
Across Asia, it was evident that Israel is one of the United States’ most valuable partners. From intelligence sharing to missile defense to cyber technology, Israel provides capabilities that protect both Americans and their allies. Real-time intelligence prevents attacks on US personnel and partners, while joint systems such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling save American and allied lives. Israeli cyber innovations help safeguard critical US infrastructure and financial networks. These are not abstract benefits; they are tangible, measurable returns on investment.
The economic partnership between the US and Israel is equally compelling. In 2024, trade between the two countries totaled $55.7 billion, supporting over 255,000 American jobs. More than 2,500 US firms operate in Israel, accessing the country’s innovation ecosystem and contributing to American economic growth. Israeli security assistance is largely spent on American-made products, sustaining tens of thousands of manufacturing and defense jobs. Beyond defense, Israeli-designed water and infrastructure technologies improve American lives — for example, desalination projects provide water to hundreds of thousands of Americans, contributing approximately $50 million annually to the economy.
Key economic highlights:
- $55.7 billion in US–Israel trade in 2024, supporting 255,000+ American jobs
- 2,500+ US firms operating in Israel, accessing advanced technology
- Tens of thousands of American manufacturing and defense jobs sustained
Israel also punches far above its weight in critical technology sectors. Its deep-tech companies — around 1,500 in total — specialize in cybersecurity, semiconductors, AI, medical devices, energy, and agritech, raising $28 billion between 2019 and 2025 and achieving a cumulative valuation of $177 billion. Collaboration with Israeli firms provides American companies access to cutting-edge technology that strengthens competitiveness globally. Joint projects in critical minerals, AI, and semiconductors help secure supply chains — a vital advantage in the ongoing race with China for technological dominance.
In Seoul, Taipei, and Tokyo, it was clear that Israel’s role as a strategic partner is widely recognized. These democracies face threats from authoritarian neighbors, and Israeli innovation, intelligence, and defense capabilities — combined with US support — amplify their security and technological edge. Israel acts as a force multiplier, strengthening American influence while enabling allies to access life-saving technologies and cutting-edge research. The emerging strategic triangle of Israel, the United States, and Asia’s democracies protects maritime security, semiconductor production, economic growth, and deterrence — ensuring that freedom and prosperity endure.
One of the most important lessons of my mission is that all of this requires active engagement. Israel’s strength, and America’s strength, depend on electing leaders who understand the stakes. That does not happen automatically. It requires organizations that operate with scale and credibility. That organization is AIPAC.
AIPAC works to elect and educate leaders who support the US–Israel alliance, oppose antisemitism, prioritize national security, and value democracy. Without this work, radical activists, foreign influence groups, and politicians hostile to Israel and US interests fill the vacuum. Thanks to AIPAC, US security assistance to Israel continues, anti-Israel legislation is blocked, emergency aid packages are passed swiftly, and bipartisan support for the US–Israel alliance is sustained even in polarized times. Supporting AIPAC is essential — for Israel, for the US, and for democracy worldwide.
Why it matters:
- Ensures US security assistance to Israel continues
- Blocks anti-Israel legislation before it becomes law
- Facilitates rapid passage of emergency aid packages
- Sustains bipartisan support for the US–Israel alliance
In short, supporting Israel is more than moral clarity; it is a strategic, economic, and technological investment. Intelligence and defense cooperation saves American lives, trade and investment create hundreds of thousands of US jobs, and innovation partnerships drive American competitiveness globally. Alliances in Asia reinforce freedom, counter authoritarianism, and secure critical minerals and advanced technologies. Israel delivers an extraordinary return on investment — in jobs, technology, defense, and democracy itself.
Our October mission reinforced this lesson: freedom is never secured by wishful thinking. It is secured by alliances, strategy, and active engagement. Israel, the United States, and our allies in Asia are standing together for liberty — and it is up to us to support them. Supporting AIPAC ensures that this alliance endures, democracy thrives, and freedom wins.
