Israel Policy Forum, general support
Established in 1993, the Israel Policy Forum’s (IPF) mission is to support active American efforts to achieve stability and peace in the Middle East in order to strengthen Israeli security and further US foreign policy interests in the region. Since that time, IPF has consistently delivered a solid message of support for an active American role in resolving the Middle East conflict. It is an independent, nonpartisan organization.

“I want to congratulate you for your foresight in establishing the Israel Policy Forum,” former Vice President Al Gore said at an IPF tribute dinner in 1999. Referring to the time just after the Oslo Accords had been signed—when it seemed the peace process was purposefully moving forward—he said, “You understood in this organization that winds can blow in both directions, that things can change. And so you founded a new organization committed to the cause of peace in the Middle East and organized to support it intelligently and actively.”

In its effort to generate support for the peace process, IPF involves leaders from a variety of professions, including those associated with business, politics, arts and entertainment, academics, and philanthropy. IPF programs have included meetings between Jewish leaders and Washington policy makers to promote the peace process and satellite teleconferences between Israeli and American leaders. IPF also regularly publishes and disseminates assessments and reports analyzing the situation in the Middle East and conducts regular surveys of American and American-Jewish opinion on the peace process.

Targum Shlishi has been a full supporter of Israel and of ending terrorism in the Middle East. To this end, Targum Shlishi has supported IPF with regular donations over the course of several years. However, in 2001 as a result of the ongoing violence and a difference in opinion with IPF’s policies on the uprising, the foundation reduced its funding to IPF by 75 percent to reflect the change in Targum Shlishi’s position on the peace process. Recent events merit a dramatic change in approach to the problems in the Middle East, a change the foundation does not see reflected in the IPF, although it remains a vital counter to some of the more right wing organizations. In 2002, Targum Shlishi elected not to provide any funding to IPF.

<BACK NEXT>