Emergency Committee of Israel
- overview
- connections
- people
According to its website “The Emergency Committee for Israel is committed to mounting an active defense of the US-Israel relationship by educating the public about the positions of political candidates on this important issue, and by keeping the public informed of the latest developments in both countries. Join us to help support Israel and her many friends here in the United States.” The ECI downplays this active defense in its self-description, as it is well known for its smear campaigns against congressmen they deem in soft on terrorism (Ex: Joe Sestak, D-PA). ECI also condemned Ambassador Dennis Ross from attending the 2011 J Street Conference. Politico author Ben Smith describes the nature of ECI’s constituents as “[T]he hawkish, neoconservative wing of the Republican Party, many of whom are Jewish; and conservative Evangelical Christians who have become increasingly outspoken in their support for Israel.” This combination has created an aggressive outlet with little over-all direction. Board member William Kristol non-descriptly referred to ECI as “the pro-Israel wing of the pro-Israel community,” and when asked how ECI differs from other pro-Israel outfits director Noah Pollack responded “[W]ell, for starters, ECI is pro-Israel.”
