In recent years, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has been a powerful force in shaping US foreign policy towards Israel. However, in the absence of AIPAC, a new group has emerged to promote pro-Israel candidates and policies. This group, known as “Zionists for Don Samuels,” is currently strategizing to oust another member of the controversial “Squad” from Congress.
The Squad, a group of four progressive congresswomen, has been a vocal critic of Israel and its treatment of Palestinians. One of its members, Ilhan Omar, has been a particularly outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights. This has drawn the ire of pro-Israel groups and donors, who see her as a threat to their agenda.
Enter Don Samuels, a Democratic candidate running for Congress in Minnesota’s 5th district. Samuels, a former Minneapolis city council member, has made support for Israel a key part of his campaign. He has also been endorsed by a pro-Israel super PAC, which has been raising significant amounts of money to support his candidacy.
But it’s not just the super PAC that is working to get Samuels elected. A group of pro-Israel donors and campaign staffers have formed a WhatsApp group, aptly named “Zionists for Don Samuels,” to coordinate their efforts. The group, which includes members from across the country, has been raising money and strategizing on how to defeat Ilhan Omar in the upcoming election.
The group’s founder, a Samuels campaign staffer who wishes to remain anonymous, explained their motivation for forming the group. “We saw AIPAC’s absence as an opportunity to step up and support a candidate who truly stands with Israel,” they said. “We believe that Don Samuels is the best candidate to represent our community’s interests in Congress.”
And they are not alone in their support for Samuels. According to recent reports, the pro-Israel super PAC has raised over $300,000 for his campaign, with the majority of the donations coming from out-of-state donors. This influx of money has allowed Samuels to run a well-funded campaign, with ads and mailers targeting Ilhan Omar’s stance on Israel.
But it’s not just about money. The “Zionists for Don Samuels” group has also been working to mobilize voters in the district. They have been reaching out to Jewish and pro-Israel communities, hosting events and canvassing to spread their message. Their goal is to ensure that their candidate, who they see as a strong ally of Israel, wins the election.
This level of support for Samuels has raised concerns among some in the district, who see it as an attempt to buy the election. However, the group’s founder dismisses these claims, stating that their efforts are simply a response to Ilhan Omar’s anti-Israel rhetoric.
“We are not trying to buy the election. We are simply using our resources to support a candidate who shares our values and will stand up for Israel,” they said.
But the question remains, will this group’s efforts be enough to unseat Ilhan Omar? The Squad member has a strong base of support in the district, and her progressive policies have resonated with many voters. However, with the support of a well-funded super PAC and a dedicated group of pro-Israel donors and campaign staffers, Don Samuels may just have a chance.
Regardless of the outcome, the emergence of “Zionists for Don Samuels” highlights the growing influence of pro-Israel groups and donors in US politics. With AIPAC’s absence, these groups are stepping up to ensure that their voices are heard and their interests are represented in Congress.
In the end, it will be up to the voters of Minnesota’s 5th district to decide who will represent them in Congress. But one thing is clear, the “Zionists for Don Samuels” group is determined to make their mark and ensure that a strong pro-Israel voice is heard in Washington.
