Congressional Black Caucus Partners Quietly with AIPAC

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), historically viewed as the conscience of Congress, faces scrutiny over its silence regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite a pending lawsuit at the International Court of Justice, which asserts acts of genocide against Palestinians by Israel, the CBC has yet to make a public statement calling for action.

International Legal Context and Humanitarian Crisis

In 2024, the ICJ deemed South Africa’s case against Israel “plausible,” citing violations against Palestinians in Gaza. The conflict has led to over 60,000 Palestinian deaths and a displacement of 1.9 million individuals, with various humanitarian organizations predicting that over 600,000 Palestinians will face famine. Reports indicate that this situation resembles the Nakba of 1948, underlining the historical parallels of dispossession.

Growing Consensus Among Scholars

With over 86% of genocide scholars affirming that Israel’s policies meet the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 UN Convention, organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch echo these findings. Yet, the CBC’s response remains muted, raising concerns about its credibility.

AIPAC’s Influence on Legislative Silence

• More than half of the CBC’s 61 members have financial ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
• In the 2023–24 cycle, AIPAC endorsed 26 CBC members and donated $4.6 million to their campaigns.
• The CBC’s silence on the Gaza situation is seen as complicity due to AIPAC’s significant lobbying efforts.

This financial backing impacts the CBC’s ability to criticize Israel, with AIPAC targeting lawmakers who advocate for Palestinian rights. High-profile cases, such as Representative Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman, illustrate this pressure, as AIPAC’s campaign expenditures skyrocketed in efforts to unseat those who opposed Israeli actions.

The Disconnect Between CBC Leadership and Constituents

Polls show that a significant majority of Black Americans oppose unconditional support for Israel, illustrating a stark disconnect between CBC leadership and their constituents. In late 2023, data revealed that 95% of Black Americans rejected unwavering support for Israel, signaling a public demand for accountability. Despite this, the CBC’s leadership has continued to support military aid to Israel and has seen limited movement towards taking a stand on the brutality in Gaza.

Calls for Action and Solidarity

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, voices within the CBC are urged to stand firm against the lobby’s influence. Embracing an anti-genocide stance could align the caucus more closely with their foundation as advocates for racial justice. If CBC members collectively oppose AIPAC’s directives, they could champion a new wave of multiracial resistance, not only for Palestinians but also for their constituents’ civil rights.

To fulfill its role, the CBC must act decisively by calling out injustices and supporting legislation that addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In doing so, it could restore its reputation as a moral compass in Congress, advocating for justice on all fronts.