Key Facts
Key Information
About
The American Zionist Council (AZC) was established in 1949 as a coordinating body for Zionist organizations in the United States, serving as a tax-exempt umbrella organization representing nine nationwide Zionist groups including the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Hadassah, and other American Jewish entities. Its primary role was to promote Zionism, advocate for the establishment and support of Israel, and function as a pro-Israel lobby group that unified efforts in public relations, outreach, and lobbying on Capitol Hill to advance Zionist causes and influence U.S. policy towards Israel. From 1951 to 1953, the AZC's Washington representative was Isaiah L. Kenen, who played a key role in its advocacy activities. The organization coordinated activities among member groups focusing on education, fundraising, and political engagement, serving as a central hub for disseminating information and mobilizing support during a period of growing U.S.-Israel relations post-World War II. The AZC operated until 1963, when it faced scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding its status as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). In response, it restructured, leading to the formation of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as its lobbying arm, while the parent body dissolved. This transition marked a significant shift in how pro-Israel advocacy was conducted in the U.S., with AIPAC continuing much of the AZC's work.