Howard Kohr — Person

The Hoopoe

Howard Kohr

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Person·ngo·AI Enriched

Relationships:161

Events:4

Library:22

Confidence:

85%

Key Facts

Type

Person

Sector

ngo

Industry

lobbying and advocacy

Status

Draft

Country

United States

Nationality

AmericanUnited States

Birth Date

1/1/1956

Death Date

Not specified

Sex

Male

Also Known As

Howard Kohr

Career & Education

Positions

Executive Director and CEO

AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee)

1996 - 2024

Legislative Director

AIPAC

1985 - 1996

Education

High School Diploma

Cleveland Heights High School

1970 - 1974

About

Howard Kohr is a prominent American lobbyist and activist who served as the Executive Director and CEO of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) from 1996 until his retirement announcement in December 2024, overseeing the organization's lobbying operations, strategic direction, legal strategies, and transforming it into a powerful force in Washington, D.C. Raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, he graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1974. His career was deeply influenced by his father, Kurt Kohr, a veteran who fought for the Haganah during Israel's War of Independence in 1948, inspiring Howard's lifelong commitment to Jewish and pro-Israel causes. Kohr joined AIPAC in 1985 as legislative director and rose to become Executive Director, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing its lobbying, fundraising, education, and political engagement operations while building bipartisan support for Israel. Under his leadership, particularly during the 2000s, AIPAC grew significantly in influence, advocating for strong U.S.-Israel relations and shaping U.S. policy on Israel, including support for military aid, opposition to efforts undermining Israel's security, and lobbying for U.S. support of Israeli defense systems like Iron Dome. He has financial ties to influential figures such as hedge fund manager Paul Singer, who provides funding support to AIPAC initiatives. His tenure was not without controversy, as AIPAC's activities have drawn criticism for undue influence on U.S. foreign policy and allegations of stifling debate on Israel-Palestine issues, though Kohr maintained a focus on bipartisan consensus. Throughout his career, Kohr focused on grassroots activism and strategic advocacy, drawing from his personal family history and Ashkenazi Jewish American background to motivate his work. His efforts positioned AIPAC as the most influential pro-Israel group in Washington, fostering networks of influence among policymakers, donors, and community leaders while securing billions in U.S. aid to Israel and influencing key legislation. Upon his retirement after nearly four decades with the organization, AIPAC stated he left it 'stronger than ever'.

Key Relationships

Paul Singer

funds

Howard Kohr and Paul Singer maintained a relationship where Singer provided significant financial support to AIPAC and its affiliated initiatives, including the United Democracy Project super PAC and other political action committees. This support directly funded operations under Kohr's leadership and fostered a network of influence driving pro-Israel advocacy in Washington. The relationship involved an undisclosed quid pro quo arrangement, where Singer's donations were exchanged for AIPAC's lobbying efforts to advance his policy priorities, such as sanctions on Iran and opposition to the Iran nuclear deal. This arrangement included coordinated advocacy campaigns and targeted political donations, and was critical in securing funding for AIPAC's political and lobbying activities.

Since 2010

Haim Saban

major_donor

Haim Saban provided substantial financial support to AIPAC under Howard Kohr's direction, donating millions to initiatives promoting U.S.-Israel relations, which helped expand the organization's grassroots and lobbying capabilities. This support included funding for pro-Israel advocacy campaigns and political engagement. Kohr's relationship with Saban was instrumental in securing Democratic support for AIPAC's agenda.

Since 1996

Bernard Marcus

major_donor

Bernard Marcus provided significant financial contributions to AIPAC under Kohr's leadership, funding grassroots activism and policy advocacy that bolstered the organization's bipartisan influence in Washington.

Since 2000

Cynthia McKinney

opposed

Under Howard Kohr's leadership, AIPAC actively opposed Cynthia McKinney's re-election campaigns due to her vocal criticism of Israel, AIPAC's influence, and U.S. military aid to Israel. The organization worked to unseat her in the 2002 Democratic primary by supporting her opponent, Denise Majette, who received significant pro-Israel funding, and again supported her primary opponents in 2006, spending resources to influence these election outcomes. McKinney accused AIPAC of orchestrating her defeat because of her stance on Israel-Palestine issues.

Since 2002

Steny Hoyer

lobbies

As AIPAC CEO, Howard Kohr regularly lobbied Steny Hoyer, maintaining a close relationship and leveraging Hoyer's influential position in Congress to advance pro-Israel policies. Under Kohr's leadership, AIPAC worked with Hoyer, a key figure in advancing AIPAC-backed legislation, including military aid packages and resolutions supporting Israel, as well as opposition to measures critical of Israel.

Since 1996

Sheldon Adelson

major_donor

During Howard Kohr's long tenure as CEO of AIPAC, Sheldon Adelson was one of the organization's largest individual donors, contributing tens of millions of dollars to fund lobbying and advocacy efforts for strong U.S.-Israel ties, significantly bolstering AIPAC's financial and political influence. Adelson also provided undisclosed financial support to AIPAC through intermediary organizations and straw donors to fund specific lobbying campaigns, including opposition to the Iran nuclear deal and support for moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. These payments were structured to avoid direct attribution to Adelson, masking his influence over AIPAC's priorities.

Since 1990

Recent Events

Main Convention

main convention held

11/14/2024

Foreign funded: Jewish Agency for Israel → Howard Kohr

Howard Kohr and AIPAC collaborated with the Jewish Agency for Israel on initiatives to strengthen U.S.-Israel ties, including educational programs, advocacy training, and lobbying efforts. While the Jewish Agency is not a formal government body, it operates under the auspices of the Israeli government and receives significant state funding, making its collaboration with AIPAC a potential channel for foreign influence.

1/1/1996

Foreign funded: Jewish Agency for Israel → Howard Kohr

1/1/1996

Major donor: Howard Kohr → Sheldon Adelson

1/1/1990