Morris Joseph Amitay (July 5, 1936 – 2023) was an American lawyer, lobbyist, and U.S. government official renowned for his leadership in pro-Israel advocacy. He served as executive director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) from 1974 to 1980, a period during which he transformed the organization from a modest advocacy group into the most powerful pro-Israel lobbying entity in Washington, D.C. Prior to his tenure at AIPAC, Amitay worked in the U.S. government, including as a Foreign Service officer for the State Department. After leaving AIPAC, he remained active in lobbying and pro-Israel advocacy, serving as vice chairman of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA), where he focused on national security and U.S.-Israel strategic interests. He also founded and served as treasurer of the Washington Political Action Committee, further extending his influence in political fundraising and support for pro-Israel candidates. Amitay's career exemplified a strong commitment to Jewish and Israeli causes within American politics, and his contributions were noted for their effectiveness as well as for sparking debate over the growing influence of interest groups in U.S. policy. He passed away in 2023, leaving a legacy as a key architect of modern pro-Israel advocacy networks.