The annual AIPAC Policy Conference has become a signal event in American politics. It mobilizes Americans in support of a strong US-Israel relationship, encouraging the grassroots to become engaged in the political process.

The numbers tell much of the story. This year almost 19,000 AIPAC members from all sides of the political spectrum flooded Washington, D.C. to express their support for Israel. As always, political tensions run especially high during election years, and AIPAC has always provided a platform for all presidential candidates to address their members. Above all, AIPAC’s bi-partisanship and unwavering support for Israel have been the cornerstones of its success and strength.

SPME, too, prides itself on bi-partisanship, providing a home for academics worldwide to support Israel’s unconditional right to exist, advance the cause of peace, and to underscore that the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement has no place in academia. As such, we were gratified to see that all the presidential candidates this year highlighted in their AIPAC addresses their commitment to fight BDS. All the candidates recognize that BDS represents a threat to academic integrity and to the safety of Jewish and pro-Israel students and faculty.

We look forward to working with the next administration to fight for the integrity of the university against BDS and in favor of a peaceful solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.