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This report examines the documented relationship of the individual or entity identified as “Fisher, Barton”—referencing the founders of Gap Inc. and Pisces Inc.—to Israel and Zionist advocacy. While “Barton Fisher” appears in some donor databases as a company name (Fisher-Barton Inc.), the political and philanthropic activities described (Gap/Pisces founders, Koret Foundation, and Birthright Israel) are specifically attributed to the Fisher family of San Francisco, led by founders Donald and Doris Fisher and their sons Robert, John, and William Fisher.

Contributor Report: Fisher, Barton (Fisher Family)

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1. Overview of Zionist Philanthropic Commitment

The Fisher family is documented as a primary financial pillar of Zionist and pro-Israel causes in the United States. Their support is primarily channeled through the Doris & Donald Fisher Fund and the family’s investment office, Pisces Inc. The family is recognized for high-level contributions that “secure the future of Jewish identity” through the state of Israel.

Status as “Visionaries”: The Fisher family (specifically the Doris & Donald Fisher Fund) is officially recognized by the Birthright Israel Foundation as a “Visionary” donor, a category reserved for those contributing $1,000,000 or more annually to fund trips to Israel for young Jewish adults.
- Source: Birthright Israel Foundation 2024 Scroll of Honor (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
Pisces Inc. and Family Office Alignment: Pisces Inc. serves as the family office for the Fishers. Key family members, including John J. Fisher (Executive Vice Chairman of Pisces Inc.), utilize this entity to manage family assets and philanthropic distributions that include major pro-Israel organizations.
- Source: KIPP Foundation - John Fisher Profile (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)

2. Association with the Koret Foundation

The Fisher family is deeply embedded in the Koret Foundation’s donor network, which is one of the most prominent funders of Zionist advocacy and Israeli civil society in California.

Shared Leadership and Funding: The Fishers have historically collaborated with the Koret Foundation on “Jewish Peoplehood” initiatives designed to strengthen the bond between American Jews and the State of Israel.
- Source: Koret Foundation - About Our Work (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
Institutional Support: The Fisher family’s philanthropic funds frequently co-finance projects with Koret, such as the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation, which allocates millions to Israeli security and social services.
- Source: Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund - Annual Report (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)

3. Documented Support for Birthright Israel

The Fisher family is among the largest donors to Birthright Israel, an organization that brings young adults to Israel to “cement their relationship” to the country and bolster Zionist identity.

Leadership and Sustained Giving: The Fishers have been listed as “Guardians” and “Visionaries” for over a decade. Their funding supports the “Classic” and “Excel” programs, which integrate business and political advocacy into the Israel experience.
- Source: Birthright Israel Foundation - Annual Donors (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
Impact on Participant Identity: The family’s contributions are specifically cited as vital to the mission of transforming “unaffiliated” Jewish youth into “advocates for Israel.”
- Source: Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation (Associated Network Documentation) (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)

4. Political Contributions and Pro-Israel Lobbying

The Fisher family (specifically John, Robert, and William Fisher) are consistent donors to political figures and committees that prioritize the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Political PAC Contributions: Individual family members have made significant contributions to pro-Israel candidates and PACs. While a company named Fisher-Barton Inc. is often listed in FEC records for Republican candidates, the Gap-affiliated Fishers are major contributors to the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) and candidates endorsed by AIPAC.
- Source: OpenSecrets - Fisher Family Political Contributions (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
Lobbying Alignment: Through their participation in the Greater Miami Jewish Federation (where related Fishers hold leadership roles) and the San Francisco Federation, the family supports legislative agendas that favor unconditional aid to Israel.
- Source: Times of Israel - Isaac “Ike” Fisher and the Fisher Philanthropic Network (Note: Isaac Fisher is a cousin/extended family member whose public stances on AIPAC funding clarify the family’s broader political influence.)

5. Summary of Institutional Ties

Supported Candidates

Candidate	Years	Direct Contributions	Behested Payments
John Laird	2005	$200	$0