track-jpac

Contributor Report: BENDHEIM, JACK C.

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Jack C. Bendheim is a prominent political donor and executive whose advocacy and financial support are extensively documented in the context of the Israel lobby and pro-Israel institutional leadership. Bendheim is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phibro Animal Health Corporation, a position he has held for several decades [1.3, 1.17]. While primarily based in the New York metropolitan area, Bendheim is a documented political contributor in California, funding state-level candidates and ballot initiatives [2.3, 2.4].

1. Leadership in Israel Lobby Organizations

Bendheim has held significant leadership roles in several of the most influential pro-Israel advocacy organizations in the United States.

• Israel Policy Forum (IPF): Bendheim is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Israel Policy Forum [1.10, 2.4]. He continues to serve on its Board of Directors as of 2022 and 2023 [2.3, 2.7]. IPF is an organization that advocates for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, positioning its work as essential to “fulfilling the Zionist dream of a Jewish and democratic Israel” [2.7].
• American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC): Bendheim has a long-standing relationship with AIPAC leadership. At the 1996 AIPAC Policy Conference, then-President Bill Clinton explicitly acknowledged Bendheim for his “wonderful introduction” and his efforts in “strengthening the bonds between the United States and Israel” [1.12]. Other documentation describes him as an “AIPAC official” [1.5].

2. Support for Israeli Institutions

Beyond policy advocacy, Bendheim provides leadership and financial oversight for major Israeli state-linked institutions.

• Shaare Zedek Medical Center: Bendheim serves as the Co-chairman of the International Board of Directors for Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem [1.13]. This role involves international fundraising and strategic governance for one of Israel’s primary medical facilities.
• Yeshiva University: He has been a long-time supporter and board member of Yeshiva University, an institution with deep educational and ideological ties to the State of Israel [2.6].

3. California Political Contributions

Bendheim is documented as a significant donor to California political causes, often aligning with established Democratic party figures or specific ballot measures.

• California Ballot Measures: In 2010, Bendheim contributed $50,000 to the “Yes on Proposition 27” campaign, which sought to eliminate the California Citizens Redistricting Commission [2.4].
• Candidate Contributions: State audit records show Bendheim contributed $29,200 to Fiona Ma’s 2018 campaign for California State Treasurer [2.3].

4. Pro-Israel Advocacy and Policy Influence

Bendheim frequently leverages his executive and philanthropic status to influence U.S. and Israeli policy through public statements and collective letters.

• 2023 March on Israel: During the November 2023 “March on Israel” in Washington, D.C., Bendheim spoke publicly in support of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, stating, “We’re fighting the fight to help Israel to win and destroy Hamas” [1.13].
• Policy Letters: In September 2023, Bendheim was a signatory to a high-level letter to President Joe Biden, spearheaded by the Israel Policy Forum, urging the administration to broker a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia that would include measures to advance a two-state outcome [1.10, 2.4].
• Opposition to the Levy Report: In 2012, Bendheim signed a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing concern over the Levy Report, arguing that the report’s legal findings could harm the “two-state solution” and Israel’s international standing [1.7, 2.5].

Sources

1. Phibro Animal Health Corporation: Executive Leadership - Jack C. Bendheim (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
2. The Jerusalem Post: A warm hug for American Jewry (Jack Bendheim quotes at 2023 rally) (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
3. Israel Policy Forum: Annual Report 2022 (Board of Directors Listing) (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
4. Israel Policy Forum: American Jewish Leaders Letter to President Biden (Sept 2023) (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
5. Times of Israel: Open Letter to PM Netanyahu Regarding the Levy Report (2012) (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
6. California Fair Political Practices Commission: Audit Report for Fiona Ma (Reference to Jack Bendheim donation) (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
7. Wikipedia: 2010 California Proposition 27 (Donors Listing: Jack C. Bendheim) (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
8. UCSB American Presidency Project: Remarks to the AIPAC Policy Conference (Bill Clinton acknowledging Jack Bendheim)
9. Jewish Insider: Daily Kickoff - January 6, 2025 (Reference to Bendheim’s roles) (Note: having trouble producing a specific citation)
10. If Americans Knew: Israel Lobby Organizations & Individuals (Reference to Bendheim as AIPAC official)

Supported Candidates

Candidate	Years	Direct Contributions	Behested Payments
Doris Matsui	2004	$2,000	$0