Contributor Report: Michael Bloomberg
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Michael Bloomberg has a documented history of significant financial contributions and public advocacy demonstrating a strong pro-Israel stance. His engagement includes substantial philanthropic donations to Israeli institutions and consistent vocal support for Israel’s policies and security, often aligning with positions advocated by the Israel lobby.
Bloomberg’s support for Israel is evidenced through various channels:
- Philanthropic Contributions to Israeli Organizations and Initiatives: Bloomberg has made considerable donations to projects and organizations within Israel. He provided $100 million for the creation of a Cornell University-Technion-Israel Institute of Technology high-tech research campus on Roosevelt Island. He has also funded a wing of Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem named after his mother, a Magen David Adom (Israel’s emergency medical service) facility named after his father, and a project to promote innovation in Israeli cities. Following the October 2023 attacks, Bloomberg matched donations to Magen David Adom, contributing $44 million to an $88 million total gift to the organization. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies allocated $27.8 million to support municipalities in northern Israel affected by attacks from Hezbollah.
- Public Advocacy and Political Stance: During his 2020 presidential campaign, Bloomberg explicitly stated his unwavering support for Israel. He pledged to “always have Israel’s back” as president and committed to never imposing conditions on military aid to Israel, “no matter who is prime minister”. He has also consistently opposed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, describing its efforts to “delegitimize and punish the State of Israel” as “pernicious” and “an outrage”. Bloomberg supports the presence of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, referring to it as the “eternal capital of the Jewish state”.
- Engagement with Pro-Israel Lobby Groups: Bloomberg has engaged directly with prominent pro-Israel advocacy organizations. He spoke at the AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) Policy Conference in March 2020, where he contrasted his pro-Israel policies with those of other Democratic candidates, particularly Bernie Sanders, who he criticized for boycotting the event. His attendance at AIPAC and his remarks there underscore his alignment with the organization’s goals of strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship.
- Symbolic Gestures: In a notable display of support, during the 2014 Gaza War, Bloomberg defied a Federal Aviation Authority ban on flying into Israel after rockets landed near Ben-Gurion Airport. He stated his intention to “show the world that Jews would never let fear of terrorism keep us out of Israel”.
- Political Donations Targeting Jewish Voters: While specific California-based pro-Israel PAC donations were not detailed in the provided information, Bloomberg has contributed to groups like the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) and its Super PAC. These donations aim to energize Jewish voters in swing states and highlight candidates’ stances on issues, including U.S.-Israel relations. The JDCA PAC indicated that polling showed Joe Biden was trusted more by Jewish voters on Israel, an issue Bloomberg also emphasized.
Supported Candidates
| Candidate |
Years |
Direct Contributions |
Behested Payments |
| Buffy Wicks |
2017 |
$4,400 |
$0 |