Contributor Report: Stewart A. Resnick
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Stewart A. Resnick, a prominent California political donor and co-owner of The Wonderful Company, alongside his wife Lynda Resnick, has a documented history of financial contributions and organizational affiliations demonstrating support for pro-Israel advocacy and entities associated with the Israel lobby.
Through their foundation, the Resnicks have directed substantial funds to various organizations that support Israeli military and governmental institutions, as well as think tanks engaged in pro-Israel policy advocacy:
- American Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF): The Resnick Foundation has contributed significant amounts to American Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF), an organization identified as the fundraising arm of the Israeli military. Between 2015 and 2022, annual donations from the Resnick Foundation to FIDF reportedly ranged from $200,000 to $500,000, totaling at least $2.4 million. Stewart Resnick has also served as a board member of this organization.
- The Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP): Stewart and Lynda Resnick have been associated with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, serving as trustees and on its board of directors. WINEP is described as a think tank that emerged from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), often characterized as an extension of the Israel lobby. The institute is noted for its “unflinching backing of Israel’s occupation” and a hawkish stance on Iran. In 2005, the Resnick Foundation provided $20,000 to WINEP.
- American Friends of IDC (Reichman University): Stewart Resnick has served as a board member for American Friends of IDC, the fundraising entity for the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya (now Reichman University). This institution is characterized as an influential think tank with close ties to the Israeli intelligence and military establishments, and is considered a significant voice in Israeli security matters. The Resnick Foundation has funneled between $250,000 and $500,000 annually to American Friends of IDC. Stewart Resnick has also supported the Raphael Recanati International School at Reichman University through major scholarships.
- Technion-Israel Institute of Technology: In December 2022, Stewart and Lynda Resnick pledged a $50 million gift to establish the Stewart and Lynda Resnick Sustainability Center for Catalysis at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. The stated objective of this center’s activities includes strengthening “the State of Israel and its economy and bolster the Technion’s position as a global center of innovation.”
- National Library of Israel: The Resnick Foundation made a $12 million donation to the National Library of Israel. This gift supports various programs, including The Lynda and Stewart Resnick Fellowship, which focuses on areas such as Israel, Judaica, Islam, the Middle East, and the Humanities.
- American Jewish Committee: The Resnicks’ family foundation has also provided funding to the American Jewish Committee, an organization described as actively lobbying for sanctions against Iran.
Some analyses suggest a convergence between the Resnicks’ business interests, particularly their pistachio enterprise, and their support for pro-Israel and anti-Iran lobbying. This perspective posits that backing the Israel lobby contributes to impeding Iran, which is considered a competitor in the pistachio market.
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