2026-06-11 11:16:PM <br/> Tags: #AmericanJewry #Lobby #organization #KeyOrganizations #LeftwingJewry ![[image-291.png|702x369]] # Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) - The Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) is an American Democrat pro-Israel lobbying organization. - DMFI was founded in 2019. - DMFI is based in Washington D.C. and operates both a 501(c)(4) lobbying nonprofit and a political action committee, DMFI PAC.[^2] - According to its founder [[Mark Mellman]], a "central thrust" for DMFI is "making sure the Democratic Party remains pro-Israel."[^3] - According to their website, DMFI is "helping to lead the fights for equality, economic opportunity, education, environmental protection, gun safety, immigrant rights, civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights and the rights of LGBTQ+ people."[^5] #### General - DMFI's goals according to its website:[^5] - Maintain & Strengthen Support for Israel Among Grassroots Progressives and Democratic Leaders - Advance Policies to Ensure a Peaceful and Secure Israel - DMFI [explains](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/who-we-are/mission/#icon-text-item-4:~:text=Israel%20has%20the-,resources,-to%20defend%20herself) that it will support military foreign aid to Israel - Defend Israel’s Legitimacy - DMFI [explains](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/who-we-are/mission/#icon-text-item-4:~:text=isolate%2C%20stigmatize%20or-,delegitimize,-Israel%20%E2%80%93%20efforts%20that) that it will oppose criticism that isolates, stigmatizes, or delegitimizes Israel, including through economic boycotts. - Promote a Two-State Solution and Arab-Israeli Peace through Diplomacy and Partnership - Encourage American Global Leadership - DMFI [explains](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/who-we-are/mission/#icon-text-item-4:~:text=for%20a%20robust-,foreign%20aid,-budget%2C%20including%20diplomacy) that it supports an American power being used as a global charity through a "robust foreign aid budget" which will enable "all people to reach a path to freedom and security, and a better future for their children." - Promote Progressive Values - "We speak out against bigotry and discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity." - Educate and Support Elected Officials - DMFI will court and filter candidates for public office based on their support for Israel and left wing causes. - Mobilize Pro-Israel Voters - DMFI's on the ground voter operations which, during the 2020 general election, "identified and activated 100,000+ voters around the country through phone banking and vote tripling." - DMFI's website prominently hosts a "Trump Tracker," which lists various "problematic" Trump administration officials.[^15] *The graphics used for Trump officials are strikingly similar to the well known "Track AIPAC" graphics used to name and shame politicians funded by the Israel lobby.* - DMFI's [Trump Tracker](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/trumptracker/trumps-problematic-personnel/) includes: - Tulsi Gabbard (DNI) - for alleged support of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad - Amer Ghalib (Amb. to Kuwait) - for questioning Israeli claims regarding October 7th and liking a post online calling Jews "monkeys." *Ghalib, as mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, notably divested from Israel in June 2024.*[^16] - Pete Hegseth (Sec War) - for being "critical of America's global alliances" and for sharing "classified Middle East attack plans in an unsecured chat room with a journalist." - The [Signal group chat leak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_government_group_chat_leaks) referenced by DMFI was caused by Trump's National Security Advisor [[Mike Waltz]], later revealed to be an Israeli spy. *Waltz is linked because DMFI named and blamed Hegseth for the leak but did not list the culprit Mike Waltz, certainly because of Waltz' loyalty to Israel. So Waltz is tacitly supported by DMFI through omission.* - Paul Ingrassia (former nominee for special counsel of the United States) - for "repeatedly using antisemitic dog whistles to describe prominent Jewish figures and trafficking in antisemitic conspiracy theories." - Joe Kent (Director of the National Counterterrorism Center) - For joining a "podcast hosted by a Nazi sympathizer" and because he "disparaged pro-Israel Americans." - Kent was notably one of the first Trump admin officials to voice opposition to the [[2026 Iran War]]. *Joe Kent is relevant to this project and is covered on his own page but is not linked here to maintain proper page relationships.* - According to an article in the *Jewish News Syndicate*, "DMFI has strongly backed the [[International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)]] definition [of antisemitism] and encouraged U.S. President Joe Biden to adopt it, which he did shortly after taking office."[^2][^18] #### DMFI PAC and DMFI Lobbying - The Democratic Majority for Israel engages in political lobbying and electioneering both through DMFI organizing and a separate federal political action committee, DMFI PAC. - DMFI PAC's stated mission: "DMFI PAC works to elect pro-Israel Democrats up and down the ballot and defeat those few anti-Israel Democratic candidates in federal election primaries."[^8] - DMFI PAC crafts reports using polls conducted by the Mellman Group, a polling firm founded by DMFI's founder [[Mark Mellman]].[^9] ![[image-290.png]] *DMFI organizing activity in California in 2023.* - DMFI uses "networks of close allies" to reenforce a "reliably pro-Israel bloc" within the Democratic party in order to maintain pro-Israel state and federal-level politics.[^17] - In California DMFI "mobilized delegates, provided them briefing materials, and collaborated with key supporters to successfully defend Israel’s legitimacy and defeat harmful and divisive proposals." - In Nevada DMFI worked with prominent pro-Israel Democrat Senator Jacky Rosen. - In North Carolina "DMFI was instrumental in the establishment of the North Carolina Democratic Party Jewish Caucus, helped defeat a number of anti-Israel resolutions and stop a key anti-Israel candidate from being elected to a powerful position within the party." - After [[October 7th]], DMFI claims responsibility for blocking state-level resolutions calling for a ceasefire to the [[Gaza War]]. - DMFI "engaged early in the 2020 primaries mobilizing pro-Israel voters around the country to take action in early states, participate in caucuses, and vote in primaries." - DMFI endorsed Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024, producing ads in support of both.[^2] - DMFI, like many pro-Israel organizations, worked to unseat a number of progressive Democrat representatives during party primaries in 2024 after the progressive left became more openly pro-Palestine.[^2] #### Funding and Donors - DMFI reported $3.2 million in revenue in 2024.[^4] - DMFI PAC spent $6.24 million lobbying in 2020, $8.9 million in 2022, and $6.21 million in 2024.[^20] - DMFI donors include: - Gary Lauder - nephew of [[Ronald Lauder]].[^2][^21] - [[Ronald Lauder]] - At least $2,900 in 2021[^21] - Stacy Schusterman - daughter of [[Charles Schusterman|Charles]] and [[Lynn Schusterman]]. Stacy Schusterman is described as a "top donor" to DMFI, including at least $4.15 million in contributions.[^19][^21] - Joel and Adele Sandberg - parents of[[Sheryl Sandberg]]. Joel and Adele Sandberg contributed $240,000 to DMFI PAC in 2024. - [[Daniel Loeb]] - $125,000 in 2021.[^21] - [[Julie Platt]] - $100,000 in 2021 and 2024.[^21][^22] - [[Jonathan Tisch]] - $100,000 in 2024.[^22] #### Notable Figures - [[Mark Mellman]] - DMFI founding president and CEO until his death in 2025.[^1] - Mellman received a large $600,000 salary as head of DMFI, an organization with ~$3 million in revenue.[^4] - Kathy Manning - Former Jewish Congresswoman [D-NC-6] from 2021-2025. Manning was elected board chair of DMFI in May 2025. - Manning was "the first woman to chair the board of The [[Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)]] and served in leadership roles on the boards of the [[American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)]] and the [[Jewish Agency]] for Israel."[^6] - Brian Romick - President and CEO since 2025.[^6][^7] - Ann Lewis - Chair emeritus[^10] - Lewis served as counselor to the president and White House Communications Director under [[Bill Clinton]]. - Lewis was a close advisor to Hillary Clinton, eventually serving as co-chair of Jewish Women for Hillary during the 2016 presidential election. - Lewis was the VP for public policy at Planned Parenthood. - Lisa Eisen - Board member - Eisen is the co-president of the [[Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation]]. - According to her DMFI bio, "She leads the [[Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation|organization’s]] U.S. Jewish and Gender and Reproductive Equity grantmaking portfolios." - Eisen was the founding board chair of the [[Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC)]]. - Eisen is a [[Jewish Women International]] "Women to Watch" honoree.[^11] - Eisen "served as the D.C. Area Assistant Director for the [[American Jewish Committee (AJC)]]." - Stuart Kurlander - Board member - Kurlander is an owner of MidAtlantic Media which produces a number of Jewish media outlets. - He is a past president, resource development vice president and Israel & overseas vice president for the [[Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)|Jewish Federation]] of Greater Washington. - He is a board member of the [[American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)]]. - He is a [[Wexner Foundation|Wexner Heritage]] program alum. - He is a member of the board of trustees at the [[Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP)]]. - He is the a founder of the "Jewish LGBTQ Donor Network." - He was the first national chair of [[Keshet]], a pro-lgbt Jewish organization. - Kurlander is a gay Jew. - Sam Lauter - Board member[^13] - Lauter, an American Jew, authored an article in *The Times of Israel* in March 2026 in support of [[Donald Trump]]'s [[2026 Iran War]].[^12] - Lauter opens the article by implicitly describing himself as "someone who is unapologetically Jewish, deeply American, and proudly Zionist: not necessarily in that order." - Lauter laments that American Jews "are asked, implicitly and explicitly, to choose: between our values and our people, between our country and our homeland, between solidarity and criticism." - Lauter states directly "I support this [[2026 Iran War|war]]." - Lauter explains his many issues with Israeli policy but asserts "Despite all of these frustrations, one thing has never changed. I have never given up the fight for our homeland." *Lauter, in an Israeli media outlet, openly expresses his supreme loyalty to the foreign Jewish state of Israel.* - Lauter finishes the article stating: "The Jewish story has always been one of multiple homes and overlapping loyalties. That complexity is not a weakness." *Lauter reveals the natural Jewish state of multiple loyalties, ever changing and working in the favor of Jews as a collective.* - Lauter was personal assistant to Senator Joe Biden. - Lauter is described as a "key voice and fundraiser" for the [[United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM)]]. - Lauter was appointed to the [[United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM)]]'s governing council in 2022 by Joe Biden. - Lauter served on the board of [[A Wider Bridge]], a pro-LGBT Jewish organization. - Harriet P. Schleifer - Board member[^14] - According to her DMFI bio, Schleifer has held leadership positions at the [[American Jewish Committee (AJC)]], [[UJA-Federation of New York]], [[Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP)]], [[Israel Democracy Institute (IDI)]], and the [[Conference of Presidents]]. #### References [^1]: Democratic Majority for Israel, “Mark Mellman,” [https://demmajorityforisrael.org/team/mark-mellman/](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/team/mark-mellman/). [^2]: “Democratic Majority for Israel,” _Wikipedia_, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Majority_for_Israel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Majority_for_Israel). [^3]: Ron Kampeas, “Is there a need for another big Washington pro-Israel group?,” _Jewish Telegraphic Agency_, February 1, 2019, [https://www.jta.org/2019/02/01/politics/another-voice-for-pro-israel-democrats-but-what-is-it-saying](https://www.jta.org/2019/02/01/politics/another-voice-for-pro-israel-democrats-but-what-is-it-saying). [^4]: Democratic Majority for Israel, organization profile, _ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer_, [https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/833298146](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/833298146). [^5]: Democratic Majority for Israel, “Mission,” [https://demmajorityforisrael.org/who-we-are/mission/](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/who-we-are/mission/). [^6]: Democratic Majority for Israel, “Democratic Majority for Israel Announces New Leadership,” May 19, 2025 [https://demmajorityforisrael.org/media/press-release/democratic-majority-for-israel-announces-new-leadership/](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/media/press-release/democratic-majority-for-israel-announces-new-leadership/). [^7]: Democratic Majority for Israel, “Brian Romick,” [https://demmajorityforisrael.org/team/brian-romick/](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/team/brian-romick/). [^8]: Democratic Majority for Israel PAC, “About,” [https://dmfipac.org/who/about/](https://dmfipac.org/who/about/). [^9]: Danielle Cohen-Kanik, “DMFI Poll Finds Majority of Democrats Support Ceasefire and Credit Trump for Achievement,” DMFI PAC, November 3, 2025, [https://dmfipac.org/dmfi-poll-finds-majority-of-democrats-support-ceasefire-and-credit-trump-for-achievement/](https://dmfipac.org/dmfi-poll-finds-majority-of-democrats-support-ceasefire-and-credit-trump-for-achievement/). [^10]: Democratic Majority for Israel, “Ann Lewis,” [https://demmajorityforisrael.org/team/ann-lewis/](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/team/ann-lewis/). [^11]: Jewish Women International, “Previous Women to Watch,” [https://www.jwi.org/previous-women-to-watch#2013](https://www.jwi.org/previous-women-to-watch#2013). [^12]: Sam Lauter, “Between Two Homes,” _The Times of Israel_, March 14, 2026, [https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/between-two-homes/](https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/between-two-homes/). [^13]: Democratic Majority for Israel, “Sam Lauter,” [https://demmajorityforisrael.org/team/sam-lauter/](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/team/sam-lauter/). [^14]: Democratic Majority for Israel, “Harriet P. Schleifer,” [https://demmajorityforisrael.org/team/harriet-p-schleifer/](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/team/harriet-p-schleifer/). [^15]: Democratic Majority for Israel, “Trump Tracker,” [https://demmajorityforisrael.org/trumptracker/](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/trumptracker/). [^16]: “Amer Ghalib,” _Wikipedia_, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amer_Ghalib](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amer_Ghalib). [^17]: Democratic Majority for Israel, “Organizing and Activism,” [https://demmajorityforisrael.org/our-impact/organizing-and-activism/](https://demmajorityforisrael.org/our-impact/organizing-and-activism/). [^18]: “Democratic Pro-Israel Group Exposes Rift Among Liberals Over Anti-Semitism Envoy,” _Jewish News Syndicate_, [https://www.jns.org/antisemitism/democratic-pro-israel-group-exposes-rift-among-liberals-over-anti-semitism-envoy](https://www.jns.org/antisemitism/democratic-pro-israel-group-exposes-rift-among-liberals-over-anti-semitism-envoy). [^19]: “Stacy H. Schusterman,” _Wikipedia_, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stacy_H._Schusterman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stacy_H._Schusterman). [^20]: Democratic Majority for Israel PAC, organization profile, _OpenSecrets_, [https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/democratic-majority-for-israel/C00710848/summary/2024/spending-section](https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/democratic-majority-for-israel/C00710848/summary/2024/spending-section). [^21]: Democratic Majority for Israel PAC, donor profile 2022, _OpenSecrets_, [https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/democratic-majority-for-israel/C00710848/donors/2022](https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/democratic-majority-for-israel/C00710848/donors/2022). [^22]: Democratic Majority for Israel PAC, donor profile 2024, _OpenSecrets_, [https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/democratic-majority-for-israel/C00710848/donors/2024](https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/democratic-majority-for-israel/C00710848/donors/2024).