1. Founded in 1953, incorporated by Isaiah L. Kenen in 1963, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee rose to prominence during the Carter administration in the mid-1970s.

2. It's stated goal is to improve the U.S.-Israel relationship.

3. It is a public affairs committee, not a political action committee. It does not directly donate money to candidates or elected officials but rather details the public statements and voting records of public officials so its 100,000 members can determine who seems aligned with AIPAC's goals.

4. It does not receive money from Israel or any other foreign nation. It is funded by private donations.

5. AIPAC endorses diplomatic solutions for dealing with Iran, but has demanded severe economic sanctions.

6. Its official stance on Palestine is the advocacy for an Arab state in Israel, providing the Palestinian Authority adheres to anti-terrorism agreements.

7. Requested an increase in military aid for Israel in 2010 (to $2.775 billion) to counteract increasing terrorism and what it perceives as an increased military buildup in nearby oil-producing Arab countries.

8. In 1992, David Steiner was forced to resign as AIPAC president when he was recorded boasting that he secured billions in aid for Israel in exchange for Jewish votes in the United States.

9. AIPAC has been addressed by prominent Democrats and Republicans, and seemingly has influence on both sides of the aisle in Congress.

10. On its website, the organization lists as one of its achievements passing legislation requiring the administration to evaluate all future military sales to Arab states in the context of the need to maintain Israel's qualitative military edge over potential adversaries.

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