Hi Shounak,
No problem! I will be happy to remove you from this email exchange.
Peace,
Avram” Eliminate The State Of Israel Now”
Finkelstein
On Sun, Jul 19, 2026 at 9:55 AM Shounak Dharap
wrote:
> Aram—
>
> Ive been included on many of your email threads, and Ive come away
> appreciating your engagement on issues that span from the hyperlocal to the
> national, while at the same time wondering whether this rapid-fire format
> provides any meaningful value to the recipient of your questioning or to
> the observers.
>
> Ive been in politics for far less time than many on this thread, but even
> in that time it seems to me that short-form media has increasingly
> commodified the short answer to the leading question as a substitute for
> thoughtful conversation on issues that cant be boiled down to a one-liner.
> I think emails like this put the recipient in an impossible position:
> respond succinctly and invite a cascade of follow-ups; respond thoughtfully
> and deeply and risk the other side not engaging in kind—wasting time and
> effort that could have gone toward the same issues on a larger scale; or
> not respond at all and hand the writer an excuse to paint the recipient as
> uncaring.
>
> Just my humble opinion, with all the respect in the world for your
> willingness to hold us elected officials accountable for the people we
> serve and the actions we take.
>
> Id be happy to discuss this or anything else with you individually or
> offline in person, but for now, please feel free to drop me from this
> thread. I dont believe I have anything of value to add to this
> conversation on national and international issues that are well beyond the
> bailiwick of a local school board member.
> Best,
> Shounak
>
> *From: *Aram James
> *Date: *Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 9:34 AM
> *To: *Sam Liccardo
> *Cc: *Salem Ajluni ; Donna Wallach <
> donnaisanactivist@gmail.com>; Gerry Gras ; Dana
> St. George ; Zahra Billoo ; Musa
> Tariq ; Sean Allen ; Ruth Silver
> Taube ; Lythcott-Haims, Julie <
> Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; EPA Today ;
> Braden Cartwright ; Diana Diamond <
> dianaLdiamond@gmail.com>; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for
> California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23 ;
> Dave Price ; Emily Mibach ;
> Brandon Pho ; Raj Jayadev <
> raj@siliconvalleydebug.org>; Yusra Hussain ;
> Carla Torres ; Laurie Valdez <6crzekidz@gmail.com>;
> Raymond Goins ; Roberta Ahlquist <
> roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto <
> wilpf.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com>; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight <
> jennifer@sanjosespotlight.com>; cromero@cityofepa.org <
> cromero@cityofepa.org>; rabrica@cityofepa.org ;
> Supervisor Susan Ellenberg ; Susan
> Hayase ; Supervisor Otto Lee <
> supervisor.lee@bos.sccgov.org>; Gennady Sheyner <
> gsheyner@embarcaderomedia.org>; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org <
> supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org>; Shounak Dharap ;
> jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com ;
> ; Angel, David ;
> DuJuan Green ; Reifschneider, James <
> james.reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Nash, Betsy ;
> Cecilia Taylor ; PD Kristina Bell <
> kbell@redwoodcity.org>; Nancy Goodban ; Bill
> Newell ; Rebecca Kieler ;
> GRP-City Council ; city.council@menlopark.gov <
> city.council@menlopark.gov>; city.council@gilroy.org <
> city.council@gilroy.org>; citycouncil@mountainview.gov <
> citycouncil@mountainview.gov>; CityCouncil ;
> CityCouncil ; San José Spotlight <
> info@sanjosespotlight.com>; Josh Becker ;
> marc.berman@cityofpaloalto.com ; Jeff
> Rosen ; Jessica Speiser ;
> Shikada, Ed ; Lauing, Ed <
> Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Rosen, Jeff ; Keith
> Reckdahl ; Vicki Veenker ;
> Patrice Ventresca ;
> planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg
> ; ParkRec Commission <
> ParkRec.commission@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jay Boyarsky <
> jboyarsky@da.sccgov.org>; Rodriguez, Miguel <
> miguel.rodriguez@pdo.sccgov.org>; Damon Silver <
> damon.silver@pdo.sccgov.org>; james pitkin ;
> Lewis james ; Seanjames143@yahoo.com <
> Seanjames143@yahoo.com>; Yolanda Sena ; Friends of
> Cubberley ; Rose Lynn <
> roselynn95035@yahoo.com>; Lotus Fong ; Justin Zalkin <
> jzalkin@gmail.com>; Mila Zelkha ; Charlotte Casey <
> ccasey@pacbell.net>; Charisse Domingo ;
> Human Relations Commission ; Burt, Patrick <
> pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; planning.commision@cityofpaloalto.org <
> planning.commision@cityofpaloalto.org>; Nash, Betsy ;
> Anna Griffin ; Socorro McCord <
> luquehere@gmail.com>; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org <
> eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org>; Robert Salonga <
> rsalonga@bayareanewsgroup.com>; Robert Handa ;
> Jeff Hayden ; bryan gobin ;
> Seher Awan ; Palo Alto Free Press <
> paloaltofreepress@gmail.com>; yolanda ; Yolanda
> Conaway ; Goodell, Erin ;
> John.alaniz@cityofpaloalto.org ; Bill
> Armaline ; Bill Johnson <
> Bjohnson@embarcaderopublishing.com>; Enberg, Nicholas <
> nicholas.enberg@cityofpaloalto.org>; Beth von Emster <
> beth.vonemster@gmail.com>; Ari Tarver
> *Subject: *Re: Sam “ AIPAC “ Liccardo
>
> 7/19/2026
>
> Hi Sam,
>
> 1. But you still support Israel’s right to exist? And make a distinction
> between so-called offensive weapons and weapons for defense, Correct?
>
> 2. Have you publicly committed to taking zero AIPAC funds in the future?
> Yes, No, explain?
>
> 3. Do you support a one-state solution? Yes, No, explain?
>
> 4. And you still support sending billions of dollars a year to extremely
> wealthy Israel, money badly needed for programs here at home, correct?
> Explain?
>
> 5. Last for today: Israel has a very large supply of nuclear weapons,
> agreed? Iran has zero nuclear weapons. Do you agree Iran, as a sovereign
> nation, is as entitled as Israel, or any other nation, to produce its own
> nuclear weapons? Yes, No, explain.
>
> Sam, I Look forward to your answers to the above questions and your
> continued dialogue on these life and death issues.
>
> Avram “ Eliminate The State of Israel Now” Finkelstein -aka -Aram James
>
>
> On Sun, Jul 19, 2026 at 7:43 AM Sam Liccardo
> wrote:
>
> Aram, after this email, Im going to stop responding to this litany of
> "1000 questions" after this email, because I have plenty of other work to
> do on this Sunday. In response to a few of your recent questions:
>
> 1. No, thats a false statement. Ive never been endorsed by AIPAC, and my
> public statement (making clear my opposition to offensive military aid to
> Israel and my endorsement of
> "Block the Bombs" makes it highly unlikely that I ever will be. I
> encourage you to visit AIPACs website for yourself: unlike hundreds of
> other members of Congress who can receive contributions from AIPAC members
> through their portal, I cannot.
> 2. Yes, I visited the West Bank in December of 2019, at the same time that
> I visited other parts of Israel. I met with the late Saeb Erekat and other
> Palestinian Authority officials in Ramallah, and met with an Arab
> journalist in East Jerusalem as well. I travelled with my wife (not part of
> any other group) in a rental car into other parts of the West Bank,
> including Bethlehem and Nazareth, and I recall a couple of other stops on
> the way to Capernaum. That was my only trip to Israel, and during the
> first half of the trip, I travelled with a group of Democratic elected
> officials funded by the American Israel Education Foundation, which I
> understand to be affiliated with AIPAC. I have not returned to Israel
> since, and I declined to attend any AIPAC-sponsored trips during my tenure
> in Congress.
>
> On Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 4:02 PM Aram James wrote:
>
> Sam,
>
> Is the below statement accurate?
>
> *1. AIPAC endorsed Liccardo*
>
> AIPAC publicly endorsed Sam Liccardo in the CA-16 House race. That
> endorsement encouraged AIPAC’s network of donors to contribute to his
> campaign, but an endorsement itself is not a financial contribution.
>
>
> On Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 3:48 PM Aram James wrote:
>
> Sam,
>
> Is the below statement correct?
>
> Based on publicly available information, there is *no evidence that Sam
> Liccardo has traveled to Gaza*.
>
> For the *West Bank*, I also could not find evidence that he has
> personally visited. Searches of his public statements, biography,
> congressional materials, and news coverage do not document a trip there.
>
> There is, however, evidence that he *visited Israel*:
>
> - In a public post marking the first anniversary of the October 7,
> 2023 attacks, Liccardo wrote that he had visited *Kibbutz K’far Aza* in
> *December 2019*, recalling the people he met there.
>
> It’s worth noting that some members of Congress have publicly documented
> trips to both Israel and the Palestinian territories, but I did not find
> Sam Liccardo listed among those delegations.
>
> So, the available evidence indicates:
>
> - *Gaza:* No public evidence that he has traveled there.
> - *West Bank:* No public evidence that he has traveled there.
> - *Israel:* Yes—he has publicly stated that he visited Israel in
> December 2019.
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 3:26 PM Aram James wrote:
>
> 7/18/2028
>
> Hi Sam,
>
> Further research suggests you also went on another trip to Israel on
> AIPAC’s dime (2019) when you were mayor or on the San Jose City Council?
>
> True?
>
> False?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Avram
>
>
>
> According to the publicly available travel request, city records, and
> congressional travel disclosures, Sam Liccardo’s documented AIEF-sponsored
> trip to Israel in *December 2019* was described as an educational seminar
> focused on Israeli society, security, innovation, and the U.S.–Israel
> relationship.
>
> The stated purpose of the trip included:
>
> - Learning about Israel’s political system and society.
> - Discussing regional security issues and U.S.–Israel relations.
> - Visiting sites related to innovation and technology.
> - Meeting with political, security, and community leaders.
> - Exploring historical and religious locations.
>
> Typical activities on these AIEF educational seminars include:
>
> - Briefings from Israeli government and military officials.
> - Discussions with foreign policy experts.
> - Visits to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other cities.
> - Tours of historical, archaeological, and religious sites.
> - Visits to areas near Israel’s borders to receive security briefings.
> - Meetings with Israeli academics, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit
> leaders.
>
> The San Jose City Council memorandum authorizing Liccardo’s travel
> specifically identified the trip as an *Educational Seminar in Israel for
> Pacific Northwest Progressive Leaders*, with travel to *Jerusalem, Tel
> Aviv, and Tiberias*, and stated that all travel expenses would be paid by
> the *American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF)*.
>
> The value of the trip reported in ethics disclosures was approximately
> *$12,345*, covering airfare, lodging, meals, and other travel-related
> expenses, paid by AIEF under applicable ethics rules.
>
> If you’re interested, I can also summarize the *day-by-day itinerary* for
> the 2019 seminar, including the cities visited and the types of meetings
> and site visits participants attended.
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 3:16 PM Aram James wrote:
>
> Sam,
>
>
> Is the below information accurate?
>
> The publicly available House travel disclosure for Sam Liccardo’s
> congressional trip to Israel, the reported value of the trip was
> approximately *$12,345.02*.
>
> The sponsor-reported breakdown was:
>
> - Transportation: *$5,598.40*
> - Lodging: *$1,696.00*
> - Meals: *$1,260.06*
> - Other expenses (such as ground transportation, guides, admissions,
> etc.): * $3,790.56*
>
> *Total reported value:* *$12,345.02*.
>
> According to the disclosure, these expenses were paid by the *American
> Israel Education Foundation (AIEF)*, a nonprofit affiliated with AIPAC
> that sponsors educational travel for members of Congress under House ethics
> rules.
>
> If you’re interested, I can also summarize *who Liccardo met on the trip,
> what sites he visited, and the stated purpose of the travel* from the
> official itinerary and ethics filings.
>
>
> On Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 2:47 PM Aram James wrote:
>
> Sam,
>
> Is the below information correct?
>
> I searched for additional records covering Sam Liccardo’s career before
> and after entering Congress.
>
> Based on the publicly available evidence I could find:
>
> - *There is one publicly documented official trip to Israel.*
> - *The trip was paid for by the American Israel Education Foundation
> (AIEF)*, a nonprofit organization affiliated with AIPAC that sponsors
> educational trips for members of Congress.
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 11:21 AM Aram James wrote:
>
> Youre welcome, Sam!! I will get back to you with a more substantive
> response in the near future. In the meantime, I have a few questions for
> you below. I look forward to your responses.
>
> Peace,
>
> Avram Finkelstein aka Aram James
>
> **One of your proud Jewish constituents who wants the vile war-crimes
> state of Israel eliminated.
>
> P.S.
>
> 1 How many times have you traveled to Israel?
>
> 2. If so, under what circumstances?
>
> 3. Were your trips to Israel, if you in fact went, paid for by AIPAC
> money?
>
> 4. If not, who paid for your trips?
>
> 5. When you were mayor of San Jose or on city council, who paid for your
> trips to Israel?
>
> 6. Have you traveled to Palestine? Gaza? West Bank? Other locations in
> Palestine?
>
> 7. If not, why have you not taken a fact-finding trip to Gaza and the West
> Bank?
>
> 8. Have you publicly called for a one-state solution?
>
> 9. Have you publicly condemned Israel 🇮🇱 as a war-crimes genocidal
> state? If Not, Why Not?
>
> 19. Have you publicly called for the elimination of the rogue apartheid
> state, war-crimes state of Israel? If Not, Why Not, Sam?
>
> ****Sam, Im proud of you for your willingness to open up a constructive
> conversation with me on this critical issue. Look forward to more of the
> same.
>
> Avram “Eliminate The State of Israel Now” Finkelstein
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 8:00 AM Sam Liccardo
> wrote:
>
> Thanks Aram.
> First, you’re incorrect: I’ve never received money directly from AIPAC,
> and they’re certainly not giving to me now. They will not accept
> contributions for me on their website, unlike hundreds of other members of
> Congress. Among the reasons why they won’t ever contribute to me is my
> cosponsorship of the “Block the Bombs” bill, and public statements like
> this:
> https://liccardo.house.gov/massie-amendment
>
> I’m sure I’ve received contributions from local community residents who
> are members of AIPAC, though not nearly as much as my opponent in 2024, and
> I’m also confident I received more contributions from members of the Muslim
> or Arab-American communities who object to the conduct of the Israeli
> leadership. I had to raise $6 million in that race, so the amounts you’re
> citing are less than 2% of my raise in that cycle.
> In your future missives, I encourage you to present facts more accurately
> and with relevant context.
> Sam
>
>
> Sam Liccardo
> Member of Congress
> 16th District of California
> (this email is being sent from my private account, and is not official
> correspondence)
>
> On Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 12:30 AM Aram James wrote:
>
> For Sam Liccardo’s successful 2024 House campaign:
>
> - *Direct AIPAC PAC contributions:* *$10,000* (the maximum PAC
> contribution for the primary and general election combined). This would
> appear in FEC filings as a contribution from the AIPAC PAC.
> - *Including AIPAC-affiliated individual donors:* Public campaign
> finance trackers report a total of *about $80,000–$90,000* in support
> associated with AIPAC’s network during the 2023–2024 cycle. This larger
> figure includes donations from individuals identified as part of AIPAC’s
> donor network, not just the PAC itself.
>
> So if someone says “Liccardo took * $10,000 from AIPAC*,” they’re
> referring only to the PAC’s direct contribution. If they cite a figure
> around *$80,000–$90,000*, they’re using a broader methodology that
> includes affiliated individual donors as well.
>
> If you’d like, I can also break down:
>
> - the exact FEC entries for the $10,000,
> - who the major AIPAC-affiliated individual donors were, or
> - how Liccardo compares with other California members of Congress on
> AIPAC-linked fundraising.
>
>