Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon are scheduled to speak on the importance of an American-Israeli relationship at the 50th Annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference in Washington from May 16 to 18.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel lobbying organization committed to providing aid and assistance to Israel since 1950, hosts the conference each spring to stress the importance of a strong relationship between the United States and Israel.

AIPAC Press Secretary Josh Block said the committee’s job has always been to work toward strengthening U.S. relations with Israel, whose foundations are built on elements and goals common to those in the United States.

“Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East,” Block said. “It shares the same values that America does because it was founded under the same principles of freedom and rule of law.”

Block said the purpose of the conference, which this year is expected to host approximately 4,000 activists and 750 students, is to show the importance of continued cooperation between the U.S. and Israel, especially during war time.

“Israel is on the front line of the war on terror,” he said. “That is something everyone understands, not just the Jewish community. That’s why this relationship is becoming so strong.”

Block said the pro-Israel effort is growing. In fact, the conference has tripled in attendance in just three years, causing the program to be moved to the new, larger Washington Convention Center.

Organizers expect another significant increase in participants this year, making it the “largest-ever multi-day, pro-Israel gathering in the nation’s capital.”Block agrees the policy conference is a one-of-a-kind event. “This is the biggest and most important event for pro-Israel lobbying in the U.S.,” he said. “I would even venture to say in the entire world.”

AIPAC reportedly has 85,000 members from all over the nation “who are at the forefront of the most vexing issues facing Israel today,” according to the committee’s website, and activists associated with the group help pass more than 100 pro-Israel legislative initiatives each year.

Other significant leaders in U.S. politics and policy making are also scheduled to speak at the three-day conference, including U.S. State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Ambassador J. Cofer Black; U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y.; House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas; Democratic Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md.; as well as Israeli Minister of Justice Yosef “Tommy” Lapid.

Although he has not officially confirmed his appearance, President George W. Bush is also being considered as an honored speaker.

AIPAC has established itself as a well-known organization in the college community because of its connection with the Jewish student population. The organization offers a Political Leadership Development Program designed to encourage students to become involved in politics and political campaigns, as well as how to lobby for a strong, positive relationship between the United States and Israel.

“One relationship can make a difference,” Block said. “That’s why it is so important to get involved in politics and to support the U.S.-Israel relations.”

Block said representatives from nearly 170 campuses participate in the conference each year.