The latest Israel-Gaza conflict has led to an explosion of misinformation and hate speech in the media, and pro-Israel volunteers across the globe have stepped up to support the Jewish state and advocate on its behalf.
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One such volunteer is Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to Washington. From the time the conflict began, Oren has been interviewed by dozens of television and radio stations across the world.
"Explaining things is more difficult this time," he told Israel Hayom. "The Prime Minister's Office's Public Affair Department, which is responsible for public relations, is not functioning. But the problem is that our explanations no longer catch on. The media has changed. We have been saying the same thing for 15 years, and time has come for us to think and speak differently," he said.
One organization that advocates for Israel all-year-round is the American Jewish Committee. Its representatives and volunteers have given dozens of interviews worldwide, including the United States, Europe, and East Asia.
"Our goal is to present accurate information about what is happening in Israel, to show our standpoint, thank the countries, the institutions, and the people in different countries who support Israel," AJC Jerusalem Director Avital Leibovich said.
In some cases, publicity work is done indirectly, such as is the case with Eli Hazan, Foreign Affairs Director at the Likud Party. Hazan has done a few interviews, but he primarily works behind the scenes. Since the beginning of Guardian of the Walls, he has held 75 briefings for leaders worldwide, especially in Europe. The network of connections he has been building throughout the years is bearing fruit.
"I have hosted more than 1,000 foreign politicians in Israel. They tell me that the things that I showed them during their visit affect their viewpoint. For example, a Swiss member of parliament told me yesterday, 'Based on what you've shown us during [our] visit to Israel, I understand now that the situation is complex. Therefore, do what needs to be done, and we support you."
There are many more such pro-Israel advocates: Yoseph Haddad, CEO of Together-Vouch for Each Other, a public relations activist whose NGO publishes material in Hebrew, Arabic, and English; Arsen Ostrovsky, human rights lawyer and immigrant from Australia, who defends Israel fiercely; the blogger who goes under the name of "Elders of Zion" who works to expose false Palestinian propaganda; the Stand With Us NGO whose mission is to back Israel and fight antisemitism around the world; and many more.
"Our organization works in 23 countries, and we are looking to motivate people who want to protect Israel," said Gabriel Ben Tasgal, who established a pro-Israel advocacy project.
"Last week, I was interviewed 150 times on TV and radio in countries that I work in, and more than 20 lectures in different communities, including Christian churches that support Israel."
Ben Tasgal explained that he had felt a shift for the better in the way world media portrayed Israel, especially compared to the 2014 Gaza War.
"There is an enormous difference from the situation back in 2014. One of the reasons for this is when analyzing the Middle East, many media outlets used to interview local experts.
"But now, thanks to technology, these media outlets go straight to the source. They interview lots of Israelis that speak Spanish fluently and share their personal stories. There are many more opportunities to speak and present the Israel side, more than in the past."
According to Ben Tasgal, two facts bode well for Israeli diplomacy right now.
"The successful vaccination campaign has led to more sympathy toward Israel, and the world is amazed at Israel's technological abilities, and the Iron Dome with intercepts rockets at insane rates."
Perla Lerner, originally from Columbia, has been training Foreign Ministry workers and preparing them for their positions in Spanish-speaking countries for more than 20 years. The last few days have kept her very busy.
"I've been interviewed at least 11 times by [media] in Argentina, Mexico, Panama, and Colombia. I think it was quite successful," she said.
She also believed that there had been a change for the better in the world in terms of how Israel is portrayed.
"I think they understand now abroad that we have the right to defend ourselves. I ask them, 'What would you do if your neighbor was launching [rockets] at you?"
NGO Fuente Latina was founded in 2012 by Middle East expert Leah Soibel. The company's Chief Communications Officer, Rafael Anibal also specializes in media outreach and press relations in Spanish-speaking countries.
"We try to bring more facts and less ideology," he explained. "Most of the messages that Israel sends to the media is in English, and our goal is to do the same in Spanish."
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