Hasbara

A geopolitical earthquake abroad could trigger a social and political antisemitic tsunami at home.

While Hamas was flooding the world with unverified figures, Israel made no systematic effort to challenge them. 

Antisemitism today is not only hatred of Jews: It is a tool for destabilizing democratic societies, eroding confidence in information, and turning identity itself into suspicion.

Jewish activists and communities have been engaged in debate over which corner poses the greatest threat, and new incidents are often met with immediate speculation over the attacker’s motivations.

In a world where narratives shape policy and policy shapes survival, adapting Israel’s communications doctrine to information warfare is not optional. It is the existential imperative of our time.

Fragmented responsibility, unfilled top post, short-term thinking undermined Israel’s international messaging, even as civil initiatives fill gaps left by the state.

The IDF will keep doing what only it can do. But Israel needs civilians to do what only civilians can do: explain the country in a way that is believable and not based on a uniform.

Winning it will require something we have not yet fully mustered: unity, coordination, and unapologetic resolve from the Diaspora itself.

It is important for opinion shapers, journalists, researchers, and all those who work in the business of information and knowledge to visit Israel and tell the story as it truly is.

Leaders from Jewish communities and organizations worldwide will participate in the J-50 Forum, to be held in Jerusalem from December 21 to 24.