The Cyber-Case for Israel
That TV commercial they've been running over the past week – with the two triangles of the Star of David being separated on the flag – really says it all. And though it probably sounds (very) trite by now, it bears repeating in times such as these; in a small country like ours, focusing on what unites rather than on what divides is the key to keeping things together.
Despite the burning issues of the day, there are some things that we can all agree on – like the further existence and security of this country, which we are likely to all want, if for no other reason than we live here. And although we try not to think about it, there are plenty of people – too many – whose greatest joy in life would be to see the cessation of the existence of the State of Israel, in any form. Now, more than ever, would be a good time to take a step back from the lines in the sand we've staked out, and try to get a perspective on what it is we can all agree on.
If we expect to convince others of the justice of our cause, we have to be convinced ourselves. Fortunately, there are lots of Web sites and Internet resources we can draw upon in order to reaffirm our truths, and to help prepare us for the endless barrage of anti-Israel arguments that are constantly thrown in our faces. All sites are in English unless otherwise noted.
How about a dose of national pride to counter the negativity? Did you know that Israel has more engineers and scientists per capita than any other country? Or that Israel has the third highest rate of entrepreneurship in the world? Or that Israel has the world’s second highest per capita output of new books? These and other happy facts are on display at Facts and Logic, which provides not just information, but also posters you can print out and hang up with these and other "celebrations of Israel." Similar facts are on display at IsraelActivism, where you can order wallet sized cards with pro-Israel information on them, designed for distribution on college campuses.
College campuses in the United States and Europe have become an important battleground in the struggle against anti-Israel propaganda; the next generation of political and business leaders are being exposed to the most egregious lies about Israel, and getting the truth out has been an uphill struggle, according to activists who face the bald-faced lies spread about Israel on a daily basis. One of the most comprehensive sites that helps "make the case for Israel" is Stand With Us, which helps campus activists with information and materials. Their material, much of it in full color, covers topics like Israel's relationship to Palestinian refugees, Israeli accomplishments, the prospects for Middle East peace, and the security fence. More interesting hasbara posters can be downloaded from BlueStar PR.
All of us occasionally watch CNN, listen to radio programs from BBC or American networks, or read stories about Israel produced by wire services like Reuters. Watch, listen to, or read enough of these reports and you, too, will start to call Hamas terrorists "militants" or "activists," standard fare in the international media. "Myths and Facts," a series of newspaper ads, as well as a best-sellign book, is among the most useful pro-Israel resources that presents the facts as they really are. There is also lots of comprehensive information at the Middle East Facts site, which features not only Israel's perspectives on Middle East matters, but also information and links on Arab and Muslim anti-Semitism, as well as maps and other information. The Arab media, by the way, is rife with out and out hatred of Jews, and Palestinian Media Watch lists the latest outrages..
Reading about how Israel is (mis)treated in the Arab and foreign press is one thing, but as we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words. Incitement against Israel and Jews are daily fare for Arabic speaking television viewers, and the Mideast Truth site has some of the most nasty bits of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel videos, as recorded from Palestinian, Egyptian, Saudi, and Gulf television stations. Here you can view some of the most infamous pieces of propaganda, like a PA television commercial designed to encourage children to "martyr" themselves, and a TV program from Abu Dhabi in which Ariel Sharon is portrayed as a modern day Dracula. More incitement films, as well as videos of a positive nature, are available at Ministry of Foreign Affairs video site. You can find even more videos at MEMRI, the invaluable Middle East Media Research Institute, which is dedicated to ensuring that English speakers have as wide a window as possible into the Arab media by translating articles and gathering media clips. And, the IDF itself has a most interesting Web site, with information about the army and, its operations, both in Hebrew and English. On the site is also a treasure trove of videos taken by IDF officers, including discoveries of arms caches, discovery and destruction of weapons smuggling tunnels, and thwarting of terrorist attacks.
How about a little positive stuff, after all this negativity? Well, you will certainly find yourself inspired after you spend some time with Israel's National Photo Gallery, where you can see great pictures from Israel's past, from the first days of the State. The photo archive was put together for Israel's 50th anniversary. There is also a companion site of educational activities with searches and games based on the Photo Gallery site. Other interesting and inspiring documents, graphics and photos can be seen at the Zionist Archives, and at the Jewish Agency education site.
So there you have the stark contrast – us, the good guys, versus them, the bad guys. Kind of makes you want to take action, doesn’t it? Well, the Web provides plenty of opportunity for pro-Israel action. Take-A-Pen has just the thing for people looking to support Israel's point of view; the site contains facts and sample letters in 18 languages that can be written to politicians and media personnel regarding their anti-Israel activities. The site supplies plenty of topics to write letters about, from praises for Israel's racial tolerance (in accepting immigrants from all over the world, especially Ethiopia) to support for Israel's security fence to protests against media excesses.
Believe me, after visiting the media sites above, which let you watch anti-Israel media reports, and contrast that nonsense with the good, positive stuff you've seen, you’re going to have plenty to say – and you won’t need any "suggestions" to express yourself effectively. And although it's tempting, try to stay away from the "expletive deleteds" when you write to CNN, BBC, Reuters and the rest of the lot – they’ve already got enough expletives that need to be deleted when it comes to the way they report on us!
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