How normal Jews help Israel win the narrative war?
How normal Jews help Israel win the narrative war?
I am not talking of the IDF on battlefield. But normal Jews in their daily lives - they win the narrative war! Let us learn how.
As Israel faced the Oct 7 attack, the world changed. All over the world, radical Islamists rejoiced. But that was it. Since then, Israel has waged a relentless war against the radicals - on the battlefield and in the minds. Israel’s success is as much due to the bravery of the IDF as it is to the brave average Jews fighting the narrative war.
Everyone pitched in, and how!!
The response to Oct 7 was dramatic.
Jewish Reporters humanised the victims, not the perpetrators. The reporters first on the scene were quick and compassionate while reporting about the victims - How the youth were there to enjoy music. (the Statement of Nova organisers)
Reporters also humanised the IDF soldiers and women of IDF who were deployed to fight against the Hamas terrorists.
The Jewish News media explained how Gazans betrayed Israel. They shared the stories of how the Gaza residents who were given an opportunity to work in Israel actually informed the Oct 7 attackers and provided intel to inflict maximum damage on Israel. (Read one example here)
Jewish Media Celebrities raised awareness FOR Israel. (Example) They also regularly spread the news supporting Israel and/or raising awareness about Hamas killing the hostages. (Example)
The creative Jews wrote songs and slogans FOR Israel. There were different slogans created, including Bring them back, Israel will always be free, Right to defend itself, etc. (Read here for songs)
Social Media influencers trended Jewish solidarity slogan am yisrael chai. (Check the hash-tag here)
The Jewish fact-checkers demolished the anti-Israel narrative. (Here is debunking Hamas propaganda video). They also deconstruct influential but biased media narratives, from, say, BBC and others, in an interesting way. (Example for UK media)
Jewish cooks made cookbooks honouring the victims. (Read here)
Jewish corporate leaders raised awareness about the heinous acts on Oct 7. They paid for it and released it free. (Here is Sheryl Sandberg's documentary on Oct 7)
Jews with international following built solidarity with Indians and other pro-Jew countries. (Here is India and Hananya Naftali, Gad Saad) They published articles, videos and posts on X and other media platforms to explain the Jewish case. They also countered anti-Jewish marches and demonstrations with facts and historical references.
Jewish volunteers put up posters of hostages held by Hamas.
Jewish Professors wrote books about the conflict. (Example) Some put a spotlight on antisemitism. (Example)
Some Jews used Fashion to create awareness for Israel. (Example)
Jewish singers used their respective events to generate support for Israel. An Israeli contestant got a lot of votes in Eurovision despite being booed, much to the chagrin of liberal media. (Check this)
AND MANY MORE!!!
That means…
As the other religion that faces Islamic Radicals, the lessons are critical for India.
War is fought by ALL on ALL fronts! We know this from the story of the squirrel in Ramayan. We need to promote our cause in everything we do. If we are doctors, lawyers, shop owners, fashion designers, movie directors, advertising professionals, etc., we must help the cause in our own way.
Be positive: I see many criticising ourselves all the time. There are many things wrong, but things are improving. Soon, what is wrong will be corrected. Be positive. Yes, we make mistakes, so does Israel. Let us not blame. Let us learn from failures but let us be sure to celebrate the successes!
Everything needs to be with style! Be it slogans or documentaries, everything Israel did was done with style, and it is important. They showed the stylish IDF personnel. The posters, the slogans, and even the pendants Jews were sporting were done in a stylish manner. This will come as Indian per capita incomes rise. But Indians do have enormous resources from culture and heritage for upping our style game.
Always pack a punch! No matter what you say but IDF hit Hamas hard. They created refugee corridors but they went after the Hamas operatives with a sledgehammer.
Technology is a MUST! As the war progresses, we see Israeli technology in action. Be it the Iron Dome or exploding pagers. You see and celebrate Israeli ingenuity at every stage.
In Sum
First, dear Israel - we are with you!
Now, about us. We can do as well, if not better. Each and every one of us needs to think about how we can repurpose our skills to support India.
So what will YOU do?