Russian-speaking Jews in Europe drafted to defend Israel online
Hundreds of communal leaders brought together in Holland to learn how to fight delegitimization attempts
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Israel held a four-day conference aimed at giving young Russian-speaking Jewish communal leaders in Europe a training in social media that should enable them to promote the country’s image and to reverse anti-Israeli attitudes.
The conference, held on November 21-25 in Maastricht, Holland, was organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the Ministry for Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs.
Over 200 Russian-speaking young Jewish leaders between the ages of 20 and 30, who have been involved in Jewish Agency programs in recent years, attended the event. During the conference, the participants developed technical skills for working with online and social media through lectures and practical sessions.
The Minister for Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, Yuli Edelstein, said the conference was aimed to turn the group into “the nucleus of a young Jewish leadership in Europe.
“We also hope to strengthen their connection to the State of Israel and to involve them in the ministry’s new media efforts to enhance our capability to get our message across in the fight against the delegitimization of Israel,” he added.
The Jewish Agency estimates that central Europe is home to hundreds of thousands of Russian speakers who are not involved in traditional community organizations or activities.
The Times of Israel Community.