The damage to Israel's international image, recently reignited by a controversial Israeli film that competed at the Venice Film Festival, demands a reckoning from those responsible for Israel advocacy abroad. Perhaps it's time to reconsider the entire approach: instead of hasbara flowing from Israel outward, maybe the most effective advocacy comes from outside in. And surprisingly, one of the best lessons for this strategy comes from the world of comic books.
Culture Warriors
Jewish Stars Who Won't Apologize for Israel
While an Israeli film damages the country's image abroad, a roster of famous Jewish celebrities are proudly defending Israel and their heritage without fear for their careers
Superman, the legendary superhero who recently returned to the big screen portrayed by Jewish actor David Corenswet, was created by two Jewish journalists: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. It was no accident they gave the Man of Steel the secret identity of Clark Kent, a hardworking reporter at the fictional Daily Planet newspaper. Through journalism, Superman in his civilian guise could be first on the scene of breaking news, know what was happening in the world before anyone else, and defend truth, the value of Jacob our forefather that famous Jews have embraced in our own time.
Judaism's Recognizable Ambassadors
Today, that mission to stand on the front lines and tell the Jewish and Israeli story has passed to a lineup of successful Hollywood stars who don't hesitate to display pride in their identity. Comedian Michael Rapaport, who is expected to arrive in Israel soon for his stand-up show, has served as an Israeli advocacy ambassador since the height of the war, even visiting the country and participating in a satirical sketch on "Eretz Nehederet" that made waves worldwide.
Veteran stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who has performed in Israel and filled stadiums multiple times, uses every platform for pro-Israel messages and even mocks Palestine supporters, accusing them of antisemitism and supporting terror. Jewish actor and director David Schwimmer also isn't afraid to publicize his Jewish roots or worried it will hurt his income. On the contrary, Schwimmer, who will forever be "Ross from Friends" long after the series ended, serves as a presenter for an Israeli investment firm in a series of commercials.
A Woman of Valor Explains
Famous Jewish women worldwide are also leading a consciousness campaign to strengthen Israel. Gal Gadot moved millions when, as part of explaining the Jewish holidays, she blew a shofar on a prominent American talk show. Actress Mayim Bialik, who is related to national poet Chaim Nachman Bialik, continues to share with her millions of followers worldwide the spiritual beauty of the Jewish calendar.
In light of painful phenomena of damage to the country's image by Israelis themselves, as we recently saw surrounding the controversial film "Of Dogs and Men", the obvious conclusion emerges: perhaps in these times, instead of focusing on advocacy from within, Israel should rely precisely on the good and unapologetic public relations being done on its behalf by "famous Jewish ambassadors" abroad.
