Meet Ben Carasso: Israel’s 10-Year-Old ‘Spokeskid’, chosen to light a torch at Independence Day ceremony

Ben Carasso is a 10-year-old from Tel Aviv who’s become Israel’s youngest spokesperson, dubbed the “Spokeskid for Israel.” A fourth-grader and third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors, he’s on a mission to share what it’s like to be a kid in Israel during the Israel-Hamas conflict, especially after Hamas’s brutal October 7, 2023, attack.

Recently chosen to light one of 12 torches at Israel’s Yom Haatzmaut (Independence Day) ceremony on Mount Herzl, Ben is one of the youngest ever to receive this honor.

Here’s who he is, what he’s doing, and why he’s capturing attention.

Who Is Ben Carasso?

Ben’s a regular kid in many ways: he goes to school, loves gymnastics, plays piano, and hangs out with friends at Scouts. But he’s also taken on a big role, advocating for Israel on social media and in person, both at home and abroad. His family’s history, with his great-grandfather making aliyah to Israel, drives his sense of purpose. “I may be 10 years old, but I carry a hundred years of family history on my shoulders,” he told Ynet.

He started learning English at age three, which lets him connect with people worldwide through his YouTube and Instagram videos. His parents, particularly his mom, Avital, a media consultant and Holocaust lecturer, support him, though Ben’s clear that any speaking gigs need “mom’s approval.”

Why He Started Speaking Out

Ben’s advocacy kicked off after October 7. The attack hit close to home: Ben knows people directly affected, like Romi Gonen, a released hostage and cousin of his friend Mika, and Hanan Yablonka, a murdered hostage whose funeral he attended as the father of his kindergarten best friend. He also has a friend who was evacuated from their home.

The war’s toll on kids like him pushed Ben to act. “Children got hurt in this war. If they were scared of the alarms, if they were kidnapped, if they were evacuated, I felt the world needs to hear the children’s voices,” he told Ynetnews. He started making videos to share what it’s like living with rocket sirens, safe rooms, and the fear of attacks, aiming to counter misinformation and anti-Israel sentiment he sees online.

What He’s Done

Ben’s efforts are impressive for any age, let alone a 10-year-old:

Collaborations: Former Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy spotted Ben and brought him into the Israeli Citizen Spokespersons’ Office. Levy called him an “ideal example” of grassroots advocacy, needing just passion and a clear message.

Advocate Yoseph Haddad praised Ben’s honest, unfiltered style, which resonates with kids and adults globally.

Minister Miri Regev said he's a symbol of “the hope and potential of the young generation,” making him one of the youngest ever chosen for this prestigious role.

Beyond the torch-lighting, Ben’s work has been covered by outlets like The Times of Israel and The Jewish Chronicle, with Levy posting on X, “So proud of Israel’s Spokeskid, ten-year-old Ben Carasso, chosen to light an Independence Day torch!”

His Message and Challenges

Ben’s videos focus on the human side of the conflict, like celebrating a birthday without friends due to war or dashing to a safe room during rocket alerts. He works to correct false claims, like accusations of genocide, saying, “They don’t understand that we just want to help the Palestinians.” He gets pushback, with some dismissing him or leaving negative comments, but he sees it as proof he’s making an impact. “If there are negative reactions, I know I said something good because they don’t want the world to hear the truth,” he told Ynetnews.

He’s realistic about peace, hoping to connect with Palestinian kids one day but adding, “First, their leaders need to stop trying to destroy my country.”

Why He Matters

Ben stands out because he’s a kid talking to kids, cutting through politics with raw honesty. His videos have reached viewers from Canada to Iran, and his London tour showed he can connect with Jewish and non-Jewish youth alike.

His age is both his strength and a point of discussion. At 10, he’s navigating a tough conflict, facing online hate, and carrying personal ties to hostages and loss. Some might question if it’s too much for a child, but Ben insists he balances it with school, gymnastics, and friends. His mom, Avital, guides him while keeping him grounded.

Ben’s not sure what he’ll do when he grows up, maybe become an ambassador, but he knows advocacy will always be part of his life. His torch-lighting at the Yom Haatzmaut ceremony cements his place as a voice of hope. As he told The Jewish Chronicle, “We can’t be sad all day. We have to speak out and live our own lives because otherwise, it will look like we’re not strong, and we are strong.”

Sources: Ynetnews, The Times of Israel, The Jewish Chronicle, LPH Info, YouTube, X posts.