We are living in difficult times and many individuals are desperate to find out if there is hope for building a better future for the country and for all its citizens.
The short answer to this important question is: “Yes”!
To make it happen, it will take a comprehensive approach and effort by many good people to build bridges between groups with different points of view. As long as they remain willing to listen to the other side, they can address their differences in ways which will be acceptable to most people, even if not perfect.
The following are some ideas that may help facilitate this challenging task:
It is important of educate ALL members of Knesset and government ministers:
- to communicate and advance ideas in a wise, diplomatic and simple way;
- to know relevant information about Jewish and Israeli History.
Irrespective of their background and official tasks, learning to advance ideas with wisdom and diplomacy will enable them to work effectively with each other to the benefit of the nation. Being well-versed in the justness of the State of Israel’s existence and broad aspects of our history will arm them with answers to challenges in Israel and abroad that have nothing to do with the limited area of interest that they are tasked with. Knowing the answers will establish their credibility and protect their reputation.
Examples of valuable and relevant information about the State of Israel and its rich history can be found at:
- www.standwithus.com/booklets – This major Israel education organization has multiple valuable and free booklets. Some of them are available also in: Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish, and other languages.
StandWithUs has also multiple networks and additional educational programs for people of all ages, like:
www.standwithus.com/highschool and www.israellink.org.
- Great answers to anti-Israel challenges can be found at the comprehensive “Jewish Virtual Library” in English at www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org and at the following direct links:
Click here for the “Myths and Facts” book in English
Click here fo the “Myths and Facts” book in Hebrew:
Click here for the “Myths and Facts” book in 11 different languages:
- Click here for the “Hasbara App” which was initiated by “Hatzad Hasheni” and is available in English and Spanish.
- Click here for the important educational organization, “Open Dor Media”.
Or click here for a site which will empower you with educational tools that bring the best of Judaism and Israel into your living room:
At Unpacked, you will find short videos that explore big questions and dissect complex topics. You’ll get all the information you need to easily navigate through these complicated issues and develop informed opinions about Israel and Judaism.
Knowing the relevant history will help the Israeli leadership, students and adults, as well as non-Israelis, to stand firmly against propaganda, deception and misinformation. It will also help them understand that they have a “skin in the game,” and that “Hasbara” (Sharing Historical Facts) by itself, is not enough.
The following are several ideas that responsible people, especially those in decision-making positions, need to advance:
In summary, if all these programs are implemented in a wise and cooperative manner, different sectors of the Israeli public will buy in to the benefit of all citizens.