FancyMancy
Well-known member
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I came across this PDF, which I have provided a link to at the bottom. Below, I have copied only a small part of the full 121+10-page (i.e. preface/contents pages + main body) PDF. I make a slight edit in the document - to make it clear that I have disabled the link in the actual document itself, I added a dash/hyphen at the end of the link.
Published and produced by WUJS, the World Union of Jewish Students.
This publication is sponsored by the Education Department of the Jewish Agency for Israel, and by the Join Distribution Committee
HASBARA HANDBOOK
Writing this handbook has been a difficult task. Trying to strike a balance between support for Israel, and a realisation that some things just aren’t black and white has been our goal. We hope that what has resulted is useful to Jewish students everywhere, and that ultimately Israel is strengthened through our efforts.
Jewish students in the Diaspora are not unconditional supporters of Israel, just as Israelis have different political preferences. Unfortunately, many Jewish students express their dissatisfaction with some government action or other by ignoring Israel, giving up on her just when she needs the most help and support. In our Hasbara Handbook we have rejected the old-fashioned position which states that every Jewish student must support everything that Israel does. Rather, we believe, Israel is an imperfect country, invariably run by imperfect governments. Mistakes are made, approaches are taken that are hard to understand, but one thing remains constant – the Jewish state has a right to exist, and her citizens have a right to safey.
That the Palestinian leadership has made some serious strategic mistakes is not in doubt. No doubt, they will do again. But Israel is not perfect, and only a fool would pretend that she is. When confronted with atrocities such as terror attacks on teenagers, we can campaign hard on campus for the sake of Jews in Israel without believing that Israel is perfect. Israel shouldn’t have to present herself as without problems – just as no other country does. All around the world governments are attempting to tackle racism, poverty, prejudice – and Israel is no different. But if a young soldier at a road-block panics when attacked by rocks and petrol bombs, if somebody is injured as a result of human error, Jewish students often despair and lose their faith in Israel just when she most needs support.
The reluctance of Jewish students to get behind Israel unconditionally is probably connected to the gradual shift in our generation towards attempting to find personal meaning in Judaism. Very few young Jews will do things merely because a Jewish organisation or authority mandates them. We are individuals looking to enrich our lives through Jewish engagement. We are proudly ethical, and proudly independent. This Hasbara Handbook attempts to acknowledge all of this, whilst providing Jewish students with the tools to defend Israel as a country in an intelligent and thinking way. Different responses to issues are legitimate and some Jewish students will be reluctant to defend some Israeli government action: the most important thing, we believe, is that Jewish students do what they can to explain the huge complexity of the problems and dangers facing Israel, to lobby for support for Israel, and pressure for an end to Palestinian violence.
Practically speaking, this Hasbara Handbook has attempted to show that different positions exist on debates, and that the pro-Israel banner is very wide indeed. In general we have presented a fairly centrist line, in an attempt not to offend anybody, but we have included other opinions too, and attempted to remain aware of the subtleties of the debates. We have also explicitly tackled some of the dilemmas facing Jewish activists, and talked about when it’s legitimate to criticise Israel, what to do on policies one doesn’t agree with, when it’s okay to talk honestly, and so on. We hope that the product is something that Jewish students feel comfortable with.
This document is evolving all the time on the WUJS website at www.wujs.org.il- – we will incorporate suggestions, add articles that students suggest are necessary, and keep up to date with the latest news developments. Please join the growing community of Jewish activists who are keen to share their ideas and expertise. Together we can help Israel and help each other.
Jewish students need the tools to defend themselves against anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist attacks, to help Israel in her fight against violence and drive for peace, and to enrich their connection to the people of Israel. These are times of despair and hopelessness. Please dig deep to find the strength to be pro-active, to help Israel, and spread a message of peace and non-violence.
WUJS Staff
FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
At the World Conference Against Racism, held in Durban in late August 2001, I saw and heard a level of anti-Jewish hatred I had never come across before. With other young Jews, from countries around the world, I was on the receiving end of a worrying new phenomenon.
"Israeli murderers"
"I will not speak to you until you take that thing [a kippah] off your head"
These are the voices that the Jewish students hear, and the attacks that Jewish Students are facing on campuses all over the world. The level of hatred might be different from place to place, the level of attack-whether verbal or physical-might differ, but all things considered, this is the new form of Antisemitism.
This new form of Antisemitism puts the State of Israel, the haven and sanctuary of the Jewish People, at the front line of attack. The message is clear –the State of Israel, the only country in the world with a Jewish majority is illegitimate; the outcome will be profound - Jewish persecution world over. This is why, whether in Durban or in Geneva, in Paris, Concordia, or Manchester the direct effect of brutal attacks on Israel is that local Jewish people get hurt. It is the brave Jewish students resisting this trend who are the first to be negatively affected by it.
One thing must be understood –these extreme verbal and physical attacks have one purpose – to put down, mock, and de-legitimise Jews everywhere.
We must be more knowledgeable and more accurate in our responses to certain accusations; we must understand what particular groups mean when they direct their accusations in a certain manner. We have to look behind the words to get to their hidden agenda and we must know how to respond. More than that, Jewish students need to be proactive, to think strategically, and to promote the many important positive aspects of Israel.
Jewish Students are standing at the forefront of the attacks and accusations against Israel, and need to make a difference, to fight back. It is really up to us to take the leading role and to explain to those who are critical but open minded, to those who are liberal and honest, and to those who are not “going with the flow”- what Judaism is, what Zionism is, and what Israel is, and to explain why they are important to Jews the world over. We need to explain what it means to be surrounded by more than 15 hostile dictatorships, some of them more then five times your country’s size and population, when only two of these countries have acknowledged your right to live in your own country.
Of course, as democratic, open-minded students we have the right and the obligation to criticize, and to voice our feelings, but we must do that after learning the facts. We share the understanding that we will always defend and fight, together, for freedom of religion and the security of the Jewish people.
We am proud to present you with the new addition of WUJS Activate – in it we have tried to give you informative as well as practical tools to deal with Antisemitic and anti-Israeli propaganda. It is now your responsibility to read and learn this important information so that, if needed, you will be able to use it effectively.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Joby Blume and Alexandra Benjamin who wrote this booklet, Elana Marsden who prepared it for publication, and all those who gave valuable feedback and support.
I hope you all remain active and involved in these important Jewish student activities.
Peleg Reshef
WUJS Chairperson
The Principles of Israel Advocacy
The Aims of Israel Advocacy
Jewish students are often identified as representatives of Israel. This means that Jewish students are often called upon to defend Israel, whether they like it or not. It is important for Jewish students to be prepared for this role, so that they aren’t placed in difficult situations, and so that they can help Israel and their own Jewish communities.
It is important for a Jewish student, however reluctantly they might be involved in Israel advocacy, to be clear about what the general aims, and what his or her personal aims, are in this realm. As with all things, a clear idea of what one is trying to achieve helps effectiveness. Considering the aims of Israel advocacy from a personal perspective ensures a personal commitment to those tasks an Israel activist takes on.
Influencing Public Opinion
The first aim of Israel advocacy is to influence public opinion. Public opinion is very important to Israel, and Jewish communities around the world. Firstly, in the field of international relations, foreign policies are heavily influenced by politicians' perceived electoral interests. If politicians detect public support for Israel, they will be likely to support Israel themselves. Secondly, Israel benefits from public support economically - in terms of willingness to visit Israel and buy Israeli goods. Thirdly, a pro-Israel public climate can prevent difficulties for Jewish communities around the world. Unfortunately, we have recently been able to see the difficulties caused for Jewish communities by anti-Israel sentiment fuelling anti-Semitic activity.
Influencing Public Leaders
The second aim of Israel advocacy is to influence public leaders. It is possible for citizens to influence public officials and leaders directly. Politicians respond to public pressure. If politicians receive dozens of letters calling upon them to support Israel, they will be more likely to do so. Israel benefits from political support abroad, because it ensures a more sympathetic response to Israeli policies.
- For more on this point see Approaching Public Officials – p. 60
Influencing the Leaders and Opinion Formers of the Future
Campuses are the breeding ground for the next generation of politicians and opinion formers. For this reason, the third aim of student Israel advocacy is to influence campus leaders.
Student union leaders might end up as government ministers, student journalists might end up as national newspaper editors. Because people often form and refine many of their political ideas at university, it is important for the long run security of Israel to try to influence student leaders and journalists to understand Israel and to be favourable towards her. In the years to come, Jewish communities will be glad this has been done.
Making Things Comfortable for Jewish Students on Campus
In an anti-Israel environment, things can be difficult for Jewish students on campus. It is hard for Jewish students to feel relaxed when people are constantly criticising Israel unfairly, questioning Israel's right to exist, and creating a climate of fear for Jewish students. Shaping campus opinion to prevent anti-Israel feeling, the fourth major aim of student Israel advocacy, allows Jewish students to avoid uncomfortable situations on campus, allows students to identify as Jewish on campus without fear, and strengthens Jewish life on campus.
- For more on this point see Israel and Jewish Students – p. 67
Approaches to Israel Advocacy
There are two main approaches to Israel advocacy that allow Jewish students to achieve the aims outlined above. These approaches apply to everything Israel activists are trying to achieve in their advocacy for Israel. These approaches can be called "neutralising negativity" and "pushing positivity".
Neutralising negativity is about attempting to counter harmful impressions and accusations. This is the side of hasbara that is concerned with the defence of Israel.
"Israel is not bad because..."
"This action was justified because..."
This often involves arguing over sequences of events, attempting to reframe debates to focus on different issues, and placing events in a wider context, so that the difficulty of Israel's situation is understood in a more positive light.
- For more on this point see Communication Styles: Point Scoring and Genuine Debate – p. 8
Neutralising Negativity is usually reactive and responsive.
Pushing positivity attempts to demonstrate the good things about Israel's case. The aim to is make people see Israel in a good light and have sympathy with her.
"Israel is a democracy"
"Israel wants peace"
This often involves setting the agenda, focusing on some of the more positive features of Israel, and taking the lead in attacking the Palestinian leadership in an effort to allow people to view Israel favourably in comparison.
- For more on this point see Being Proactive and Promoting Israel – p. 6
Being Proactive and Promoting Israel
Much of Israel advocacy concerns being reactive and defending Israel against unfair accusations. However it is important that Israel activists are proactive too. Proactivity means taking the initiative and setting the agenda. It means being on the "attack", trying to create positive impressions of Israel. Audiences who have a favourable general impression of Israel are likely to respond favourably when specific issues arise. It is a mistake to only try to promote Israel when she is being strongly criticised in the press.
WHY BE PROACTIVE?
Agenda Setting
The person who sets the agenda will usually win the debate. Reactivity forces Israel activists to be constantly on the defensive ("no, Israel is not all that bad"). However by setting the agenda Israel activists get to determine what to talk about, and can therefore discuss the things they feel help promote the pro-Israel message. Being proactive keeps the right issues in the public eye, and in the way Israel activists want them to be seen. It is much easier to get Palestinian activists defending Arafat against charges of being a corrupt terrorist than it is to explain to disinterested students that Ariel Sharon didn't kill anybody at Sabra and Chatilla (which of course he didn't). It is much easier to feed students falafel at a party than to explain why Zionism isn't racism to a student who doesn't even know what national self-determination is.
To understand the value of agenda setting, consider the 6-Day War of 1967. When the war was inevitable, Israel decided to seize the initiative through a pre-emptive strike. This allowed them to control the war from the beginning. In 1973, the Yom Kippur was fought on the defensive. Many lives were lost in trying to turn the situation around. When Israel activists are proactive and set the agenda they don't need to waste energy trying to turn things around.
- For more on this point see “How to score points while avoiding debate” in Communication Styles: Point Scoring and Genuine Debate – p. 8
People Believe What they Hear First
Uncritical audiences believe something if they hear it first and hear it often. People tend to believe the first thing they hear about a certain issue, and filter subsequent information they hear based on their current beliefs. Once people believe something, it is hard to convince them that they were wrong in the first place.
Motivation and Morale
Constantly being on the defensive can be demoralising and de-motivating. It is important that Jewish students feel good about Israel and feel positive about their roles. In the short term, defending Israel might give activists a motivating adrenalin rush, but in the long term it is draining and can lead to a feeling of isolation. Being proactive is more enjoyable than being reactive, can leave Jewish students smiling, and can force Palestinian activists to struggle to make themselves heard.
Ways to Promote Israel and be Proactive
There are many proactive events and activities you can organise. Find more ideas in the "practical pointers" section of each of the articles in the ‘Israel: Accusations and Rebuttals’ section.
- For more information see Israel and Jewish Students – p. 67
Communication Styles: Point Scoring and Genuine Debate
There are two major approaches to communication to use during Israel advocacy. These two approaches are used in different situations, and are designed to achieve very different things. These two approaches – ‘point scoring’ and ‘genuine debate’ - require different techniques, and the Israel activist must know how to use each technique at the correct time.
Point Scoring
Point scoring is a method of communication that prioritises making certain points favourable to the speaker, and attacking opponents of the speaker by trying to undermine their positions. Point scoring communication ought to give the appearance of rational debate, whilst avoiding genuine discussion. The aim of the Israel activist point scorer is to try to make as many comments that are positive about Israel as possible, whilst attacking certain Palestinian positions, and attempting to cultivate a dignified appearance.
Point scoring works because most audience members fail to analyse what they hear. Rather, they register only a key few points, and form a vague impression of whose 'argument' was stronger.
When to Point Score
Point scoring is the correct method of communication to use when the audience is likely to be only partially engaged. Talk radio, student newspapers, large panel discussions, and anything to do with television or the Internet should probably be viewed as having partially engaged audiences, and so point scoring is the right way to communicate in these forums.
Point scoring can irritate audiences who are genuinely committed to thinking seriously about their views on a subject. When talking in serious academic circles, or talking to friends, or answering questions addressed personally by genuinely interested individuals, it is preferable to refrain from point scoring, which can seem shallow, and to instead more fully engage using rational argument.
How To Score Points Whilst Avoiding Debate
Central to point scoring is the ability to disguise point scoring by giving the impression of genuine debate. Audience members can be alienated by undisguised attacks, so all point scoring needs to be disguised.
To disguise point scoring, comments need to seem to be logical, and to follow from what was said before. Use phrases that subtly change the agenda or reframe the debate to do this:
"Well, that's not really the right question..."
"I don't think we should be focusing on ..., the real point is that..."
"That's an interesting point, but I don't think we can really begin to address it before we think about..."
"You seem to assume that ..., an assumption that's impossible to share. Really, we need to consider..."
"It's a shame that the Palestinian leadership have led the Palestinian people down a dead-end, where conflict and violence leads to tragic situations. Things would have been better if..."
"I really think that we would all be better served by looking forward instead of back at the things that happened over 50 years ago. The past is important to note, but we have to move on in an attempt for peace. That's why I think we would be better served talking about..."
The examples above ‘field’ the comments that precede them by giving the appearance of addressing what was said. They then go on to reframe the discussion by setting a new agenda.
What Points To Make
Point scoring needs to be focused. Because the people listening to 'point scoring' are only paying partial attention, only two or three points have a chance of 'sticking'. For this reason, focus point scoring on a few points supporting Israel, and a few points pointing out weaknesses in Palestinian positions. These points should be made again and again, in as many forums as possible. If people hear something often enough they come to believe it. Attempts to make too many different points will result in the audience remembering nothing.
Points Supporting Israel
Israel wants peace, and is willing to make far-reaching concessions in order to achieve this. At Camp David, Israel offered the Palestinians more than any observer had ever thought possible, and their generous offers were turned down.
Israel is defending itself against terrorists who deliberately kill civilians going about their daily lives. Every Western country, including Israel, needs to defend its own civilians from terrorists.
Points Pointing Out Palestinian Failings
Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian leadership can't be trusted. hey have repeatedly broken promises, and gone against the Oslo Accords. Arafat agrees to things, and then attempts to go back on them, including agreeing to negotiate over the Israeli presence in the West Bank and Gaza, and then declaring that violence is justified by this presence, before negotiations are concluded.
Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian leadership promote violence and refuse negotiation. Arafat rejected the generous offer Barak made at Camp David outright, and wasn't even interested in negotiations. Arafat is brutalizing his own people by teaching and promoting violence in schools, the media, and political forums.
Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian leadership support terrorists. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hizbollah are terrorist organizations that the Palestinian Authority consistently fails to crack down on. Show arrests are undermined by a ‘revolving door’ prison policy. Even Arafat's own Fatah organization is involved in terrorist attacks.
Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority are corrupt. Billions of dollars in aid has been transferred to the Palestinian Authority, and Palestinian leaders live in luxury whilst Palestinians on the ground are struggling. Much Palestinian suffering is caused directly by the corruption of Palestinian leaders
When Points Can Fail To Score
Not every point made has the desired effect. It is important to anticipate who an audience is, and to make points accordingly. Audiences are often affected badly by points that don't seem relevant to the debate, or by points that have been used too often, for too many years. 'Old' points can be made to seem more up-to-date by flavouring them with contemporary examples.
An example of a point failing to hit-the-mark would be a mostly anti-Israel audience being told that 'Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East', which they would most likely treat as a tired cliché; an audience of American school children might have been positively influenced by the same point.
The Point Scoring Approach In Action
For an example of the point scoring approach in action, consider the example of a public forum where a Palestinian activist is making the claims below, and an Israel activist responds using the point scoring technique:
Palestinian activist: "If Israel wants Arafat to stop terror and crackdown on militants, why does she make it hard for him to operate by denouncing him, attacking his security services, and forcing the infrastructure of the Palestinian Authority to crumble?"
Israel activist: t's a real shame that Israel hasn't been able to have a better relationship with Yasser Arafat recently. [This sentence avoids debate, turns the attack on Israeli policy towards the Palestinian Authority, and narrows it to focus on Yasser Arafat.]
“If Arafat's Fatah organization stopped its terror attacks on Israel, then perhaps things would be different. [Point one - Arafat's own organization is terrorist.]
“Of course, if Arafat were more trustworthy, things might be better too. [Point two - Arafat is not to be trusted.]
“At the moment he is telling the world he's arresting extremists, but the minute after they are arrested they walk out of prison to attack Israeli civilians with Arafat's blessing [Point three - Arafat lies to the world. Point four - Arafat supports terrorists].
“The ball is in Arafat's court - he can continue to embrace terror, or he can join Israel back at the negotiating table.” [Point five - Arafat supports terror. Point six - Israel wants peace.]
Genuine Debate
Traditional approaches to Israel advocacy have often assumed that all talk about Israel should consist of short sound bites and point scoring. This approach can backfire when used on people who are analysing arguments and trying to think deeply, and who really just want somebody to present arguments rationally to them.
When To Debate
Genuine debate is appropriate in forums where people are really attempting to think about the Middle East situation constructively, to consider the issues, and to communicate in an attempt to understand things better.
Genuine debate is fundamentally different to point scoring. In a forum where listeners are mature and interested in the issues, it is appropriate to engage in genuine debate by responding to questions honestly, admitting that things in Israel aren't always perfect, and perhaps even by criticising certain policies as errant. Because the audience or person engaged in dialogue is interested more in content than presentation, in genuine debate it is possible to admit to not knowing answers, being unclear on facts, and so on.
Remember that what seems like a genuine debate might not be. Academic forums can turn quickly into opportunities to condemn, words can be taken out of context, and what might be said to an intelligent audience can always be quoted to a less attentive one later by somebody trying to distort a message.
It is possible to disagree with Israeli policy without undermining positions that are favourable to Israel. Many people who attack Israel do so by attempting to question the legitimacy of her existence. It is possible to disagree with some small aspect of Israeli Government policy without questioning Israel's right to exist, just as it is with Belgian policy, for example. Those who attack Israel's right to exist just because her governments, like all others, have made policy errors, use fundamentally flawed reasoning, and should be opposed using any available technique.
- For more on this point see Personal Politics in Israel Advocacy – p. 28
The implications of admitting to Israeli error are not always as great as one might fear. Those who believe that Israel must be perfect in every way, whilst the Palestinians and others can execute awful policies, are applying double standards to Israel. In private conversation and in friendly settings, it is reasonable to admit that Israel has made mistakes that she attempts to learn from, whilst pointing out that other countries do this too.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gjlf57yxz2k4z9f/wujshasbara.pdf?dl=0
The earliest date I found, from a quick Internet search, was in 2004. One of the results was also on a bodybuilding website! Lol. On this bodybuilding website it said it was "huge propaganda" and called the jew "megaphone scumbags".
At the risk of doing the jew and plagiarising what doesn't belong to it, I am going to copy what the jew said above and change it a bit -
I am proud to present you with the this information and PDF document for the new addition of WUJS Activate – in it I have tried to give you informative as well as practical tools to deal with Antisemitic and anti-Israeli propaganda. It is now your responsibility to read and learn this important information so that, if needed, you will be able to use it effectively.
So how many politicians, who don't answer questions and instead repeat the same irrelevant tripe, are not jewish?! Then how many who actually aren't jewish have to behave the same way while being a politician?! Maybe the jew could move-on from pre-50-years-ago things and stop continuing the lie of "the" trolloco$t.
- Hey, what's your favourite food?
- I don't think that's the correct question here in the local farmers' market. The real point is how many 6 million j00z died in slave labour to grow this food!
Ignoring the question and the point does not make it seem like the jew is answering the question at all. The jew knows Humans realise that, but it continues on regardless.
"israel" paying students to defend it online
https://ancient-forums.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16546
Top jew jacob rothschild admitting its family's involvement in the creation of "israel"
https://www.bitchute.com/video/VEEiiEpDWB4l
I uploaded this a few years ago, shortly after it was on TV, to my youtube channel before it was shoahed.
That jew calls that female jew a Human. The jew wishes.
Published and produced by WUJS, the World Union of Jewish Students.
This publication is sponsored by the Education Department of the Jewish Agency for Israel, and by the Join Distribution Committee
HASBARA HANDBOOK
Writing this handbook has been a difficult task. Trying to strike a balance between support for Israel, and a realisation that some things just aren’t black and white has been our goal. We hope that what has resulted is useful to Jewish students everywhere, and that ultimately Israel is strengthened through our efforts.
Jewish students in the Diaspora are not unconditional supporters of Israel, just as Israelis have different political preferences. Unfortunately, many Jewish students express their dissatisfaction with some government action or other by ignoring Israel, giving up on her just when she needs the most help and support. In our Hasbara Handbook we have rejected the old-fashioned position which states that every Jewish student must support everything that Israel does. Rather, we believe, Israel is an imperfect country, invariably run by imperfect governments. Mistakes are made, approaches are taken that are hard to understand, but one thing remains constant – the Jewish state has a right to exist, and her citizens have a right to safey.
That the Palestinian leadership has made some serious strategic mistakes is not in doubt. No doubt, they will do again. But Israel is not perfect, and only a fool would pretend that she is. When confronted with atrocities such as terror attacks on teenagers, we can campaign hard on campus for the sake of Jews in Israel without believing that Israel is perfect. Israel shouldn’t have to present herself as without problems – just as no other country does. All around the world governments are attempting to tackle racism, poverty, prejudice – and Israel is no different. But if a young soldier at a road-block panics when attacked by rocks and petrol bombs, if somebody is injured as a result of human error, Jewish students often despair and lose their faith in Israel just when she most needs support.
The reluctance of Jewish students to get behind Israel unconditionally is probably connected to the gradual shift in our generation towards attempting to find personal meaning in Judaism. Very few young Jews will do things merely because a Jewish organisation or authority mandates them. We are individuals looking to enrich our lives through Jewish engagement. We are proudly ethical, and proudly independent. This Hasbara Handbook attempts to acknowledge all of this, whilst providing Jewish students with the tools to defend Israel as a country in an intelligent and thinking way. Different responses to issues are legitimate and some Jewish students will be reluctant to defend some Israeli government action: the most important thing, we believe, is that Jewish students do what they can to explain the huge complexity of the problems and dangers facing Israel, to lobby for support for Israel, and pressure for an end to Palestinian violence.
Practically speaking, this Hasbara Handbook has attempted to show that different positions exist on debates, and that the pro-Israel banner is very wide indeed. In general we have presented a fairly centrist line, in an attempt not to offend anybody, but we have included other opinions too, and attempted to remain aware of the subtleties of the debates. We have also explicitly tackled some of the dilemmas facing Jewish activists, and talked about when it’s legitimate to criticise Israel, what to do on policies one doesn’t agree with, when it’s okay to talk honestly, and so on. We hope that the product is something that Jewish students feel comfortable with.
This document is evolving all the time on the WUJS website at www.wujs.org.il- – we will incorporate suggestions, add articles that students suggest are necessary, and keep up to date with the latest news developments. Please join the growing community of Jewish activists who are keen to share their ideas and expertise. Together we can help Israel and help each other.
Jewish students need the tools to defend themselves against anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist attacks, to help Israel in her fight against violence and drive for peace, and to enrich their connection to the people of Israel. These are times of despair and hopelessness. Please dig deep to find the strength to be pro-active, to help Israel, and spread a message of peace and non-violence.
WUJS Staff
FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
At the World Conference Against Racism, held in Durban in late August 2001, I saw and heard a level of anti-Jewish hatred I had never come across before. With other young Jews, from countries around the world, I was on the receiving end of a worrying new phenomenon.
"Israeli murderers"
"I will not speak to you until you take that thing [a kippah] off your head"
These are the voices that the Jewish students hear, and the attacks that Jewish Students are facing on campuses all over the world. The level of hatred might be different from place to place, the level of attack-whether verbal or physical-might differ, but all things considered, this is the new form of Antisemitism.
This new form of Antisemitism puts the State of Israel, the haven and sanctuary of the Jewish People, at the front line of attack. The message is clear –the State of Israel, the only country in the world with a Jewish majority is illegitimate; the outcome will be profound - Jewish persecution world over. This is why, whether in Durban or in Geneva, in Paris, Concordia, or Manchester the direct effect of brutal attacks on Israel is that local Jewish people get hurt. It is the brave Jewish students resisting this trend who are the first to be negatively affected by it.
One thing must be understood –these extreme verbal and physical attacks have one purpose – to put down, mock, and de-legitimise Jews everywhere.
We must be more knowledgeable and more accurate in our responses to certain accusations; we must understand what particular groups mean when they direct their accusations in a certain manner. We have to look behind the words to get to their hidden agenda and we must know how to respond. More than that, Jewish students need to be proactive, to think strategically, and to promote the many important positive aspects of Israel.
Jewish Students are standing at the forefront of the attacks and accusations against Israel, and need to make a difference, to fight back. It is really up to us to take the leading role and to explain to those who are critical but open minded, to those who are liberal and honest, and to those who are not “going with the flow”- what Judaism is, what Zionism is, and what Israel is, and to explain why they are important to Jews the world over. We need to explain what it means to be surrounded by more than 15 hostile dictatorships, some of them more then five times your country’s size and population, when only two of these countries have acknowledged your right to live in your own country.
Of course, as democratic, open-minded students we have the right and the obligation to criticize, and to voice our feelings, but we must do that after learning the facts. We share the understanding that we will always defend and fight, together, for freedom of religion and the security of the Jewish people.
We am proud to present you with the new addition of WUJS Activate – in it we have tried to give you informative as well as practical tools to deal with Antisemitic and anti-Israeli propaganda. It is now your responsibility to read and learn this important information so that, if needed, you will be able to use it effectively.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Joby Blume and Alexandra Benjamin who wrote this booklet, Elana Marsden who prepared it for publication, and all those who gave valuable feedback and support.
I hope you all remain active and involved in these important Jewish student activities.
Peleg Reshef
WUJS Chairperson
CONTENTS
[*]Principles of Israel Advocacy- The Aims of Israel Advocacy
- Being Proactive and Promoting Israel
- Communication Styles: Point Scoring and Genuine Debate
- Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism, and Israel
- Media Bias and Israel
- Seven Basic Propaganda Devices
- Personal Politics in Israel Advocacy
- Just Walk Away: When Not to Engage
- Skills for Israel Advocacy
- Running a Campaign
- Forging Campus Alliances
- Preparing a Speech
- Speaking in Public
- Letter Writing
- Approaching Public Officials
- Organising a Demonstration
- Making and Distributing Leaflets
- Israel and Jewish Students
- Self-Development for Israel Activists
- Training and Development for Israel Activists
- Israel: Accusations and Rebuttals
- The Collapse of the Peace Process and the Road Back to Peace
- Camp David 2000
- Terrorism
- Palestinian Leadership
- The Palestinian Refugee Issue
- Israeli Settlements
- The Jewish Right to a State
- Israel and the United Nations
- Israel in the Middle East
- Arabs in Israel
- The Future of Israel Advocacy
- The Future for Israel Activism
- Resource Reviews
- Anti Defamation League Website
- J-Source
- CAMERA
- The Jewish Agency's Pedagogic Centre website
- The Clash of Civilizations by Samuel P. Huntingdon
- The Zionist Idea by Martin Gilbert
- The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem by Benny Morris
- The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Its History in Maps by Martin Gilbert
- Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
The Principles of Israel Advocacy
The Aims of Israel Advocacy
Jewish students are often identified as representatives of Israel. This means that Jewish students are often called upon to defend Israel, whether they like it or not. It is important for Jewish students to be prepared for this role, so that they aren’t placed in difficult situations, and so that they can help Israel and their own Jewish communities.
It is important for a Jewish student, however reluctantly they might be involved in Israel advocacy, to be clear about what the general aims, and what his or her personal aims, are in this realm. As with all things, a clear idea of what one is trying to achieve helps effectiveness. Considering the aims of Israel advocacy from a personal perspective ensures a personal commitment to those tasks an Israel activist takes on.
Influencing Public Opinion
The first aim of Israel advocacy is to influence public opinion. Public opinion is very important to Israel, and Jewish communities around the world. Firstly, in the field of international relations, foreign policies are heavily influenced by politicians' perceived electoral interests. If politicians detect public support for Israel, they will be likely to support Israel themselves. Secondly, Israel benefits from public support economically - in terms of willingness to visit Israel and buy Israeli goods. Thirdly, a pro-Israel public climate can prevent difficulties for Jewish communities around the world. Unfortunately, we have recently been able to see the difficulties caused for Jewish communities by anti-Israel sentiment fuelling anti-Semitic activity.
Influencing Public Leaders
The second aim of Israel advocacy is to influence public leaders. It is possible for citizens to influence public officials and leaders directly. Politicians respond to public pressure. If politicians receive dozens of letters calling upon them to support Israel, they will be more likely to do so. Israel benefits from political support abroad, because it ensures a more sympathetic response to Israeli policies.
- For more on this point see Approaching Public Officials – p. 60
Influencing the Leaders and Opinion Formers of the Future
Campuses are the breeding ground for the next generation of politicians and opinion formers. For this reason, the third aim of student Israel advocacy is to influence campus leaders.
Student union leaders might end up as government ministers, student journalists might end up as national newspaper editors. Because people often form and refine many of their political ideas at university, it is important for the long run security of Israel to try to influence student leaders and journalists to understand Israel and to be favourable towards her. In the years to come, Jewish communities will be glad this has been done.
Making Things Comfortable for Jewish Students on Campus
In an anti-Israel environment, things can be difficult for Jewish students on campus. It is hard for Jewish students to feel relaxed when people are constantly criticising Israel unfairly, questioning Israel's right to exist, and creating a climate of fear for Jewish students. Shaping campus opinion to prevent anti-Israel feeling, the fourth major aim of student Israel advocacy, allows Jewish students to avoid uncomfortable situations on campus, allows students to identify as Jewish on campus without fear, and strengthens Jewish life on campus.
- For more on this point see Israel and Jewish Students – p. 67
Diverse Opinions
Some people in Israel believe that some policies enacted by various Israeli governments are damaging to Israel's real interests. They argue that sometimes the international community usefully serves to restrain Israeli governments from taking actions that might be counter-productive in the long term. There are, however, many policies - such as the opposition to terror, and the calls for responsibility from the Palestinian leadership - that Israelis are united behind.
Approaches to Israel Advocacy
There are two main approaches to Israel advocacy that allow Jewish students to achieve the aims outlined above. These approaches apply to everything Israel activists are trying to achieve in their advocacy for Israel. These approaches can be called "neutralising negativity" and "pushing positivity".
Neutralising negativity is about attempting to counter harmful impressions and accusations. This is the side of hasbara that is concerned with the defence of Israel.
"Israel is not bad because..."
"This action was justified because..."
This often involves arguing over sequences of events, attempting to reframe debates to focus on different issues, and placing events in a wider context, so that the difficulty of Israel's situation is understood in a more positive light.
- For more on this point see Communication Styles: Point Scoring and Genuine Debate – p. 8
Neutralising Negativity is usually reactive and responsive.
Pushing positivity attempts to demonstrate the good things about Israel's case. The aim to is make people see Israel in a good light and have sympathy with her.
"Israel is a democracy"
"Israel wants peace"
This often involves setting the agenda, focusing on some of the more positive features of Israel, and taking the lead in attacking the Palestinian leadership in an effort to allow people to view Israel favourably in comparison.
- For more on this point see Being Proactive and Promoting Israel – p. 6
Being Proactive and Promoting Israel
Much of Israel advocacy concerns being reactive and defending Israel against unfair accusations. However it is important that Israel activists are proactive too. Proactivity means taking the initiative and setting the agenda. It means being on the "attack", trying to create positive impressions of Israel. Audiences who have a favourable general impression of Israel are likely to respond favourably when specific issues arise. It is a mistake to only try to promote Israel when she is being strongly criticised in the press.
WHY BE PROACTIVE?
Agenda Setting
The person who sets the agenda will usually win the debate. Reactivity forces Israel activists to be constantly on the defensive ("no, Israel is not all that bad"). However by setting the agenda Israel activists get to determine what to talk about, and can therefore discuss the things they feel help promote the pro-Israel message. Being proactive keeps the right issues in the public eye, and in the way Israel activists want them to be seen. It is much easier to get Palestinian activists defending Arafat against charges of being a corrupt terrorist than it is to explain to disinterested students that Ariel Sharon didn't kill anybody at Sabra and Chatilla (which of course he didn't). It is much easier to feed students falafel at a party than to explain why Zionism isn't racism to a student who doesn't even know what national self-determination is.
To understand the value of agenda setting, consider the 6-Day War of 1967. When the war was inevitable, Israel decided to seize the initiative through a pre-emptive strike. This allowed them to control the war from the beginning. In 1973, the Yom Kippur was fought on the defensive. Many lives were lost in trying to turn the situation around. When Israel activists are proactive and set the agenda they don't need to waste energy trying to turn things around.
- For more on this point see “How to score points while avoiding debate” in Communication Styles: Point Scoring and Genuine Debate – p. 8
People Believe What they Hear First
Uncritical audiences believe something if they hear it first and hear it often. People tend to believe the first thing they hear about a certain issue, and filter subsequent information they hear based on their current beliefs. Once people believe something, it is hard to convince them that they were wrong in the first place.
Motivation and Morale
Constantly being on the defensive can be demoralising and de-motivating. It is important that Jewish students feel good about Israel and feel positive about their roles. In the short term, defending Israel might give activists a motivating adrenalin rush, but in the long term it is draining and can lead to a feeling of isolation. Being proactive is more enjoyable than being reactive, can leave Jewish students smiling, and can force Palestinian activists to struggle to make themselves heard.
Ways to Promote Israel and be Proactive
There are many proactive events and activities you can organise. Find more ideas in the "practical pointers" section of each of the articles in the ‘Israel: Accusations and Rebuttals’ section.
- Vigil for Victims of Terror
- Petition for the return of the missing Israeli soldiers
- Solidarity Mission
- Israel information stall at university
- Write an article for university paper
- Demonstrate against Palestinian corruption
- Guest speakers
- Petition for peace
- Yom Ha'atzmaut party
- Rally outside Iranian embassy to denounce support of terrorism
- Israeli music concert
- Israel-themed dinner
- Yitzhak Rabin memorial ceremony
- Israeli film festival
- Campaign against rogue states developing nuclear weapons
- Fundraise for Israeli charities
- For more information see Israel and Jewish Students – p. 67
Communication Styles: Point Scoring and Genuine Debate
There are two major approaches to communication to use during Israel advocacy. These two approaches are used in different situations, and are designed to achieve very different things. These two approaches – ‘point scoring’ and ‘genuine debate’ - require different techniques, and the Israel activist must know how to use each technique at the correct time.
Point Scoring
Point scoring is a method of communication that prioritises making certain points favourable to the speaker, and attacking opponents of the speaker by trying to undermine their positions. Point scoring communication ought to give the appearance of rational debate, whilst avoiding genuine discussion. The aim of the Israel activist point scorer is to try to make as many comments that are positive about Israel as possible, whilst attacking certain Palestinian positions, and attempting to cultivate a dignified appearance.
Point scoring works because most audience members fail to analyse what they hear. Rather, they register only a key few points, and form a vague impression of whose 'argument' was stronger.
When to Point Score
Point scoring is the correct method of communication to use when the audience is likely to be only partially engaged. Talk radio, student newspapers, large panel discussions, and anything to do with television or the Internet should probably be viewed as having partially engaged audiences, and so point scoring is the right way to communicate in these forums.
Point scoring can irritate audiences who are genuinely committed to thinking seriously about their views on a subject. When talking in serious academic circles, or talking to friends, or answering questions addressed personally by genuinely interested individuals, it is preferable to refrain from point scoring, which can seem shallow, and to instead more fully engage using rational argument.
How To Score Points Whilst Avoiding Debate
Central to point scoring is the ability to disguise point scoring by giving the impression of genuine debate. Audience members can be alienated by undisguised attacks, so all point scoring needs to be disguised.
To disguise point scoring, comments need to seem to be logical, and to follow from what was said before. Use phrases that subtly change the agenda or reframe the debate to do this:
"Well, that's not really the right question..."
"I don't think we should be focusing on ..., the real point is that..."
"That's an interesting point, but I don't think we can really begin to address it before we think about..."
"You seem to assume that ..., an assumption that's impossible to share. Really, we need to consider..."
"It's a shame that the Palestinian leadership have led the Palestinian people down a dead-end, where conflict and violence leads to tragic situations. Things would have been better if..."
"I really think that we would all be better served by looking forward instead of back at the things that happened over 50 years ago. The past is important to note, but we have to move on in an attempt for peace. That's why I think we would be better served talking about..."
The examples above ‘field’ the comments that precede them by giving the appearance of addressing what was said. They then go on to reframe the discussion by setting a new agenda.
What Points To Make
Point scoring needs to be focused. Because the people listening to 'point scoring' are only paying partial attention, only two or three points have a chance of 'sticking'. For this reason, focus point scoring on a few points supporting Israel, and a few points pointing out weaknesses in Palestinian positions. These points should be made again and again, in as many forums as possible. If people hear something often enough they come to believe it. Attempts to make too many different points will result in the audience remembering nothing.
Points Supporting Israel
Israel wants peace, and is willing to make far-reaching concessions in order to achieve this. At Camp David, Israel offered the Palestinians more than any observer had ever thought possible, and their generous offers were turned down.
Israel is defending itself against terrorists who deliberately kill civilians going about their daily lives. Every Western country, including Israel, needs to defend its own civilians from terrorists.
Points Pointing Out Palestinian Failings
Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian leadership can't be trusted. hey have repeatedly broken promises, and gone against the Oslo Accords. Arafat agrees to things, and then attempts to go back on them, including agreeing to negotiate over the Israeli presence in the West Bank and Gaza, and then declaring that violence is justified by this presence, before negotiations are concluded.
Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian leadership promote violence and refuse negotiation. Arafat rejected the generous offer Barak made at Camp David outright, and wasn't even interested in negotiations. Arafat is brutalizing his own people by teaching and promoting violence in schools, the media, and political forums.
Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian leadership support terrorists. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hizbollah are terrorist organizations that the Palestinian Authority consistently fails to crack down on. Show arrests are undermined by a ‘revolving door’ prison policy. Even Arafat's own Fatah organization is involved in terrorist attacks.
Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority are corrupt. Billions of dollars in aid has been transferred to the Palestinian Authority, and Palestinian leaders live in luxury whilst Palestinians on the ground are struggling. Much Palestinian suffering is caused directly by the corruption of Palestinian leaders
When Points Can Fail To Score
Not every point made has the desired effect. It is important to anticipate who an audience is, and to make points accordingly. Audiences are often affected badly by points that don't seem relevant to the debate, or by points that have been used too often, for too many years. 'Old' points can be made to seem more up-to-date by flavouring them with contemporary examples.
An example of a point failing to hit-the-mark would be a mostly anti-Israel audience being told that 'Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East', which they would most likely treat as a tired cliché; an audience of American school children might have been positively influenced by the same point.
The Point Scoring Approach In Action
For an example of the point scoring approach in action, consider the example of a public forum where a Palestinian activist is making the claims below, and an Israel activist responds using the point scoring technique:
Palestinian activist: "If Israel wants Arafat to stop terror and crackdown on militants, why does she make it hard for him to operate by denouncing him, attacking his security services, and forcing the infrastructure of the Palestinian Authority to crumble?"
Israel activist: t's a real shame that Israel hasn't been able to have a better relationship with Yasser Arafat recently. [This sentence avoids debate, turns the attack on Israeli policy towards the Palestinian Authority, and narrows it to focus on Yasser Arafat.]
“If Arafat's Fatah organization stopped its terror attacks on Israel, then perhaps things would be different. [Point one - Arafat's own organization is terrorist.]
“Of course, if Arafat were more trustworthy, things might be better too. [Point two - Arafat is not to be trusted.]
“At the moment he is telling the world he's arresting extremists, but the minute after they are arrested they walk out of prison to attack Israeli civilians with Arafat's blessing [Point three - Arafat lies to the world. Point four - Arafat supports terrorists].
“The ball is in Arafat's court - he can continue to embrace terror, or he can join Israel back at the negotiating table.” [Point five - Arafat supports terror. Point six - Israel wants peace.]
Genuine Debate
Traditional approaches to Israel advocacy have often assumed that all talk about Israel should consist of short sound bites and point scoring. This approach can backfire when used on people who are analysing arguments and trying to think deeply, and who really just want somebody to present arguments rationally to them.
When To Debate
Genuine debate is appropriate in forums where people are really attempting to think about the Middle East situation constructively, to consider the issues, and to communicate in an attempt to understand things better.
Genuine debate is fundamentally different to point scoring. In a forum where listeners are mature and interested in the issues, it is appropriate to engage in genuine debate by responding to questions honestly, admitting that things in Israel aren't always perfect, and perhaps even by criticising certain policies as errant. Because the audience or person engaged in dialogue is interested more in content than presentation, in genuine debate it is possible to admit to not knowing answers, being unclear on facts, and so on.
Remember that what seems like a genuine debate might not be. Academic forums can turn quickly into opportunities to condemn, words can be taken out of context, and what might be said to an intelligent audience can always be quoted to a less attentive one later by somebody trying to distort a message.
It is possible to disagree with Israeli policy without undermining positions that are favourable to Israel. Many people who attack Israel do so by attempting to question the legitimacy of her existence. It is possible to disagree with some small aspect of Israeli Government policy without questioning Israel's right to exist, just as it is with Belgian policy, for example. Those who attack Israel's right to exist just because her governments, like all others, have made policy errors, use fundamentally flawed reasoning, and should be opposed using any available technique.
- For more on this point see Personal Politics in Israel Advocacy – p. 28
The implications of admitting to Israeli error are not always as great as one might fear. Those who believe that Israel must be perfect in every way, whilst the Palestinians and others can execute awful policies, are applying double standards to Israel. In private conversation and in friendly settings, it is reasonable to admit that Israel has made mistakes that she attempts to learn from, whilst pointing out that other countries do this too.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gjlf57yxz2k4z9f/wujshasbara.pdf?dl=0
The earliest date I found, from a quick Internet search, was in 2004. One of the results was also on a bodybuilding website! Lol. On this bodybuilding website it said it was "huge propaganda" and called the jew "megaphone scumbags".
At the risk of doing the jew and plagiarising what doesn't belong to it, I am going to copy what the jew said above and change it a bit -
I am proud to present you with the this information and PDF document for the new addition of WUJS Activate – in it I have tried to give you informative as well as practical tools to deal with Antisemitic and anti-Israeli propaganda. It is now your responsibility to read and learn this important information so that, if needed, you will be able to use it effectively.
So how many politicians, who don't answer questions and instead repeat the same irrelevant tripe, are not jewish?! Then how many who actually aren't jewish have to behave the same way while being a politician?! Maybe the jew could move-on from pre-50-years-ago things and stop continuing the lie of "the" trolloco$t.
How?The examples above ‘field’ the comments that precede them by giving the appearance of addressing what was said. They then go on to reframe the discussion by setting a new agenda.
- Hey, what's your favourite food?
- I don't think that's the correct question here in the local farmers' market. The real point is how many 6 million j00z died in slave labour to grow this food!
Ignoring the question and the point does not make it seem like the jew is answering the question at all. The jew knows Humans realise that, but it continues on regardless.
From the oy, aaaallll the way over to the vey...We are proudly ethical, and proudly independent. This Hasbara Handbook attempts to acknowledge all of this,
to help Israel in her fight against violence and drive for peace
Tell that to all of those civilians who died, including Children, who had full clearance to be walking around in military buildings, by which I mean not military buildings at all!and spread a message of peace and non-violence
"israel" paying students to defend it online
https://ancient-forums.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16546
Top jew jacob rothschild admitting its family's involvement in the creation of "israel"
https://www.bitchute.com/video/VEEiiEpDWB4l
I uploaded this a few years ago, shortly after it was on TV, to my youtube channel before it was shoahed.
That jew calls that female jew a Human. The jew wishes.