“Israel is held to a uniquely harsh standard by the world, facing relentless criticism and misinformation in the media. When other nations take military action for their security, they are met with understanding — yet when Israel does the same, it is vilified”, says Rabbi Sara Metz of Congregation Anshei Israel.
“As American Jews, we must stand firmly in support of Israel’s right to exist and defend itself”, says Metz. She recently joined over 150 Conservative rabbis in Jerusalem for the annual Rabbinical Assembly conference, where she gained firsthand insight into the realities of daily life in Israel and explored ways American Jews can offer meaningful support.
One way is through the dissemination of accurate information. From Feb. 21-22, Anshei Israel will host Gil Hoffman, CEO of HonestReporting, as its scholar-in-residence. Hoffman will discuss the challenges facing Israel and the Jewish people on the media, military, and geopolitical battlefields.
HonestReporting aims “to ensure truth, integrity and fairness, and to combat ideological prejudice in journalism and the media, as it impacts Israel,” according to its mission statement.
Hoffman’s topic during and after Friday night services will be “Behind the Scenes in the Israeli Corridors of Power.” Services begin at 5:45 p.m. A Shabbat dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m.
At Saturday morning services, which begin at 9:30 a.m., Hoffman’s sermon topic will be “The Dangers of Lying, from Exodus to Eternity.”
He will lead a lunch and learn program after services on “Peace, Politics and Propaganda: An Insider’s Look at the Fight for Israel on the Military and Media Battlefields.”
On Saturday night, following the 6:45 p.m. Ma’ariv and Havdalah services, Hoffman’s topic will be “Eye on the Media: The World’s Obsession with Israel.”
RSVP and payment are required for the Shabbat dinner. RSVP is also requested for the Saturday morning and evening talks. Registration is available here or by calling Anshei Israel at (520) 745-5550.
