Against the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents, incitement, and attacks targeting Israeli and Jewish representatives worldwide since the start of the ” Swords of Iron” war, a unique training day for approximately 250 new Jewish Agency emissaries was held on Friday at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem. The emissaries, who will soon embark on official missions in dozens of countries, received professional preparation aimed at equipping them for the complex challenges awaiting them in the international arena.
Complex Arenas
The carefully selected emissaries will operate in Jewish and Israeli communities in dozens of countries, many of which are experiencing waves of antisemitism due to the fighting in Gaza and the increasingly negative international discourse regarding Israel. Some will be sent to particularly sensitive locations where Jewish institutions, pro-Israel activists, and even previous emissaries have faced direct harassment.
Training and Practical Tools for Coping
The training included workshops, simulations, and lectures focusing on handling sensitive situations such as hostile conversations, anti-Israel protests, incitement, and political or social opposition. The goal was to provide the emissaries with practical tools to help them deal with field challenges and operate effectively in a complex environment.
A central part of the program was a lecture by scholar and philosopher Dr. Micha Goodman, who discussed social and political conflicts and the impact of the war in Gaza on public discourse worldwide. The lecture emphasized Israel’s place in the current global conversation and offered conceptual perspectives for dealing with hostility and resistance.
An Important Mission
Yoni Reiss, CEO of the Museum of Tolerance, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating that the emissaries represent “the front line of unofficial Israeli diplomacy.” According to him, “They meet with some of the most hostile audiences and need advanced tools to face the challenges on the ground.”
Reiss added that the Museum of Tolerance is “proud to partner in this training” and to provide the emissaries with “a toolbox, inspiration, and a sense of mission” as they head out on their important assignments worldwide.
