When The Israel Lobby was published, the authors, Walt and Mearsheimer, were smeared as anti-Semites because they dared to talk about Jews exercising influence in the United States. Of course they were goyim (as some non-Jewish critics of Israel now like to refer to themselves with perverse pride). But here is the Reut Institute, a leading thinktank in Israel, offering advice on how to change Israel’s reputation in the face of the delegitimization campaign. Note the emphasis on elites and influence in point 18 (and remember that Reut cultivates Arianna Huffington):
17. Brand Israel – The perception of Israel as a violent country that violates international law enables delegitimizing forces to portray the country as an apartheid, pariah state. Israel’s re-branding can yield strategic implications which will improve its ability to communicate its message and reduce the Delegitimization Network’s ability to achieve its goals. In this context, the importance of international aid should be emphasized (in addition, of course, to its clear moral value).
18. Relationship-based diplomacy with elites and ‘influentials’ – An effective barrier against delegitimization is a network of personal relationships. Working within identified hubs, Israel should aspire to maintain thousands of personal relationships with political, financial, cultural, media, and security-related elites and influentials.
19. Harnessing the Jewish and Israeli Diaspora communities – There are a significant number of Israelis abroad, such as academics, business people, and students. These communities should be harnessed to Israel’s cause before they embark on their international interactions. Additionally, Israel should make a concerted investment in Jewish communities, without taking their commitment for granted.
P.S. The shtadlin, or court Jew, is a traditional power figure in Jewish ghetto life. We are no longer in the ghetto. We must come up with different ways of attaining validation/security in western society.
