Alerts

Defending Israel, One Article at a Time

Nestled in a small building in the German Colony in Jerusalem, Israel, is a quaint, historic building known as the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCPA). This edifice houses a group of scholars who are interested in defending Israel. I had the pleasure of interning for them this summer.
Share this

Table of Contents

Tribe Magazine Logo
Nestled in a small building in the German Colony in Jerusalem, Israel, is a quaint, historic building known as the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCPA). This edifice houses a group of scholars who are interested in defending Israel. I had the pleasure of interning for them this summer. The JCPA describes itself as “an independent non-profit think tank bringing together the best minds in the political, strategic, diplomatic and legal arenas.” In practice, this means that the JCPA works hard to enlighten Americans and others outside of Israel about what is actually taking place in Israel. The center and its website are especially helpful for college students who are often misinformed by mass media. The JCPA also sends out a Daily Alert (http://www.dailyalert.org/),a two-page summary of recent events in Israel. This resource was created in order to update political officials, but is useful for ordinary citizens as well.

As a Political Science major, it was wonderful for me to experience such an academic and political environment. The JCPA hosted events every few weeks where scholars and former ambassadors lectured about topics such as the BDS movement and the Iran Deal. It was also interesting to hear the opinions of the audience on the matter. Even though I didn’t always agree with what was being said, it was important to hear different views. These lectures always left the office abuzz, with everyone continuing the discussion throughout the remainder of the day. It was fascinating to hear the views of the people that work in the JCPA and how they disagreed or agreed with the speakers.

The scholars in the JCPA vary in the scope of their expertise. Their proficiency ranges from the circumstances of the population to international affairs. Although my primary responsibility was to assist the internet marketing coordinator, I was asked to assist other researchers as well. I spent a great deal of time fact-checking for articles, as well as publicizing published articles. I spent many hours searching the web for specific pictures of Arab houses, in order to show the public the luxury that actually exists in Arab villages. Two additional interns and I put together a soon-to-be-published 50-page document on the subject.

In addition to my aforementioned tasks, I searched news sites for commentary on recently published articles from the JCPA. I intentionally searched for articles that disagreed with the JCPA position. Then, I commented on those critiques, thus indicating to other readers that they aren’t being given all the facts. I would do this by solely quoting from JCPA articles and researched material, using only fact based quotes to disprove the inaccurate information being presented. My hope was that my comments would encourage readers to look at our articles and get the real story. I don’t know if anyone read my comments, or if anyone’s point of view will be changed due to my research. I am, however, hopeful that my efforts will ultimately lead readers to understand a clearer reality in Israel.

I also enjoyed the office discussions of recent political affairs. These talented scholars would take the time to discuss with the interns their thoughts on the Iran Deal or the UN Fact Finding Mission. It was enlightening to meet other interns from the United States and Israel to discuss our varying views that were formed by our diverse backgrounds.

I learned a tremendous amount from this summer experience. I hope that at least a few people will be encouraged to research facts the next time they hear a story about Israel on the news instead of accepting a position at face value. I hope that readers will come to realize that facts can be skewed, omitted and misrepresented. Just as I gained a lot from working in a diverse Israel-advocacy environment, I hope that others can gain a similar benefit from my research and experience.

Yael Kaplan

Share this

Subscribe to Daily Alert

The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Related Items

Stay Informed, Always

Get the latest news, insights, and updates directly in your inbox—be the first to know!

Subscribe to Jerusalem Issue Briefs
The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.







Notifications

The Jerusalem Center
What makes a child believe killing a #Jew is justified?

In PA textbooks, Jews are called liars and frauds; their fate: elimination. This is #indoctrination—not #education. But change is happening. On East to West, @IMPACT_SE CEO Marcus Sheff exposes how #UNRWA-funded schools are fueling extremism—and what real reform looks like.  Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2JHqh973U  Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/8OkJTGNfVUc

11:43am
The Jerusalem Center
Highlights from the @Jerusalem_Post Annual Conference in NYC:

Dr. @Dan_Diker, President of the JCFA: “October 7 wasn’t just an attack on Israel — it was a blow to the U.S. on Israeli soil. It demands moral clarity and a united front between Israel and the U.S. to defeat jihadist terror.”

2:20pm
The Jerusalem Center
@XAVIAERD says it like it is

Well, @XAVIAERD says it like it is: If you’re part of “#Queers for #Palestine,” he’ll pay for your flight to #Gaza. Go see for yourself how they treat LGBTQ+ people over there. Don’t miss this bold take on the Israel-Hamas war and the woke right.

2:32pm
The Jerusalem Center
“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.”

“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.” On Our Middle East by @JNS_org, @Dan_Diker@KhaledAbuToameh (JCFA/@GatestoneInst) break it down: If Hamas isn’t crushed, Iran wins. The jihadis—from #Gaza to your campus—get the green light. Diker: “This war is for the West.” No fluff. No filters. Just raw insight from two insiders who actually know what’s going on.  Watch: youtu.be/4Aq_zcbb4Yo

2:15pm
The Jerusalem Center
5/5 Lt. Col. Kalo on East to West with @smartinezamir:

“This operation showcases Israel’s strategic intelligence superiority both regionally and globally. It demonstrates the moral commitment to recovered soldiers and also strengthens Israel’s position with allies.” youtube.com/watch?v=nIvNNi

2:07pm
The Jerusalem Center
4/5 The operation built on intelligence gathered during the 2019 #Baumel recovery

#Mossad agents operated under cover in #Syria for years, visiting a graveyard multiple times under fire to collect remains for DNA matching. The intelligence community’s evolution combines technology, big data analysis, and human intelligence capabilities.

2:02pm
The Jerusalem Center
3/5 This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from #Hamas in #Gaza, significantly boosting national morale amid an ongoing conflict now stretching over 18 months. The dual successes demonstrate #Israel‘s unwavering commitment to bringing all soldiers home.

1:58pm
The Jerusalem Center
2/5 The operation used the power vacuum following #Assad’s fall from #Damascus

Lt. Col. Avi Kalo, former head of IDF Prisoners & Missing Persons Division, calls it “an outstanding event that brings hope and new spirit to the people of Israel.” The operation utilized the power vacuum following #Assad‘s fall from #Damascus, allowing #Israeli intelligence to deploy ground capabilities in #Syria.

1:56pm
The Jerusalem Center
1/5 Israeli forces recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi Feldman

In an unprecedented operation, Israeli forces have recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi #Feldman, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub. The complex #Mossad mission was conducted deep within #Syrian territory, 43 years after his disappearance. This follows the successful 2019 recovery of Zachary #Baumel from the same battle.

1:54pm
The Jerusalem Center
A molotov attack on a bus = a “barbecue party”?

That’s what #Palestinian kids are being taught under @UNRWA  — from grade school to graduation. This isn’t education. It’s indoctrination. Marcus Sheff of @IMPACT_SE  breaks it down with @smartinezamir

12:51pm

Close