Israel advocacy comprises three elements: (1) educating yourself with facts, information and arguments; (2) developing techniques for putting them across effectively; and (3) choosing appropriate forums to engage and influence groups. Without the facts, no amount of advocacy technique will ultimately make much of a difference in Israel 's battle of ideas. But with great facts and information, you can still fail to be effective, unless you frame your arguments effectively. Here are four principles which can help to guide Israel advocacy:- • Base Israel 's case on the fundamental rights of the Jewish people: strongly affirm the national rights of the Jewish people – then focus on Israel 's desire for coexistence. We must pro-actively restate Israel 's historic and moral narrative (which is widely denied) in order to make Israel 's case effectively. Focus on this framework, and persist in explaining it without wavering. Explain that if this history and these rights were recognised, not only in word but in action, the Palestinians could have peace, statehood and security. We must not allow detractors and demonisers of Israel to define what we say, and always find ourselves on the defensive. Obviously we usually need to respond, but that's not all • Don't depict the conflict as ‘us or them': ie you are either “pro-Israeli” or “pro-Palestinian”. Highlight that Israel wishes to live side-by-side with its neighbours in peace and security . Argue rationally and humanely for the legitimate rights of all peoples of the region. And pinpoint how peace is blocked by the hatred of Israel which is embedded in Palestinian and Arab societies, and the self-destructive rejectionism of their leaders. At the same time, don't demonise Islam or Palestinians • Provide context for Israel 's actions: Provide context for Israel 's actions, and demand media fairness. Argue for informed understanding of Israel , not unquestioning support. We are not against criticism of Israel , but must challenge uninformed criticism of Israel , half-truths, and downright falsehoods. Unchallenged falsehoods take root as fact. • Convey positive messages, not just fears : It is all too tempting to pinpoint the extremism of others. But we should focus on the positive vision we have: eg ‘ Israel yearns for peace but we demand acceptance of our rights', or ‘we're willing to make tough sacrifices to reach a solution'. Show how Israel wants to build a better future for all, and indeed contributes now to making the world a better place. Be cautious about using the ‘anti-semitism' claim in Western liberal debates: what matters is the effect of peoples' words, not their underlying personal motivation. Explain how the effect of their ideas and words is to discriminate against or demonise Jews. The Jewish peoples' fundamental national rights
Providing context for Israel 's actions
Israel 's positive humanitarian contribution
Media monitoring groups: UK - Just Journalism ( www.justjournalism.com ), and BBC Watch ( www.bbcwatch.com ); USA, the UK and Israel: Camera ( www.camera.org ), Honest Reporting ( www.honestreporting.com ), MEMRI ( www.memri.org ), Palestinian Media Watch ( www.pmw.org.il ) and Tom Gross ( www.tomgrossmedia.com )
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