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.President Isaac Herzog, in collaboration with Meta in Israel, launches "Think Good" campaign to change online discourse
Among those joining the campaign: Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked, MKs Miri Regev and Miki Zohar, and other content creators and celebrities.
Today, the “Think Good” campaign to change online discourse, initiated by President Isaac Herzog and Meta (formerly Facebook) in Israel, went online. As part of the initiative, dozens of celebrities and public figures in Israel will share video clips of themselves reading the most hurtful responses that they have received online, with the offensive words censored and overlaid with words of positive reinforcement. The purpose of the initiative is to expose to millions of followers the difficulty of reading nasty replies, to encourage people to think twice before using hurtful language, and to think positive thoughts before hitting “reply.”
This one-of-a-kind campaign will reveal the most vulgar and hurtful replies received by public figures, who will publicly reveal to their millions of followers the tremendous power of words—words that can still hurt content creators with hundreds of thousands of followers, as well as ministers and members of Knesset confronting daily criticism. The campaign seeks to raise public awareness about the consequences of online bullying and to encourage a more conciliatory and inclusive discourse on social media instead of hurtful rhetoric. Some of the participants will specifically address young audiences, as part of the "Think Good" campaign's collaboration with youth website Frogi, in which young stars will share with other youth tips to stay safe online.
The campaign was born out of a commitment to stop cyberbullying and hurtful discourse on social media, and in light of the President’s inaugural address, in which he said:
“When we all feel threatened, when we all double down on our own positions and opinions, certain that justice is on our side alone, alienation deepens with every passing day. Alienation between individuals and between groups, which may, God forbid, degenerate into alienation between citizens and their country… The first step toward unity is to put an end to fear. It is too common, too explosive, and it is fueled mainly by words. Words whose power we all, at times, tend to underestimate. It is a mistake to think that words lose their power at the end of a speech, a post, or a curse. Words carry incredible power. The power to create new realities and to transform them; the power to destroy, but also to rebuild. The power to lay waste to an entire universe of values. And then, as the poet Rabbi Shlomo Ibn Gabirol, a spiritual giant of Sephardic Jewry, wrote: ‘He who sows hatred, will reap remorse.’ The hour therefore calls on all leaders to act with responsibility, to serve as voices of moderation and calm, and to choose their words with care. It demands that we protect freedom of speech—and resist giving license to hate speech.”
Full list of participants in the “Think Good” campaign: Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (513k followers on Facebook, 126k on Instagram); Foreign Minister Yair Lapid (505k on Facebook, 121k on Instagram; Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked (227k on Facebook, 62,000k on Instagram); Maor Buzaglo (387k); Anna Zak (1.4m); Miri Regev MK (345k); Moshe Arbel; Miki Zohar (44k); judoka Peter Paltchik (56k); Judy Mozes (29.5k); Eviatar Ozeri (506k); Liel Eli (476k); Reef Neeman (391k); Omer Hazan (363k); Shira Levy (172k); Gal Zahavi (146k); Yana Levi (62k); Bell Agam (59k); Or Elkayam (57k); Aki Avni (44.5k); Raz Shechnik (29k); Dylan Dror (26k); Liky Rosenberg (98k); Mohammad Magadli (24k); Nadav Abukasis (10k); Amit Bachover (221k); Ehud Porat, manager of the Pishpeshuk group with 503k members; Karin Alia (249k); Keren Alaluf Sharabi, manager of the Mamatzhik group with 325k members; journalist Inon Ben Shushan (16k); Saar Ben Harush, founder and manager of the Abba Pagum community with 130k members; and Israel Cohen (40k).
President Isaac Herzog: “I am disturbed by discourse on social media. People have become too ‘keyboard-happy,’ and red lines are constantly being crossed on social networks. I have set myself the central mission of moderating the hurtful discourse and bullying online, which harm us as individuals and as a society on a daily basis. I am glad to lead this very important project, ‘Think Good,’ which is raising public awareness about the power of words online and encourages a more inclusive discourse on social media, and in particular encourages us to stop and think before hitting ‘enter.’ It is important for us to expose millions of followers to the pain of reading nasty replies, through the experiences of public officials and influencers in a range of fields. We must do everything in our power, together, in order to transform our discourse online, and in the nation more generally. We must start thinking good and writing good.”
Adi Soffer-Teeni, Country Director, Meta in Israel: “I am excited to collaborate with the President of Israel and dozens of local opinion leaders as part of the ‘Think Good’ campaign, which will put a spotlight on the most difficult moments on social networks in order to spark a discussion and make a clear statement against a phenomenon that has no place on our platforms. I thank everyone who agreed to bravely reveal the ugliest words that people have written to them, in order to lead such an important initiative against bullying, harmful content, and violent language online. We have an uncompromising commitment to provide a safe and positive experience for the billions of people using our platforms.”
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November 20, 2021
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — Amid preparations throughout the world for the commemoration of the centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing, several events held recently in Haifa and ‘Akká have welcomed municipal officials and area residents to mark the occasion at historic sites associated with Him.
In Haifa, the mayor of the city, Einat Kalisch-Rotem, and other municipal officials, members of diverse faith communities, and other residents of the city honored the centenary at a historic building near ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s residence on Haparsim Street in a spirit of fellowship and unity reminiscent of the gatherings He Himself would hold with people of all backgrounds.
In ‘Akká, a public reception at the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá lived and received countless guests from 1896 to 1910, allowed people from around the country to learn about His life and His service to the inhabitants of ‘Akká through an exhibition and a guided visit of the site.
A short distance away in Bahjí, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had rented a residence for Bahá’u’lláh and His family in 1879, a special program brought together the mayor of ‘Akká, Shimon Lankri, and other government officials, various community and religious leaders—Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze—academics, and civil society representatives to hear stories from the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, where many of those gathered also shared their perspectives on His impact on the people of the region.
Sheikh Samir Assi, the Imam of the historic Al-Jazzár Mosque in ‘Akká and an attendee at the gathering in Bahjí, shared his reflections about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “What I witnessed in this elevating event deserves to last forever. This gathering highlighted the power of love and selfless service. May God bless the soul of ‘Abbás Effendi whose message serves as a beacon for humanity.”
The reception also included members of diverse faith communities and area residents, where all gathered in a spirit of fellowship and harmony.
The program included stories from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life, musical performances, and remarks by a number of speakers.
Visitors at the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá viewed an exhibit about the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the construction of His Shrine in ‘Akká.
During the time He lived in the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regularly received visitors from all segments of society and from all faiths and backgrounds.
At the gathering in Bahjí, the mayor of ‘Akká, Shimon Lankri, addressed the diverse group of guests, saying that although Bahá’u’lláh and His family arrived in ‘Akká as exiles and prisoners, their contributions to the well-being of the city continue to be felt.
A diverse group of attendees were welcomed by representatives of the Bahá’í International Community at the reception honoring the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His lasting impact on the region.
A panel exhibit about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the construction of His Shrine was displayed at the event. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit the surrounding gardens at Bahjí.
Several events held in Haifa and ‘Akká mark the centenary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land.
Pictured on the left is the tent of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá pitched in the courtyard of the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá, c. 1907.
Photo :The mayor of Haifa (left), Einat Kalisch-Rotem, spoke at the reception at 10 Haparsim Street. The building at this location was constructed under the direction of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to function as a pilgrim house.
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Copyright 2021 by the Bahá’í World News Service.
Representatives of Bahá’í communities from around the world have been arriving in Haifa for a gathering at the Bahá’í World Centre commemorating the centenary
November 22, 2021
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — Representatives of Bahá’í communities from nations and regions around the world have arrived in Haifa for a historic gathering at the Bahá’í World Centre to commemorate the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Events this week will culminate in an observance in the early hours of Saturday marking the night, 100 years ago, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away.
The gathering, representing a cross-section of humanity, is a reflection of the following words of Abdu’l-Bahá:
“The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.”
The images below capture a few moments from the arrival of representatives from around the world and interactions among them over the last few days.
With their hearts and thoughts turned toward ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the representatives have arrived in the Holy Land from every corner of the world to honor Him in the very land where He passed away.
Participants arriving at the Pilgrim Reception Centre in Haifa, located in the vicinity of the Shrine of the Báb.
Attendees arriving in Bahjí, the site of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.
Upon their arrival at the visitor’s center in Bahjí, participants attend an orientation program that provides them with information about the days ahead.
In an atmosphere of love, unity, and devotion, attendees have been preparing themselves spiritually for their first visit to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.
A group of participants approaching the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, the holiest spot on earth for Bahá’ís.
Attendees have been visiting this sacred site in groups since their arrival in the Holy Land.
Attendees outside the Haifa Pilgrim House prepare for their first visit to the Shrine of the Báb. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá hosted many gatherings with pilgrims and members of the local community in this building.
Two participants viewing a diagram (close-up on the right) depicting the arrangement of the rooms and doors to the Shrine of the Báb. (PHOTO)
Participants approaching the Shrine of the Báb, which was constructed under ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s direction and supervision. It is at this sacred spot where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s earthly remains were interred upon His passing.
A group of participants in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Báb.
Participants visiting the Shrine of the Báb in the evening.
Participants are spending quiet moments in the environs of the Shrine of the Báb, reflecting on the significance of the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His call for universal peace.
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Technological Revolution of Local Government – the Solution for Living alongside Covid-19
Muni-Expo 2021 gets underway with Israeli and foreign mayors, ministers, leaders of the economy and senior officials in the field of urban innovation expected to attend at the Expo Tel Aviv site
The expo be attended by President Yitzhak Herzog; Prime Minister Naftali Bennet, former Prime Minister and Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Alternate Prime Minister, Yair Lapid; Ministers Ayelet Shaked, Gideon Sa’ar, Orna Barbivai, Merav Michaeli and Pnina Tamanu-Shata; Governor of the Bank of Israel, Amir Yaron; leading heads of local authorities in Israel, and many others.
Living with Covid-19 meets municipal innovation at Muni-Expo 2021, which be held at Expo Tel Aviv for the fifth year. The Expo, which will take place between October 20-21, is a meeting place and fertile ground for collaboration with Israeli local government, for over 8,000 participants annually. This year, the Expo, which will strictly comply with the Green Pass guidelines, will provide an opportunity to examine the new routine in the shadow of Covid-19, its impact on the local and national arena, and the challenges and possibilities facing us in this period.
Haim Bibas, Chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities and Mayor of Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut,: “In the last two years, the entire world has experienced a tremendous upheaval due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected the lives of millions of people across the globe. This year, the expo emphasizes the unprecedented resilience of local government to give the country’s citizens the security and peace of mind that routine life is being maintained alongside Covid-19. Our objective is to make the lives of the residents better, to bring about a reduction in gaps and improve ongoing services to residents through municipal innovation, and to succeed in bringing technology to more and more local authorities...”
This year more than ever, the heads of local authorities have proven they have the power and capability to manage this complex reality if given the tools to do so. In order to manage differential policy, a strong government leadership is needed that believes in the power of local government as the body that manages the lives of the citizens on a daily basis.
The annual conference will be attended by dozens of speakers from a range of areas related to the core activity of local authorities in Israel: Emergencies, ethics, digital transformation, economics, smart cities, energy, sports and culture, transportation, society, etc. In addition, the annual urban innovation fair will have over 100 exhibitors in all areas of urban management. Among this year’s exhibitors are Mobileye, Ariel Medic, Abura, Rolan, IEC, Hyper-Tech Advanced Systems, Deep Seek, Milgam, BSY, Nisko, viisight, Motorola, Matrix, and over a hundred more exhibitors will improve the quality of life of the residents in the coming years in all areas of municipal management as well as innovative cyber protection measure and dealing with emergencies. Startups, the Local Government Economic Services Company, various government ministries and Mifal Hapais will also exhibit at the Expo.
There will be several professional sessions during Muni-Expo 2021 in areas related to the daily life of each and every one of us. The sessions include: Municipal Management in the Pandemic Period and Shaping the New Routine, the Digital Springboard Created by Covid-19, Heavy Traffic and Means of Solving Huge Traffic Jams, Controversies between the Parts of Israeli Society, How the Cultural Industry Deals with the Corona Crisis, Leadership in the Present Israeli Reality, and more.
Furthermore, the Muni World 2021 International Conference of the Muni-Expo Innovation Fair will be held in a hybrid format this year to allow all participants to take part. The following issues will be addressed: What can be learned from the campaigns initiated by Israeli local authorities to deal with Covid-19, how local authorities overcome xenophobia, racism and anti-Semitism, and the 2022 challenges round the corner and how local authorities should prepare for them properly.
MuniTech: Israel’s Smart Cities Community will be launched at Muni-Expo 2021 in the presence of the Minister of Economy, Orna Barbivai, the Ministries of Economy and the Interior, Digital Israel and Israel Innovation Authority, and will be run by the Federation of Local Authorities and Bar-Ilan University.
During the launch, a central plenum and sessions of professional committees will deal with connecting the components of the local ecosystem to assist in promoting the field of smart cities with the local authorities. The professional session and meetings will be the opening of activities of the community, which will regularly assist technology companies in the field to promote enabling policy and create a platform for raising resources for the benefit of the community.
The launch will take place on Thursday, October 21, from 09:00 am.
Photo Silvia Golan
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Model UN in Israel came roaring back on Thursday, October 28, with Human MUN the first in person conference in over 18 months. Human MUN was hosted by the diplomacy major students at Kassim Ghanim high school in Maghar, in conjunction with Debate for Peace. Over 150 students grades 6-12 competed in the conference, with nearly all first-time delegates. This was an especially historic conference, constituting both the first in person conference since Covid 19 began, as well as the first ever conference in Maghar, which was announced as the first Druze majority city in Israel just two days earlier.
Human MUN featured four committees: the Human Rights Committee (HRC) focusing on the protection of journalists; UNESCO, dealing with the challenges of social media, World Health Organization (WHO) addressing Covid 19 vaccine issues, and the Arab League, which looked at regional peace efforts following the Abraham Accords. Participating students came from more than ten cities across Israel, including the Hand in Hand school in Jerusalem, Givat Haviva international school, Ashkelon, Petah Tiqva, AlManara school in Jeser Azarqa, Iksal high school, Bashaer high school in Sakhnin, Misgav high school, Nofarim Bagalil in Tiberias, and Amal Yanouh-Jatt, as well as schools in the host city of Maghar.
With so many first-time delegates, as well as several schools joining Model UN for the very first time, students were understandably a bit nervous. But after the opening minutes, the tension of a high-level conference in English gave way to the usual excitement of peer to peer engagement. Students learned how to debate in moderated caucuses and negotiate in unmoderated caucuses, and by the end of the conference there were smiles on the faces of the understandably exhausted delegates.
At the closing ceremony, students heard welcoming remarks from the principal of the high school, Mr. Rezeq Othman, who expressed his admiration and support for the active participation in English he had witnessed over the course of the day. Seniors from the diplomacy major then took the stage and shared their personal growth thanks to their choice of the diplomacy track, including participating in Model UN, and in the Debate for Peace-led delegation to Switzerland over the summer.
Debate for Peace Director Steven Aiello spoke next. Expressing his pride at the achievements of all of the first-time delegates just for overcoming their fears and showing up to participate, he encouraged them to join future conferences. Aiello thanked the mayor of Maghar Mr. Fareed Ghanim and the director of the educational department Mr. Nizar for their exceptional support, as well as the principals of the Kassim Ghanim school: Mr. Rezeq Othman, principal of the high school, and Mr. Salman Daghash at the middle school. Mr. Aiello also thanked Mr. Muneer Ghanim the head of Eskol Pais and his wonderful team, noting that the facilities were ideal for enjoying MUN in a Covid safe environment. In closing, he thanked the chairs and teachers for supporting the students on their MUN journey, and noted in particular the role of the Diplomacy and MUN coordinator in Kassim Ghanim school, Summar Faraj, for being the pioneer to bring an MUN conference and international delegations to Maghar.
Summar Faraj added her thanks to Steven Aiello for helping with the conference organization, and expressed her thanks to Sassie Yona and Sara Dayan from the diplomacy major, for being “an inspiration, supportive and encouraging in every way.” She reiterated her gratitude to the Eshkol Payis and school administration and staff, as well as the Maghar municipality for their support, and of course to all the “outstanding delegates from the various cities and their amazing teachers.”
Finally the chairs came up committee by committee to call out the award winners for the HRC, UNESCO, WHO and Arab League committees. Following the award ceremony, the opening conference of the year, first in person MUN since March 2020, and first ever one in the newly designated city of Maghar came to a successful conclusion.
Steven Aiello
Photos
Summar Faraj
Kassim Ghanim School
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Headlines from the 10th annual Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference today at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem
President Isaac Herzog addresses the Jerusalem Post Annual Conference: “Iran is exploiting the world’s inaction, this lack of coordination—a clear threat to international peace and security.”
President Herzog spoke of the importance of international dialogue and said: “Over the past year we have seen the good this dialogue can bring. And I want to focus on the Abraham Accords. They are a remarkable breakthrough in the history of our region. A brave, noble choice by Arab nations, with the fine mediation of the United States, to cast aside a failed policy of exclusion, lack of dialogue, lack of tolerance, and instead embrace a future based on inclusion with an Israel that has always outstretched its hand in peace. I hope many more Middle Eastern nations will emulate this path of dialogue and tolerance “I recently visited the king of Jordan in Amman and met King Abdullah II. I have spoken at length with President al-Sisi of Egypt. I had a long call with President Erdogan of Turkey, and a few conversations of courteous nature with Chairman Abbas of the Palestinian Authority” President Herzog condemned Iran's regional aggression as a result of a breakdown of international dialogue and said: “Here, we see the world’s failure to act in concert, to settle on a strategy to sever Iran’s tentacles in the Middle East, to restrain its ballistic missile program, and to shut down its nuclear program. Iran is exploiting this inaction, this lack of coordination: a clear threat to international peace and security” President Herzog also addressed the climate crisis and called for meaningful action at the COP26 climate summit: “As President, I intend to push forcefully on this issue, of the climate emergency. In November, world leaders will gather in Glasgow, Scotland, for the climate summit in a bid to pull our planet back from the brink. I hope that there too, dialogue, concern for our children’s future, and concern for the world that we are blessed to live in together will prevail over short-term interests and impulses”
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said at the 10th annual Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference on Tuesday : World must hold Iran accountable for nuclear violations
“I expect global powers to hold [Iran] accountable, to bring them to the UN Security Council. That would be the peaceful route”
Israel has no need to raise taxes, Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman said at the 10th annual Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference on Tuesday"We won't need to increase taxes to reduce the national deficit or finance its infrastructure projects," Liberman told Jerusalem Post Editor in Chief Yaakov Katz in Hebrew at the conference
Justice Minister Gideon Sa'ar said at the 10th annual Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference on Tuesday he is willing to cooperate with the Likud if Benjamin Netanyahu is defeated in primaries
Head of Public Health Services Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis revealed at the 10th annual Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference on Tuesday how the procedure to travel to the country will work.
Former US Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said at the 10th annual Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference Today he predicted an economic boom in the next 18 months.
"The economic boom for the next 18 months is going to be extraordinary"
Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked (Yamina) calls blocking Lapid from Israel's premiership a 'fairy tale'Knesset lawmakers are set to clash on a bill surrounding Palestinian reunification
Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen ( photo) : Iran not close to getting a nuclear bombIf Iran develops a nuclear weapon, lsrael must be able to stop Iran on its own
Pfizer’s Bourla defends testing COVID-19 vaccine in Israel Albert Bourla said today : “Pfizer is committed to staying one step ahead of the virus
Defense Minister Benny Gantz at The Jerusalem Post conference: "We are developing both defensive and offensive capabilities against our enemies, constantly stopping attempts to harm Israeli citizens.
We must always remain two steps ahead, combining civilian and military capabilities to maintain Israel’s cyber superiority and to stop terrorism. It is a vital need for Israel’s security and a common interest with our closest partners, so we are constantly engaged in learning, knowledge sharing and technological development." Minister Gantz also referred to the Iranian threat: "Israel is one of the only countries in the world that is still under constant existential threat– with Iran at the top of our agenda. We have developed technological and operational tools that will guarantee our security against Iran’s nuclear ambitions."
Minister Gantz also called on the international community to take action against Iran:
"I call on the international community to take a stand. I am saying it because Iran is first a global challenge, then a regional one and only finally, it is a threat to Israel. The future is now, and a future with a nuclear Iran is a dark one."
More at : https://live.jpost.com/conferences/the-jerusalem-post-10th-annual-conference-the-future-is-now-676413
Photo President Herzog : Kobi Gideon/GPO
Others photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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