“Many of us have drawn ourselves inward when it comes to Israel,” said David Roet, Deputy Consul General from Israel to the Midwest. And Israel needs people to speak up.
Roet spoke to a group of some 55 in Milwaukee last Wednesday, June 16, at the Milwaukee Jewish Council for Community Relations annual meeting, held in the Peck Family Hall at the Jewish Home and Care Center.
Speaking on the topic, “5 Years in the Midwest: Challenges and Successes Related to the Israeli ‘Matsav’ (situation) and Hasbara (public relations),” Roet said these “issues are difficult to change,” but “you or I can make a difference.”
Roet, who was born in Jerusalem but spent part of his youth in the United States, is completing his five-year term as deputy consul general at the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest in Chicago in August.
Although he believes “efforts should be concentrated on local media,” Roet, said that we need to do more than “just writing a letter to the Journal Sentinel.”
To change that, Roet cited a recent survey, which found that people who have Jewish friends tend to be more supportive of Israel. As a result, Roet says we must “talk to non Jewish co-workers and friends,” as well as discuss issues with other Jewish people.
Roet also said that more concentration should be placed on college campuses. During his tenure, Roet has spoken at many campuses and found them to be an area where support for Israel should be greater.
“Some youth are ashamed of working for or supporting Israel,” Roet said, adding that even Jewish professors are not really involved in support efforts, but that “we are beginning to work on this in the consulate.”
Roet has written articles and letters for publication in many major newspapers. He also has been featured regularly on radio talk shows and television programs.
Prior to serving as deputy consul general, Roet was stationed in the Israeli Embassy in Seoul, Korea, where he was Deputy Chief of Mission, and worked with political, economic, and press affairs.
Of his term that will soon end, Roet told the audience, “As a diplomat, my job is to represent Israel to the U.S. It is my privilege to represent this community to Israel.”
Roet said that when when he joined the consulate in 1999, “I was not aware of the [Milwaukee] Jewish Federation,” as well as the many other organizations, including MJCCR, that are dedicated to the cause of Israel.
However, he soon realized Milwaukee’s “passion for Israel” and noted the professionalism he found while working with all the organizations. “The community should be very proud…. Thank you for letting me into your home and your heart.”
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