Lauder Calls For Creation Of $1 Billion Global News Network - WJC President Says Israel Must Launch A 24/7 Global Communications Effort To Counter Misinformation And Defend Jewish Communities Worldwide

Lauder argued that while Israel has demonstrated exceptional military capabilities, it has failed to adequately compete in the battle for global public opinion.

“Israel has been outstanding on the military front,” Lauder said. “But as good as it is militarily, that’s how bad it is on P.R. Israel cannot afford to ignore its public relations.”

Calling the communications challenge one of Israel’s most urgent strategic priorities, Lauder urged the creation of a dedicated government operation staffed by experienced media and communications professionals.

“There should be a completely new and vitally important government operation, with a new director - not just a political appointee, but someone who knows PR and news backwards and forwards,” he said.

Lauder proposed that the initiative operate independently, in a dedicated facility, and function around the clock.

“It should be in a separate building, and it should have a billion-dollar budget,” Lauder said. "it should be on day and night.”

The World Jewish Congress president emphasized that funding for the effort should come not only from Israel, but also from Jewish communities worldwide.

“Some of that billion dollars should come from Jews in the Diaspora,” Lauder said. “Diaspora Jews should partner with Israelis in this PR fight because in the end, it won’t just be protecting the Jewish state - it will be protecting the Jewish people worldwide.”

Lauder argued that Israel’s response to misinformation and false narratives must become significantly more aggressive and coordinated.

“Israel’s counterattack should be relentless as well,” he said.

Questioning the current structure of Israel’s communications efforts, Lauder asked the audience: “Who is in charge of Israel’s P.R.? Can anyone tell me? The answer is really no one.”

Lauder’s proposal represents a call for a major new investment in Israel’s global communications capabilities and a new partnership between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide to strengthen the country’s voice on the international stage.