Qassam-stricken Israelis part of international PR efforts
Four Western Negev residents to fly to Europe on behalf of Foreign Ministry. No one can argue with their suffering, says Jewish Agency spokesman
Israel's Foreign Ministry will send four residents from the Qassam-stricken town of Sderot and the surrounding area to Europe Wednesday, to speak about their life under the constants threat of the Qassam rockets.
The four will meet with leaders of the European Jewish community, local diplomats and the foreign press.
Miri Levin from Erez, Avi Kadosh from Kibbutz Nir Am and David Mamo and George Adjaj from Sderot are the four chosen ones, mainly for their eloquence and the fact they are all fluent in French.
All four underwent training by the Foreign Ministry and Jewish Agency, where they were given information about the countries they would visit and the people they would meet, and were taught basic diplomacy skills and given camera training.
The delegates in final briefing before flight (Photo: Haim Zach)
"We think they will be able to convey the message our official delegate couldn't," said Jewish Agency spokesman Yarden Vatikai. "Diplomats are always tackled with political issues. No one can argue with this foursome's suffering.
"We've asked them not to go into politics if they can avoid it, and to tell their individual story. They're free to criticize the government if they want to," added Vatikai, "Since they will be carrying an official political statement prepared by the foreign ministry as well."
All four have been asked to bring photos of their homes and families and maps showing where they live, and how far their homes are from Gaza.
"The rest of the world doesn't understand what you see everyday," told them Aviv Shir-On, communications director for the Foreign Ministry. "Israel pulled out of Gaza, and the Qassams haven't stopped.
"…That's a very powerful argument. Don't let those trying to lure you into a political debate get the best of you, and stick to your personal story," he added.
The Foreign Ministry is putting together another civilian team, meant for the United Kingdom and Holland. Another Israeli delegate was recently sent to Germany.
