Young Jews in Berlin are trying to rally support for Israel among their friends by using Facebook.
Dima Kletsel, 28, of Berlin, launched the campaign with several friends on May 31, encouraging Facebook contacts to change their profile image to a logo featuring the Israeli flag and the words “We Stand with Israel, now and forever.”
According to Kletsel, the campaign has taken off fast, spreading among friends of friends, from Germany to the former Soviet Union, to England and elsewhere. Though he could not determine how many had permanently or temporarily changed their profile image, Kletsel said he had received numerous responses, both positive and negative.
“A few non-Jewish friends called and said ‘You are crazy, do you think Israel is right?’ I said of course, and it started a discussion,” he said.
Kletsel said he was inspired by a “nonsense” Facebook campaign last year in which girls gave status updates on the color of their underwear. “If even nonsense can make waves [in the media], then what if we start something that is not nonsense?” he said. — jta