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Message: <br /><br /> If you are having trouble reading this email, you may view this article online at: http://www.jweekly.com/15152/full/15152/diplomat-delivers-hard-line-stance-to-bay-area-students/ <br /><br /> <b>Diplomat delivers hard-line stance to Bay Area students</b> <br /> Friday, March 2, 2001 | by <p>ALEZA GOLDSMITH </p> <br /><br /><p>Although he's been neatly tucked out of the public eye since August, Washington's former No. 2 diplomat for Israel, Lenny Ben-David, has kept his eye on the U.S. public.<br /><br /> So what has the former deputy chief of mission observed?<br /><br /> "Challenges to Israel's legitimacy, challenges to Israel's right to holy sites, challenges to Israel's elected government," said Ben-David on a recent visit to San Francisco, a hint of frustration intensifying his observation.<br /><br /> "Israel needs to be defended on the same issues that it was being attacked on 40 and 50 years ago—we've returned to the days of yesteryear."<br /><br /> But the ex-politico has high hopes that strong ties between the new U.S. administration and the one being formed in Israeli will help reinforce the Jewish state.<br /><br /> For instance, he believes the White House is going to be "very strong about laying the blame on those responsible" for each act of violence rather than just taking a general "even-handed approach of the Clinton administration."<br /><br /> "If the Palestinians blow up an Israeli bus full of children and the Israelis retaliate, and then a spokesman comes out and says, 'We call on both sides to avoid violence,' that's an even-handed statement that doesn't reflect the evil of what took place," he explained, predicting that the Bush administration will make a fairer assessment of the conflict.<br /><br /> "I think that by breaking away from this intense even-handedness, the new administration will influence how the press is covering the conflict as well," he added.<br /><br /> Ben-David, who resides in Jerusalem, also predicts that the Bush administration will have a broader focus on the Middle East than the Clinton administration did.<br /><br /> "In this broad view of the Middle East, Israel and America will find considerable common ground, common threats, common response. Our countries' intelligence [departments] will work together against terrorism and missile proliferation."<br /><br /> But in addition, much of the responsibility of preserving Israel's "good name" lies in the hands of private citizens, said Ben-David. He said grassroots efforts to refute allegations against Israel are essential.<br /><br /> With more than 30 years of work devoted to hasbarah (public relations), including editing "Myths and Facts," a publication dedicated to refuting negative allegations about Israel, Ben-David should know.<br /><br /> During his trip to San Francisco, he met with local college students and activists to discuss the issue of hasbarah and promote grassroots activities.<br /><br /> Not surprisingly, he said he found that many of the students felt "exposed and very intimidated" by the "Arab intimidation and propaganda" on their campuses.<br /><br /> "One student came up to me carrying a copy of 'Myths and Facts' I'd written in 1989 and told me, 'I need this now,'" said Ben-David.<br /><br /> "There really needs to be re-education on all of these issues," he added, emphasizing that Bay Area activists—based on their proximity to Silicon Valley—have the advantage of using the Internet and other new technology as a way to defend and protect Israel.<br /><br /> Six months ago, however, Ben-David did not expect to find himself traveling to San Francisco to do hasbarah. He had just left public office and was settling into his Jerusalem-based private consulting firm, IsraelConsult Inc.<br /><br /> He even considered the possibility of going scuba diving in Eilat. But increased violence foiled the plans of a man whose roots are firmly planted in hasbarah.<br /><br /> Despite his efforts for Israel, the former Benjamin Netanyahu-appointed diplomat has no plan or desire to return to public office.<br /><br /> "I've been a Jewish civil servant or an Israeli civil servant for a long time," he said. "Now I'm in private practice and enjoying it."<br /><br /> And if Prime Minister Ariel Sharon asked?<br /><br /> "I'd have to say, 'Thank you, no.'"</p> <p> </p>

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