The Middle East has been a hotbed of violence for many years, with most of the hatred and intolerance of Arab countries directed at the tiny democratic state of Israel.
Ironically, some of the greatest Israeli defense efforts have been to fight the propaganda war waged against it by its enemies. Distortion about Israel abounds in the media, in academia and at the United Nations. World opinion is important, and unfortunately, Israel has become the target and victim of a false and well-organized propaganda campaign.
Four years ago, I heard Jean-Jacques Surbeck give a lecture in San Diego, and it changed my entire perception about the Middle East and the little state of Israel. Surbeck is a Swiss-educated attorney dedicated to fighting the propaganda directed at this tiny ally of the United States. Formerly the International Red Cross's spokesman for North America, he is sought after for his expertise on the Geneva Conventions and humanitarian law. Surbeck is now executive director of TEAM (Training and Education About the Middle East), which is dedicated to disseminating the truth about America's most reliable ally in a region filled with terror.
Surbeck will be presenting a program titled "Israel: The Truth" at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sun Valley at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, sponsored by the Wood River Jewish Community. I highly encourage anyone wanting to spend an informative evening to come to this presentation.
Linda Rovin Cooper
Ketchum
