By Joseph Korson
Matisyahu, who is a popular Jewish reggae and alternative rock musician has recently collaborated with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to release a new music video that will be used to promote the diversity and beauty of the Land of Israel. The video features Matisyahu’s hit song ‘Sunshine’ and is filmed across the whole nation of Israel. From snowboarding in Mt Hermon, surfing in the Mediterranean to dancing in the streets of Jerusalem. Every stunningly filmed shot stars the people of Israel coming from all walks of life in front of iconic landscapes and cityscapes that celebrate this tiny Nation. The song “sunshine’ hints of a Land and people waiting and longing for the Messiah. “Time for a champion to sooth the soul of the Land”
http://youtu.be/bivYs8oacnA
It is rare for most people to really see what Israel is truly about. The whole picture is missed when all they ever see and hear in regards to this embattled nation are negative and at times hateful images and news. When films like this are produced they offer a view of Israel that contradicts a narrative that is being programmed into peoples minds. It is very easy to accept the views that are currently being propagated in the western media. Unless an expanded picture of reality is presented to people these negative views will have undue influence. It is more important than ever for Israel to counter the negativity and anti-Israel propaganda with more quality productions that will cause people to see a completely different view of this country they hear to much about.
Israel is much more than a conflict zone and peoples perceptions can be very far from reality. While conflict has plagued Israel since its birth the people never let it defeat them. It has driven them to turn a squandered land and transform it into a modern and advanced society. People in Israel spend most of their lives getting on with life. The conflict they have with the Arab world was imposed upon them and most long for real “peace”. Until that day comes Israel is a nation in motion. The pace of change and development is extraordinary.
Every time someone is exposed to another perspective of Israel they are forced to examine their preconceived ideas of what Israel is about. It may be in Israels best interest to support more of this type of quality work and less playing diplomatic chess with her Arab enemies. Public opinion is an unfortunate reality Israel faces. Especially when those that seek her destruction are spending billions in waging an international propaganda war against her. The Arab world is unfortunately very well educated and practiced in the art of propaganda and shady diplomacy.
The key to changing peoples hearts is not always fighting your enemies head on but finding ways that connect people to each other. Common ground can be found when people see a video that shows Israelis playing with their children, hiking in the mountains and dancing in the street. Combine this visual truth with a song that is at once upbeat but also full of longing for better times and you can touch peoples hearts and change their minds.
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