Since October 7, Israel has faced an intense public diplomacy challenge on social media, where Israeli influencers, including Noa Tishby, Ella Kinan, Yoseph Haddad and Ashley Waxman Bakshi, have become leading voices defending Israel’s narrative across platforms.
Joining them are international celebrities—some non-Jewish—who have shared pro-Israel messages with far-reaching impact, despite risking losing followers and even receiving threats. Australian actor Nathaniel Buzolic, for instance, arrived in Israel amid the war and has since been a steadfast supporter.
How do they reach such broad audiences? A Pew Research study indicates that around 49% of U.S. adults get news from social media. Influencers once focused on light-hearted content, from fashion to TikTok challenges, have now become vital news sources, delivering pro-Israel and Zionist messages to audiences who might not otherwise encounter them.
In fact, a recent survey among young Americans showed a 15% increase in support for Israel after exposure to pro-Israel influencer content. These unconventional "ambassadors" are driving awareness and advocacy on a global scale.
Hollywood’s sharpest voice: Michael Rapaport
Followers: 2 million
Occupation: Actor, comedian, podcaster and American content creator
Activity: Rapaport uses his platform to spread pro-Israel messages and criticize opponents of Israel and Zionism. He pledged to donate $1 to the IDF for every comment with a Palestinian flag.
Uniqueness: Unlike other influencers, Rapaport is direct and outspoken, using humor and sharp criticism toward Hollywood figures who remain silent on Israel’s situation.
Quote: “All the ‘Barbie’ feminism with billions of dollars, and all the actors, directors and artists known for speaking on everything—none of them have said a word (about the October 7 massacre).”
Leading fashion influencer for Israel: Elizabeth Savetsky
Followers: 389,000
Activity: Savetsky uses her platform to fight antisemitism and promote pro-Israel messages. She has spoken with campus protesters and walked through New York in symbolic, blood-stained clothing to raise awareness of Israeli hostages.
Uniqueness: Savetsky combines fashion with advocacy, creatively engaging wide audiences and delivering her message authentically.
Quote: “People are drawn to what catches their eye. What I wore grabs attention and opens a door to a deeper message. I’ve always used images to catch people’s eyes and then their hearts.”
The comedian who fears no criticism: Daniel Ryan Spaulding
Followers: 243,000
Occupation: International comedian
Activity: Openly gay, Spaulding sharply criticizes LGBTQ+ support for Hamas since the war began, using witty humor to highlight the irony.
Uniqueness: Spaulding effectively communicates complex messages through sharp humor, unafraid to address tough political issues.
Quote: “I want these people to know that when the hostages are freed, someone outside of Israel cared, loved them, spoke about them and supported them.”
Celebrity surgeon turned advocate: Dr. Sheila Nazarian
Followers: 851,000
Occupation: Plastic surgeon
Activity: Dr. Nazarian raises awareness of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling on celebrities to learn history before speaking out.
Uniqueness: The Jewish Iranian-American merges a successful medical career with extensive advocacy in Hollywood.
Quote: “Actors and actresses who’ve never been to the region, and celebrities taking cues from their stylists, now speak on complex Middle East issues without a clue, feeling entitled to make statements.”
TikTok star merging heritage and music: Montana Tucker
Followers: 3.2 million
Occupation: Singer, advocate and dancer
Activity: Tucker uses her platform to promote Jewish heritage and Israel’s security, sharing visits to Israel and performing at international ceremonies.
Uniqueness: The Jewish American influencer blends music and dance with political and heritage-related content, leveraging a unique TikTok style to spread messages.
Quote: “Islamic propaganda makes Hamas feel supported. Israel is the minority, the underdog. People don’t get it. I wish protesters would come to Israel and see for themselves. I’m sure once they do, they’ll understand.”
The uncompromising fighter: Brigitte Gabriel
Followers: 243,000
Occupation: Journalist and speaker
Activity: Gabriel advocates against radical Islam and is a fervent supporter of Israel, leading campaigns to raise awareness for Israel and against antisemitism.
Uniqueness: The Lebanese American journalist draws on her life experience in Lebanon to highlight the importance of defending Israel and exposing radical Islam.
Quote: “If you feed them—they hate you. If you give them weapons—they hate you less. But what they really want is to kill more and more.”
The music producer putting Israel first: Scooter Braun
Followers: 3.7 million
Occupation: Music producer and artist manager
Activity: Braun spreads pro-Israel messages through collaborations with the Israeli embassy and appearances in Israel’s border areas. He calls on the entertainment industry to push for a hostage release deal and builds global support for Israel.
Uniqueness: The Jewish American producer connects the music industry with unwavering support for Israel, using his influence to rally worldwide backing.
Quote: “I don’t think people are necessarily afraid to support Israel—they’re afraid to back anything that feels divisive.”
Iranian lawyer championing peace: Elica Le Bon
Followers: 270,000
Occupation: Lawyer
Activity: Le Bon promotes messages of peace and opposes Islamic extremism on her platform. She criticizes the Iranian regime and advocates that the Iranian people want peace, equality and not war.
Uniqueness: As a British Iranian, she brings a unique perspective and aims to foster coexistence and solutions for Middle East conflicts.
Quote: “The Iranian people don’t want war—we want peace and equality.”
- Nathalie Zohar is a researcher of trends and virtual worlds, lecturer at Reichman University and founder of the Women AI community.
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