Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Wolman Wealth Management Actress, producer and activist Noa Tishby was appointed today as Israel’s first Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism and Delegitimization of Israel.
Israel Foreign Minister Yair Lapid announced the appointment by calling out the numerous condemnations against Israel and praising Tishby’s ability to connect with audiences.
“The State of Israel is under attack by people calling us ‘an apartheid state,’” Lapid said in a video statement, standing alongside Tishby. “Jewish people are under attack by people who are blaming Jews for everything wrong with this world. It’s time to fight back. It’s time to answer using smart young voices like Noa Tishby’s. Noa is the new Special Envoy of the State of Israel to fight antisemitism and delegitimization of the State of Israel. Thank you, Noa, and welcome aboard.”
The 46-year-old entertainer-turned-activist has become one of the go-to voices in the United States for defending Israel and representing Israel’s point of view.
The 46-year-old entertainer-turned-activist has become one of the go-to voices in the United States for defending Israel and representing Israel’s point of view.
“I am honored to take this position,” Tishby said in the statement. “Anti-Zionism and antisemitism are one and the same. Antisemitism is on the rise and I‘m thrilled to be able to lend my voice to this very worthy fight.”
Tishby became a household name in Israel advocacy in 2021 following the release of her book, “Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth.” The book received positive reviews for its clear explanations and commentaries about some of the most controversial issues regarding Israel.
In the 52 weeks since its publication, Tishby’s book ranks in the top ten best-selling books on Amazon in three categories: #6 in Israel & Palestine History (Books), #8 in Middle Eastern Politics and #8 in Historical Middle East Biographies.
“We thought antisemitism isn’t a thing anymore. If there is one good thing that has happened throughout the past few months [it’s] that we have woken up,” Tishby told The Journal for a cover story in 2021.
Her outspoken Israel advocacy also led her to forming a close bond with freshman Congressman Ritchie Torres of New York, a pro-Israel democrat. Rep. Torres’ praise of Tishby’s abilities appeared on the back of her book:
“Noa Tishby’s book is a powerful antidote to the widespread misunderstanding and willful misrepresentation that often obscures the truth about Israel. Much like the book itself, Noa is a fearless truth teller in an age of fashionable lies.”
In her new role, according to the official statement, Tishby will focus on “raising global awareness of antisemitism and efforts to delegitimize Israel and serve as an advocate to prevent and fight hate directed towards Jews. She will act on behalf of the Israeli Foreign Ministry to spearhead initiatives worldwide before key audiences, generate an international dialogue, and respond to acts of antisemitism.”
The statement added: “Surveys have shown over one billion people worldwide hold antisemitic views. Recent FBI reports cite that Jews are the target of 58% of all religiously-motivated hate crimes in the U.S. even as Jews make up just 2% of the U.S. population. As a result of rising antisemitism, half of American Jewish college students have hidden their Jewish identity and 65% have said they’ve felt unsafe on campus.”
Born in Israel and raised near Habima Square in Tel Aviv, Tishby became a prominent actress and singer in Israel and relocated to Los Angeles 26 years ago. Her television show “In Treatment” on HBO was the first Israeli television show adapted for an American audience.
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