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Aaron Herman

Optimism IL: Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Hate in the Digital Age

At the Optimism IL event in New York City, Daniel Rosen, Chairman of Minds and Hearts, shared his personal journey of reactivating his commitment to advocacy following the events of October 7th. Rosen described how this pivotal moment led him to co-found an organization dedicated to combating antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments through community organizing, grassroots mobilization, and cutting-edge technology. Hosted by Asaf Sides, Co-Founder and CEO of Leave a Mark, the event celebrated resilience and innovation, with Rosen’s story underscoring how activism can unite and empower communities to make a lasting impact.

This past week in New York City, the Optimism IL event brought together a diverse array of voices, each sharing stories of resilience, innovation, and the spirit of hope that fuels Israel and the global Jewish community. Among the speakers was Daniel Rosen, Chairman of Minds and Hearts, a new organization determined to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment online through community-driven activism, grassroots mobilization, and advanced digital tools.

Photo credit: Aaron Herman

Reactivating a Movement for Change

Rosen’s speech touched on how the events of October 7th led to a personal and professional shift in his life. Like many, he found himself grappling with a surge of deeply concerning hate targeting Jewish and Israeli communities. Determined to make a difference, Rosen co-founded Minds and Hearts to address these challenges head-on, focusing on organizing communities and harnessing technology to create a unified force capable of addressing harmful narratives that spread on social media and other online platforms.

Photo credit: Aaron Herman

Building Minds and Hearts: A New Approach to Fighting Hate

Minds and Hearts was built on the principle that unity and technology can empower individuals to become proactive in combating antisemitism and misinformation. The organization’s approach is threefold:

  1. Community Organizing: Minds and Hearts connects people at the local level, building a support network where communities can rally together. By working with synagogues, schools, WhatsApp group Admins, influencers, organizations  and grassroots groups, the organization fosters a strong foundation for collective action.
  2. Grassroots Mobilization: Leveraging social media and digital communication, Minds and Hearts is activating a network of “digital champions” who are equipped with tools, training, and information to challenge antisemitic content and misinformation about Israel. This mobilization ensures that individuals from all walks of life can contribute to the movement and stand up against hate.
  3. Innovative Technology: Partnering with tech companies, Minds and Hearts uses AI and data-driven solutions to monitor and respond to harmful narratives. The organization also provides community members with easy-to-use platforms to report and address incidents, encouraging an immediate and organized response to online hate.

A Collective Movement Toward Change

At the Optimism IL event, Rosen emphasized how powerful it is to be part of a larger, collective movement. He reflected on the overwhelming community response he has seen, noting that “every action counts” in building a future free from hate and intolerance. By empowering individuals to take a stand, Minds and Hearts is helping to turn frustration into action, fostering a spirit of unity in the face of adversity.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Activists

Hosted by Asaf Sides, Co-Founder and CEO of Leave a Mark, Optimism IL was a night that reminded attendees of the power of hope, action, and resilience. Minds and Hearts is a testament to how individuals and communities can mobilize in creative, impactful ways to make a difference. As Rosen shared, “In the face of hate, we have the power to change the narrative, to make it clear that antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment have no place in our communities, online or offline.”

Photo credit: Aaron Herman

Through its work, Minds and Hearts is not only challenging hate; it’s building a future where every individual has the tools to stand up, speak out, and effect change. The optimism and drive showcased at the event leave little doubt that this organization will be at the forefront of shaping a safer, more inclusive digital landscape for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

About the Author
Aaron is a fundraiser, video journalist and growth hacker. Aaron’s segments has been featured on The Jewish Week NY, Jewcy.com,jcastnetwork.org, CNN and HLN network. Aaron holds a BA from Binghamton University and an MPA from Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at NYU. Aaron lives in White Plains, NY with his wife Tani and his son Michael and Ari.
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