Rachel Safdie discusses fake news and Israel at Fisesp HQ

The Jewish Federation of the State of São Paulo (Fisesp), in partnership with the World Zionist Organization and the Scholarship Fund, hosted Brazilian-Israeli journalist and activist Rachel Safdie at an event in August. Titled “Feed, Fake News and Israel,” the session invited participants to reflect on communication, geopolitics and current affairs, while exploring the challenges of understanding Israel in an era shaped by the speed of social media and the proliferation of false and distorted information.

Drawing on direct experience communicating about Israel, Safdie has served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesperson’s Unit and produces content in Portuguese and English on Israel, the Middle East and issues related to antisemitism. Her social media work aims to broaden access to information and present perspectives on topics often marked by misinformation and conflicting narratives.

During the event, Safdie stressed the importance of understanding the context behind the news that circulates daily, especially when it concerns Israel and the conflict in the Middle East. The discussion also highlighted the role of social media in shaping public opinion and the need to develop a more critical eye toward content that quickly gains reach but does not always present complete or reliable information.

Safdie’s trajectory combines experience in communications, on-the-ground work in Israel and a strong digital presence. In 2025, she took part in the Fisesp Talk Podcast, speaking about her experience as an IDF spokesperson, efforts to combat antisemitism and the importance of using social media to counter disinformation.

By promoting events like this, Fisesp reaffirms its commitment to information, dialogue and the education of the Jewish community, creating spaces to discuss issues that impact Israel, the Jewish people and contemporary society.

“Feed, Fake News and Israel” thus posed a necessary provocation: in a world where information arrives in seconds, knowing how to interpret, contextualize and question what appears on the screen has also become a form of responsibility.

Source: Jewish Federation of the State of São Paulo (Fisesp)