The power of Brand Islam: Lessons for Brand Judaism 

To understand how to move forward to rebuild our brand for the next generation, we must look at the other side. It is not Hamas, not Hezbollah, not Palestinians, and not protestors. It is Brand Islam.

As we have posited, branding extends beyond products and services, even countries, to encompass ideologies, beliefs, and cultural identities. In contrast to Brand Judaism, Brand Islam is the epitome of how a cohesive narrative, strategic communication, and alignment with universal values can create a compelling brand identity that resonates across borders and generations. It is only through the strength of Brand Islam that Free Palestine has won the hearts of Gen Z and the broader population across the world.

Brand Islam is a analogous to brands like Apple and Netflix, both beloved brands that bring together like-minded communities and values to share in the use, development and promotion of products, widely accessible, events and brand lexicon.

Brand Judaism is more akin to Microsoft and PBS: enduring but traditional, staid and in need of new ways to connect to the world.

So what are we lacking that they have? Aspiration and simplicity

The brilliance, however, of Brand Islam lies in the execution of a simple, exhaustive “tentpole” strategy.

Brand Islam’s brilliant tentpole strategy

Strong Leadership and Unified Vision Brand Islam’s tentpole strategy begins with strong leadership and a unified vision. Much like Apple under Steve Jobs, Islamic scholars, leaders, and influencers consistently articulate a clear and cohesive message centered around faith, justice, and community welfare, grounded in the product – the Quran and its teachings adapted to the world we live in today. This unified vision ensures that the messaging remains consistent across all platforms and initiatives.

Emphasis on Core Values and Universal Appeal Brand Islam focuses on core values that resonate universally: compassion for the oppressed, justice, charity, and social responsibility. These values are deeply embedded in Islamic teachings and are highlighted in various campaigns to appeal to a global audience. By focusing on these universal principles, Brand Islam positions itself as relevant and meaningful to both adherents and non-adherents, fostering a broad appeal that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. The narrative of resistance against oppression, especially concerning Palestine, resonates deeply with Islamic teachings.

Global Reach and Local Execution Brand Islam’s global reach is made local. Through mosques, educational institutions, media platforms, and humanitarian organizations, Islam connects diverse communities under the umbrella of shared values and beliefs. This adaptability ensures that Brand Islam remains inclusive and accessible to adherents worldwide, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity.

User-Centered Experience and Cultural Relevance Much like Brand Islam emphasizes the relevance of its teachings to contemporary challenges, offering practical guidance for believers worldwide. Islamic principles resonate deeply with individuals seeking spiritual fulfillment, moral guidance, and a sense of belonging, thereby enhancing Brand Islam’s appeal and relevance in daily life.

Strategic Use of Digital Media and Influencers Digital media plays a crucial role in Brand Islam’s tentpole strategy. Islamic influencers, scholars, and activists leverage social media platforms to disseminate religious teachings, promote cultural heritage, and advocate for social justice causes. Campaigns and hashtags such as #FreePalestine and #SaveSheikhJarrah have gone viral, mobilizing support and spreading awareness rapidly. This strategic use of digital media ensures that Brand Islam remains visible, relevant, and engaging, especially to younger, tech-savvy generations.

Innovative Community Building Initiatives Brand Islam actively fosters community building through innovative initiatives such as social media campaigns, community centers, and youth programs both in real life and online. For example, programs like “Muslim Youth Camps” and “Islamic Community Centers” offer safe spaces for social interaction, spiritual growth, and community service, ensuring that the younger generation remains connected to Islamic values and teachings while also building a sense of community and belonging. Through strategic use of social media, Brand Islam creates virtual communities that mirror physical ones. Online campaigns, digital spaces and discussions foster a sense of belonging and participation, expanding the reach and impact.

Emotional Connection through Storytelling Brand Islam forges emotional connections by telling compelling stories that highlight real-life examples of Islamic values in action. These stories, whether through personal testimonies, humanitarian efforts, or cultural celebrations, evoke strong emotional responses and foster a sense of community and belonging. Our research found that for Gen Z, real life stories and people are the must trustworthy, believable and relatable.

Cultural and Educational Outreach/Interfaith Dialogue Brand Islam’s tentpole strategy includes extensive cultural and educational outreach. Islamic educational institutions, conferences, webinars, and public events play a significant role in educating both Muslims and non-Muslims about Islamic teachings and their relevance to contemporary issues. Brand Islam engages in interfaith dialogue and builds alliances with other religious and secular organizations. These collaborative efforts address shared social issues and promote mutual understanding and solidarity. By fostering interfaith cooperation, Brand Islam broadens its influence and strengthens its position as a unifying force for good.

Humanitarian and Charity Work Humanitarian efforts and charity work are integral to Brand Islam’s strategy. Islamic charitable practices such as zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity) are directed towards helping those in need, including Palestinians and other oppressed communities. Fundraising campaigns during Ramadan and other significant times gather support for humanitarian aid, showcasing Islam’s commitment to alleviating suffering and promoting social justice. Online platforms are used to organize and promote charitable work, allowing for global participation in fundraising campaigns and volunteer efforts. This digital coordination ensures that humanitarian aid is timely and widespread, leveraging both virtual networks and physical logistics.

Integration of Modern Technology in Religious Practices Brand Islam leverages modern technology to enhance religious practices and accessibility. Apps like Muslim Pro provide accurate prayer times, Qibla direction, and Quranic recitations, making it easier for Muslims to practice their faith in their daily lives. Virtual reality (VR) experiences of the Hajj pilgrimage offer an immersive experience for those unable to physically undertake the journey, ensuring that spiritual experiences remain accessible to all.

So what now for Brand Judaism?

While Brand Islam flourishes, Brand Judaism faces unique challenges in shaping its fragmented global narrative and countering negative perceptions driven by Israel’s optics whether or not you agree with the behavior is irrelevant. To propel Brand Judaism forward, we need a strategic approach grounded in a unified vision and fueled by media outlets and events designed to rebuild the long-term strategy and optimize in the short term by taking the high ground.

Let’s get people to understand the core of our belief system and present it in a way that creates common ground. After all, Judaism is at the root of Christianity and Islam, a fact that few people know, while Jews, albeit less religious than other denominations, do understand this.

To propel Brand Judaism forward, we need our tentpole strategy – a strategy that Brand Islam has effectively utilized for the past twenty years. This tentpole strategy revolves around creating unfragmented and focused, powerful, high-impact campaigns and programs  that resonate deeply with people’s emotions and aspirations, anchored in the core values of the product – in this case, Judaism itself.