Joseph Haddad Leverages Protest T-Shirt for Pro-Israel Advocacy

Joseph Haddad, the second-ranked candidate for the "Am Israel" party, has turned a protest t-shirt into a powerful tool for pro-Israel public diplomacy. While in Budapest, Hungary, Haddad wore a shirt that read "This is genocide" alongside a QR code. Scanning the code led viewers to a video documenting the events of October 7th. Haddad reported that this tactic effectively captured the attention and shock of passersby, many of whom initially assumed the message was anti-Israel until they scanned the code and understood the context.

Haddad explained that the idea for the shirt originated in response to messages from an Irish coach critical of Israel, employing the principle of "in stratagems you shall wage war" for public diplomacy. He is considering producing hundreds of similar shirts to distribute to others. He also noted the maturity of Israeli fans at a recent game, who responded to provocations with quiet protest rather than boos, which he saw as a sophisticated form of communication.

Reflecting on his broader advocacy strategy, Haddad categorizes global audiences into three groups: anti-Israel, pro-Israel, and a neutral majority. He believes the latter group is the primary target for engagement, using confrontations with staunch opponents to reach undecided individuals. He cited a debate at Oxford as an example where, despite not expecting to convince his direct interlocutors, the ensuing online dissemination of the event reached a much wider audience.

Haddad also discussed the personal impact of his advocacy, noting the widespread support he receives in Israel, including selfies and words of encouragement, which he finds motivating despite facing online threats and curses. He contrasted this with his new political role, where he has faced criticism, particularly from Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the "Am Israel" party's political alignment. Haddad asserted the party's right-wing, Zionist, and patriotic-nationalist identity, dismissing claims that it is not a right-wing party and stating it is independent of any political figure.

Looking ahead, Haddad aims to integrate his public diplomacy experience into his political platform. He envisions a robust public relations system that acts as a protective shield for IDF soldiers and reservists serving abroad, aiming to prevent potential arrests or interrogations. He expressed a willingness to personally face such challenges if it means establishing this protective framework.