PR in the Philippines

(SeaPRwire) –   Ben Carasso, an 11-year-old Israeli boy, is actively combating antisemitism. In a period where children are increasingly targeted due to their religious beliefs, he has turned to social media to provide his peers with a means to respond using facts and hope.

Carasso has already experienced multiple conflicts and wars, events that have significantly influenced his outlook and his ability to speak out. His advocacy, aimed at representing Israeli children, commenced shortly after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. What began as a reaction has evolved into a dedicated mission.

He started posting on social media following the disappearance of a close friend’s father, who was later confirmed deceased after the Nova music festival attack.

“I am speaking out so that the entire world can comprehend the nature of our childhood,” Carasso stated.

Carasso addresses his audiences directly in both English and Hebrew, reaching hundreds of thousands across social media platforms. His message is unequivocal. He seeks to amplify the voices of children who often feel unheard, demonstrating that speaking up is important, even at a young age.

Born in Israel and a descendant of Holocaust survivors for three generations, Carasso’s advocacy is informed by both historical context and personal experience. He grew up amidst ongoing conflict, where rocket attacks and air raid sirens were a part of daily life. His posts reflect these realities, from seeking shelter to supporting friends whose family members are serving on the front lines.

His advocacy has also exposed him to direct hostility.

After being featured in an article about Israeli children, Carasso became the target of a significant wave of online antisemitic abuse. Hundreds of comments appeared across social media, many directed at him personally, including Holocaust imagery that told the 11-year-old to “go back to Auschwitz like his grandfather,” while others repeated antisemitic tropes and employed dehumanizing imagery.

Antisemitism is on the rise globally and is becoming increasingly apparent to children. Carasso asserts that he will not be silenced.

“My responsibility is to continue disseminating the truth everywhere,” he declared.

In an environment where misinformation spreads rapidly, Carasso takes his responsibilities seriously.

“In today’s world, there is an abundance of misleading information online,” he commented. “Just because you see a photograph or a post does not mean it is true. We all share a responsibility, both children and adults, to verify facts before sharing anything.”

In recent months, Carasso traveled to Australia, where he met with Jewish children to gain a deeper understanding of how antisemitism is impacting their lives. Among them was Summer Britvan, the sister of 10-year-old Matilda Britvan, who was tragically killed during the Chanukah massacre at Bondi Beach.

“I met with Summer, and she shared extensively about her sister, how much she misses her, and how resilient she is,” Carasso recounted.

These conversations, he noted, are part of a broader initiative to give children a voice and a means to heal, a process that experts deem crucial.

For Carasso, one of the most significant shortcomings on social media is the lack of children’s perspectives.

“The children’s side of the story is not being told,” he observed. “There are children whose parents were murdered or injured. Their lives are irrevocably changed.”

He maintains that his message remains centered on strength, courage, and the imperative to speak out.

“Be yourself. Be authentic,” Carasso advised. “Believe in yourself when you engage in advocacy. I began at the age of eight. I am confident that others can achieve even more.”

His efforts have garnered recognition. Carasso has received the Resilience Award from the Jewish Agency for Israel and was chosen as Israel’s youngest torchbearer at the country’s Independence Day ceremony.

His counsel to other children his age is: “If you believe in something, speak up and do not be afraid.”