Public Diplomacy

Public Diplomacy

The Public Diplomacy Department of the Embassy of Israel is currently headed by Minister Sawsan Hasson, and seeks to engage community members, educational institutions, organizations and other key constituencies.
Counselor Efrat Hochstetler joined the department in the summer of 2022, and is responsible for the department's Academia, Cultural, and Digital Diplomacy offices.

The department helps maintain and enhance relationships with a broad range of communities within the United States by opening channels of communication with the general public and the Jewish world. These channels include culture, academia, politics and social issues.

Outreach Coordinators:

Communities Coordinator
The Communities Coordinator collaborates with diverse communities representing various identities, both at the local and national levels. From ethnic minority groups, religious communities, and interfaith organizations, the Communities Coordinator actively engages with a diverse spectrum of community members to inspire dialogue and collaboration.
Contact at: paffairs@washington.mfa.gov.il
Civil Society Affairs Coordinator
The Civil Society Affairs Coordinator plays a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and collaboration with advocacy groups in the LGBTQ+ Community, science and climate organizations, women and gender groups, and the Disability Community. This involves not only facilitating open communication channels but also ensuring that diverse voices and identities are included in community building efforts.
Contact at: civilsociety-coordinator@mfa.gov.il
Jewish Community Coordinator
The Jewish Community Coordinator works in conjunction with a range of diverse Jewish communities, representing various sects within Judaism, both affiliated and unaffiliated, operating at both local and national tiers. The primary objective of the Jewish Community Coordinator is to foster greater cohesion within the Jewish Community towards Israel and to facilitate the integration of Israeli perspectives and engagement within these communities.
Contact at: JewishCommunity-Coordinator@washington.mfa.gov.il

Digital Diplomacy and Social Media Office

The digital diplomacy office oversees all embassy social media accounts, conducting campaigns aimed at promoting Israel’s interests and values while engaging diverse demographics throughout the United States.

They strategically combat online antisemitism, misinformation, and anti-Israel sentiment, employing digital analytics to gauge their impact and effectiveness.

Office of Academic Affairs

Office of Cultural Affairs

Contact Information

Sawsan Hasson, Minister for Public Diplomacy

Efrat Hochstetler, Counselor for Public Diplomacy

Email: assist2DPA@washington.mfa.gov.il