EXCLUSIVE | Israel’s envoy: Truth is strongest weapon vs disinformation
By Monsi A. Serrano
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL — Truth remains Israel’s most powerful response to the growing wave of misinformation and disinformation, according to George Deek, Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World, who said firsthand engagement is essential in helping people understand the country’s realities beyond the narratives circulating online.
Responding to questions from THEPHILBIZNEWS during a media dialogue with Filipino journalists in Jerusalem, Deek outlined Israel’s efforts to strengthen ties with Christians worldwide, protect religious freedom, and counter what he described as an organized campaign to distort the country’s image.
“The only way we can fight against that campaign is with a very simple but very powerful tool — the truth,” Deek said.
“In today’s world with artificial intelligence, almost anything can be manipulated. The best way to know what is real is to come here, see it with your own eyes, and experience what Israel truly represents.”
Deek, who was appointed three months ago as Israel’s first Special Envoy to the Christian World, said the creation of the position reflects Israel’s recognition of its unique relationship with Christians around the globe.
“Jesus did not live in Narnia or Atlantis,” he said. “He was born, lived, worked, was crucified and resurrected in a specific geography — and that geography is here.”
According to Deek, Israel carries a special responsibility to safeguard Christianity’s holiest sites and ensure they remain safe, open and welcoming to pilgrims from around the world.
He added that Israel’s relationship with Christians extends beyond the Holy Land itself and is also rooted in what he described as shared Judeo-Christian values, including human dignity, equality, freedom and respect for individual rights.
Countering misinformation through firsthand experience
During the exchange, THEPHILBIZNEWS asked how Israel is addressing misinformation and disinformation that continue to circulate widely across digital platforms.
Deek said no communication campaign can substitute for firsthand experience.
He encouraged journalists, pilgrims and visitors to travel to Israel and see the country for themselves rather than relying solely on information shared through social media and other online channels.
According to Deek, direct engagement enables visitors to better understand Israel’s society, its religious diversity and the values its people seek to uphold.
An Arab Christian representing Israel
Deek also shared his personal story, saying he comes from an Arab Christian family that has lived in the ancient city of Jaffa for more than 300 years.
Today, he serves as Israel’s envoy to the Christian world — a role he said reflects the opportunities available to Christian citizens in Israel.
“I come from an Arab family. I am an Arab Christian,” he said.
Why Israel’s Christian population continues to grow
In a follow-up question, THEPHILBIZNEWS asked Deek what he attributes to the reported growth of Israel’s Christian population, which he said has increased from about 34,000 in 1950 to approximately 189,000 today.
Deek said the increase is not primarily driven by higher birth rates, noting that Christian families in Israel have relatively fewer children than the national average.
Instead, he attributed the growth to what he described as Israel’s protection of religious freedom, equal rights and the rule of law.
According to Deek, Christians in Israel enjoy legal protections and opportunities that allow them to live, work and prosper, contributing to the community’s long-term growth.
He contrasted that with the situation in several neighboring countries, where he said Christian populations have declined significantly over recent decades because of conflict, persecution and restrictions on religious freedom.
“In Israel, freedom of conscience and freedom of faith are guaranteed by law,” Deek said.
Christians’ role in Israeli society
Deek also highlighted the contributions of Christians across Israeli society, saying members of the community serve as Supreme Court justices, physicians, university professors, researchers and technology executives.
As one example, he cited Johny Srouji, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, an Arab Christian from Israel who oversees the company’s hardware engineering and chip development.
For Deek, such examples demonstrate that Christians are active participants in Israel’s economic, academic and technological advancement.
Faith, diplomacy and understanding
The discussion with Filipino journalists highlighted Israel’s efforts to deepen engagement with Christian communities worldwide while addressing concerns over misinformation, religious freedom and coexistence.
Throughout the exchange, Deek maintained that Israel’s relationship with Christians is anchored not only in shared biblical history but also in what he described as a commitment to protecting religious liberty, preserving holy sites and promoting equal opportunity.
For Israel’s first Special Envoy to the Christian World, he said, building understanding begins with dialogue—and with seeing the country firsthand.
Editor’s Note: This report is based on the responses of Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World, George Deek, to questions from THEPHILBIZNEWS during a media dialogue with Filipino journalists in Jerusalem. Statements regarding Israel’s policies, demographic trends, religious freedom, and regional comparisons reflect Deek’s views and the official position he presented on behalf of the Government of Israel.
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