When the St. Louis Jewish community gathers to show support for Israel and call for the release of hostages, those events do more than create a bond among those who attend. They are also noticed—and appreciated—in Israel.

That was one of the revelations from a recent visit by Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich, director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in Jerusalem. AJC is the oldest Jewish advocacy organization in the U.S. Leibovich’s career spans over 20 years in a wide range of senior media and public relations positions within the Israel Defense Forces.

On a recent visit to St. Louis, she shared her thoughts on the relationship between the U.S. and Israel with the Jewish Light.

What are the points you plan to cover with American audiences while you are here?

First, to share what AJC Jerusalem does in terms of diplomatic activities, how we find policies of countries on hardcore issues, like Hezbollah, Iran, the war in Gaza. The second goal is to bring the Israeli perspective, to reflect the situation on the ground, what is going now in terms of the war and give some personal angles to what it means to be in this situation for such a long time.

Americans have gradually begun to travel to Israel again after delaying trips since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack. What does it mean to Israel to see this occur?

I want everyone to know that this has been noticed by Israel and welcomed by the Israeli people. More than welcomed, it was really feeling the embrace, the warm embrace of the Jewish communities around the world.

Are there reasons to be hopeful or optimistic about a peaceful future in Israel?

Living in Israel, you have to be an optimist. September will mark five years since the Abraham Accords were signed. AJC is now the only American Jewish organization that has an office in an Arab country, in Abu Dhabi, which we opened three years ago. Understanding the options, the potential of the region, I have no doubt that there will be further normalization agreements with other Arab countries. Not tomorrow morning, perhaps, but it will happen.

Do you find it troubling that Americans may begin to lose interest or experience media fatigue about Israel’s military operations in Gaza and other fronts? 

It’s no longer in the discourse. That’s the reason why the Jewish communities have a role of keeping the awareness of what will happen Oct. 7th. We’re not finished with the war, unfortunately, and 59 hostages are still in Gaza. That’s why the Jewish communities have such an important role in raising the awareness.

Over the past year and a half, there have been a number of events in St. Louis calling for the release of hostages and showing support of Israel. Are there other ways we can show tangible or emotional support?

I would urge people in the community to know the numbers and facts and data so they can present Israel in the best way possible. A huge amount of misinformation is floating and a lack of understanding whether that information is credible. So, the more speakers that share accurate information, the most data that would be conceived from reliable sources, then that would help. Knowledge is power.