Flyer for upcoming panel event on 'Israel and the Media' hosted by the Algemeiner.

I just received an advance copy of the book, David & Goliath, by Shraga Simmons, about what seems to be the very captivating story of his “frontline” experiences, going toe-to-toe with reporters to expose media bias in the Mideast conflict. I read much of it last night (stayed up too late.) He reveals names, suggesting that while the media casts the Palestinians as “David” fighting the powerful Israeli “Goliath,” Israel may in fact be fighting a more powerful antagonist – the “Media Goliath.”

• This quote seemed to summarize Israel’s quandary as Mark Twain said, “There are laws to protect the freedom of the press’s speech, but none that are worth anything to protect the people from the press.”
• I am excited to speak next week at the forum that the Algemeiner has put together where we will discuss Israel’s negative media experience – my co-panelists are: superstar criminal defense attorney Benjamin Brafman and James Taranto of The Wall Street Journal. This event will be held on December 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue, 5 E 62^nd Street, NYC. We will discuss what Israel can do to win the battle for public opinion – owning a major public relations agency, I have plenty to say on the topic.
• Was thrilled to see Claire Danes telling Conan O’Brien on his show what a great “party town” Tel Aviv is. Danes told O’Brien that she learned this when she went to Israel to shoot the pilot for the great new original series on Showtime, “Homeland” (to which I am addicted). “The big reveal, the big surprise, for me was that Tel Aviv was the most intense party town I have ever been to,” she said. Danes said the bars are hopping in Tel Aviv. Watch the clip here.

I look forward to greet many of you at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue next week to discuss public relations. Meanwhile, read David & Goliath, and lets all party it up in Tel Aviv.