“My main goal is to share the real Israel with the masses - (not how it is shown in the media), to ‘humanize’ it, and show the best side of it.”

David Rebel is a 23-year-old university student, Israeli digital activist, and content creator who highlights international affairs, focusing on the Middle East, Europe, and the US. Here we sit down to learn more about the way he gets inspired! 

Tell us about your background and what motivated you to become a digital activist and writer.  

I immigrated to Israel from Siberia almost eight years ago at 14 through the "Naale" program. 

 Before Aliyah to Israel, I heard a lot of myths and preconceived notions about the Jewish state. On social media, I also have seen antisemitic statements, conspiracy theories, and fabrications. This prompted me to start talking about it; I felt ‘bad’ for Israel and how it is perceived. My main goal is to share the real Israel with the masses - (not how it is shown in the media), to ‘humanize’ it, and show the best side of it.  

How have your work and activities made an impact? What is visible, and what is behind the scenes? Can you measure your success? How?  

When I first plunged into the world of activism, I did not think that I would achieve any success in this. I didn’t even call it activism at first: I just posted my thoughts on Instagram and TikTok. However, it turned out that some people found them interesting and began to follow me, comment on my publications, offer collaborations, and even invite me to fly abroad, where they asked me to talk about myself, my path, and the "Israeli" experience. Many people say that being an activist is easy, but it isn't.  I spend hours on the phone, looking for news and information, studying the history of Israel and its political aspects. Almost every week, I find myself in different parts of Israel, meeting people from the entire "Israeli spectrum" -  from Muslims to Druze to Christians. 

I need to reach the most diverse and unique communities. I balance activism and studying at the University, and It takes a lot of time and effort.  

The Galilee Culinary Institute offers a storytelling workshop, which includes social media and content creation. From your experience, in today's digital age, how important is it for professionals to be vocal on social media platforms? How can the storytelling workshop help our students in their careers?  

Storytelling workshops are great opportunities to engage people with similar interests. People can share their stories and personal experiences and draw attention to pressing issues. Seminars, clubs, and organizations help activists build connections and acquire the skills to manage social networks and build an audience.  

The GCI is in a region with over 80 ethnicities and 4,000 years of culture. As an immigrant from Siberia to Israel, what unique opportunities have you experienced with this, and how can international students benefit from being exposed to the wide range of culinary and cultural traditions at GCI?  

When I lived in Siberia, I could not imagine Israel's diversity. Israel is a "tasty country"; the food is mixed in taste and unites all people living in Israel. For students, international delegations, and ‘Olim,’ a trip to Israel will be unforgettable. You can enjoy Bedouin tea in the Negev for breakfast, eat falafel in Tel Aviv for lunch, and the Druze pita for dinner!  

What’s a fun culinary fact about you?  

In Israel, I discovered the carob tree. Its fruits grow throughout Israel, especially in the Northern part of the country; a spread is made from the fruits of the carob tree. Since I tried it, carob spread has replaced Nutella in my kitchen!