WHO WILL BE THE NEXT BIG ONLINE ISRAEL INFLUENCER?
- StandWithUs
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Israel educational organizations Let’s Do Something, StandWithUs, and DiploAct Launch ‘Ascend’—A Cutting-Edge Digital Incubator for Pro-Israel Creators
New program trains the next generation of digital storytellers to shape online narratives and fight misinformation
[Los Angeles, CA — March 12, 2025] – Let’s Do Something (LDS), in partnership with StandWithUs and DiploAct, is proud to announce the launch of Ascend Digital Academy, an intensive content creation incubator designed to train and empower the next generation of pro-Israel digital creators. With social media playing a decisive role in shaping public perception, Ascend will equip young leaders, influencers, and storytellers with the tools to reclaim Israel’s narrative online through high-impact, viral content.
Over the course of several months, hundreds of pro-Israel students and young professionals will participate in virtual workshops, gaining hands-on training in virality, social media strategy, branding, and digital storytelling. From this group, 75 top candidates will advance to the next stage, refining their skills through mentorship and content creation challenges.
The program will culminate in an exclusive, three-day, in-person bootcamp, where the top 30 participants will receive elite training from leading influencers, strategists, and media professionals. They will also pitch their projects in a Shark Tank-style competition, with the best creators receiving micro-grants and ongoing mentorship to scale their platforms.
The program was launched on March 1, 2025 at the StandWithUs International Conference in Los Angeles, in front of an audience of over 650 people including students from around the world.
Ascend Digital Academy website: https://www.ascendisrael.com/
“In today’s digital battlefield, truth is no longer objective—it’s what you make it,” said Baruch Apisdorf , CEO of Let’s Do Something. “Pro-Israel voices are being drowned out online, and Gen Z support for Israel is plummeting. We refuse to let others control our story. Ascend is about training the next generation to take back the narrative—boldly, unapologetically, and effectively.”
“With 2.2 billion interactions across our social media platforms since October 7, 2023, StandWithUs is well-placed to educate and empower the next generation of pro-Israel creators, who will push back against misinformation and online antisemitism. We are proud to work with our partners to launch this groundbreaking program”, said Michael Dickson, Executive Director of StandWithUs Israel.
“We are at a pivotal moment where digital advocacy is as crucial as traditional diplomacy. The digital battlefield is where public opinion is shaped, and Israel’s detractors have mastered the art of viral misinformation. With Ascend, we are equipping the next generation of content creators with the skills to strategically challenge these narratives, combat misinformation, and ensure that Israel’s story is told with clarity, impact, and truth.” – Ofir Ohayon, CEO of DiploAct
Through this strategic partnership between LDS, StandWithUs, and DiploAct, Ascend will blend expertise in digital advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and diplomatic strategy to create a new generation of pro-Israel content creators who can shape the online conversation at scale. Participants will leave the program with concrete skills, a powerful network, and the confidence to engage online in a way that resonates with their generation.
Applications for Ascend are now open.
Information and to apply: https://www.ascendisrael.com/
About Let’s Do Something
Founded in the aftermath of October 7th, Let’s Do Something is one of the fastest-growing Jewish organizations, committed to defense, healing, and advocacy. From launching international aid efforts to building a viral-first media movement, LDS is redefining what it means to stand up for Israel in today’s world.
About StandWithUs
StandWithUs (SWU) is a 23-year-old international non-partisan education organization that inspires people of all ages about Israel, challenges misinformation and fights against antisemitism. StandWithUs empowers people around the world to educate others through social media, print and digital materials in different languages, through educational programs and conferences, weekly newsletters, data and analytics, and missions to Israel. It takes legal action through the StandWithUs Saidoff Legal Department. It empowers hundreds of student leaders annually through its college Fellowship and high school Internship. SWU provides schools and educators with vital tools through its IsraelLINK middle school program, Holocaust Education Center, and K-12 Fairness Center. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Los Angeles, StandWithUs has chapters throughout the U.S., Israel, Canada, the UK, Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Australia and South Africa. For the last thirteen years, StandWithUs has consistently received the highest possible ratings from Charity Navigator and GuideStar, two charity watchdog groups that assess over a million charities in the United States. This puts StandWithUs in the top 3% of charities ranked for their transparency and accountability.
About DiploAct
Founded in 2016 by a group of passionate young activists, DiploAct was created with a clear mission: to reshape the global narrative about Israel. What began as a grassroots initiative has evolved into a leading force in public diplomacy and advocacy. Through comprehensive training programs, strategic international delegations, and cutting-edge digital initiatives, DiploAct empowers the next generation of changemakers to combat misinformation and promote a fact-based, positive image of Israel. With a steadfast commitment to truth and education, DiploAct continues to amplify Israel’s voice on the world stage.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:Jennifer Kutner jenniferk@standwithus.com
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