AJC leads Latino media, filmmakers on Israel tour

JERUSALEM (Press Release)– Top U.S. Latino Media and Entertainment leaders are visiting Israel this week in a pioneering initiative to explore joint ventures, scout location sites, and share best practices with their Israeli counterparts. The group is hosted by AJC’s Project Interchange and AJC’s Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs (BILLA), in partnership with the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts.

This initiative underscores AJC’s long-standing effort to build bridges with the Latino community, and marks Project Interchange and BILLA’s 22nd joint delegation for Latino opinion leaders to Israel.

The trip signifies a turning point in the growing relationship between the two communities. While roughly 17 percent of the U.S. population, the Latino community is significantly under-represented in the entertainment industry. Like Latinos in the U.S., Jews have faced stereotypical portrayals and struggle with discrimination. Israel has become an emerging power in the entertainment arena, forging new ground in film and television. The discussions and contacts that emerge from this delegation are expected to forge new understandings and capitalize on the creative energies of Latinos and Israelis.

The delegation will traverse much of Israel, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Umm El Fahm, for a first-hand look at Israel. The itinerary includes meetings with influential figures in Israel’s celebrated film and television industry, authors, artists, and leading cultural figures. Sessions dealing with Israel’s strategic environment, immigration, diversity, co-existence and interfaith relations are also on the agenda.

Noting how Israeli films and television programs continue to garner international attention, including prestigious film festivals and Hollywood development deals, the delegation will meet with leading directors and producers in Israel, as well as with individuals involved in content development.

Participants include Latino television and stage actors and writers, content creators for television and film, and executives involved in film and television production. Felix Sanchez, Chair and Co-Founder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, and a Project Interchange alumnus, is traveling with the group, and noted, “As a proud alumnus of AJC’s Project Interchange and BILLA, I’m delighted to participate with this important contingent of Latino entertainment and media executives, producers, writers and actors, as we meet and engage with our entertainment counterparts in Israel and build strong relationships between our communities. The future is now.”

Robin S. Levenston, Project Interchange Executive Director, stated, “AJC’s Project Interchange is thrilled to host these prominent leaders in our 22^nd delegation of Latino leaders traveling to Israel. This is a golden opportunity for artists, media and entertainment leaders in both countries to explore areas and themes of common interest and take the relationships in these industries to new levels.”

The Project Interchange delegation is accompanied by Dina Siegel Vann, Director of AJC’s Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs, which celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year.

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