The Consul General of Israel to the Midwest visited South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The Consul General of Israel to the Midwest visited South Bend Wednesday during his tour of the Midwest, even meeting with Notre Dame.

His goal? To help strengthen ties between Israel and the United States.

Tonight, he spoke at the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley to share his perspectives with the local Jewish community.

As the war wages on in Gaza, there is heightened concern for safety in the Jewish community. That's why Yinam Cohen came here to share his thoughts on the war and how to battle antisemitism in the U.S.

Born in Jerusalem in 1976, Yinam Cohen has worked for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 16 years.

With the war in Gaza reaching its five-month mark, he says many Jewish people in America have been feeling unsafe, especially on college campuses.

“Many Jewish students feel today intimidated and harassed unable to express freely their identity and this is something that is very wrong," said Cohen.

Cohen is especially worried about where people might be getting their information about Israel, especially with apps like Tik-Tok that are so popular amongst youth.

“I feel like it's my obligation to share with them my perspective and to share a broader perspective and maybe get them better information compared to what they're usually getting on Tik-Tok or elsewhere," said Cohen. 

Cohen is heartened by the support that Israel is receiving internationally, and right here in America, hoping for an end to the fighting. 

"So, we want to remove Hamas from power in the Gaza Strip and we want to lay the foundation for a better future in the Gaza Strip for the Palestinian and Israeli," said Cohen.

Cohen also adds that Israel with the American administration is working hard to find a solution that would allow for the hostages in Gaza to come home.