The final two days of the Latin American Journalists Mission to Israel concluded after discussions with minority community leaders, briefings from regional security experts and an emotional conversation with a former hostage. Journalists also learned about recent violence against Druze communities in Syria, northern border security and Iran’s historical role in sponsoring international terrorism. The mission ended with a visit to Jaffa and a farewell luncheon before Shabbat.

For the past decade, B’nai B’rith’s annual Latin American journalist mission has served as a reminder of why firsthand engagement matters: to counter misinformation, give journalists unfiltered access to Israeli society and deepen global understanding of the realities on the ground.

 

Day 5: Northern Border Briefings and Minority Communities

The fifth day of the mission began in Biram with a visit to the Aramean Christian community led by Capt.   (res.) Shadi Khalloul. Speaking near Israel’s northern border, Khalloul discussed the history and identity of the small Aramean Christian community and emphasized its commitment to Israel’s security as citizens of the state.

The delegation then visited the ALMA Research and Education Center, where experts provided briefings on security developments along Israel’s northern borders with Lebanon and Syria. Journalists received analysis on Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon and broader regional threats.

In the Druze village of Julis, the group met with community leaders, including Sheikh Mwaffaq Tarif. The leaders described recent violence against Druze communities in Syria, including the killing of men, women and children despite ceasefire efforts. They expressed appreciation for Israel’s protection of Druze citizens while voicing frustration over a limited international response.

 

Later in the day, the journalists visited Haifa and toured the Baháʼí Gardens, and met with former hostage Eitan Horn. Horn recounted his two years in captivity, describing physical and psychological abuse, starvation and mistreatment. He also spoke about his ongoing rehabilitation and explained that peace with Gaza will only be possible if Hamas is no longer in control.

 

Day 6: Regional Analysis and Closing Meetings

On the final day of the mission, the journalists attended a lecture by Beni Sabti of Channel 12 News. Sabti outlined Iran’s role in sponsoring terrorism in the region, including the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy and the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires.

The delegation then visited Peduel, where local authorities briefed the group on daily life and security realities in the community.

The mission concluded with a visit to Jaffa and a farewell luncheon before the start of Shabbat, reflecting on a complex week of expert briefings, fascinating tours and emotional discussions across Israel.