Israel's Young Diplomacy Child Ben Carasso Continues Global Advocacy

In an era where social media allows children and teenagers to become influencers, some choose to use their exposure for public diplomacy. One such individual is Ben Carasso, an 11-year-old from Tel Aviv, who has earned the title of Israel's public diplomacy child. He is known for successfully reaching diverse global audiences through videos, interviews, and advocacy missions.

The Path of Advocacy and International Appeal

It all began following the October 7 massacre, when the father of one of his friends was reported missing after the Nova music festival and was later found to have been murdered. Carasso started publishing videos presenting the war from the perspective of Israeli children. One of his most notable videos was published last month, following remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron at the UN General Assembly, in which Macron claimed that Hamas never operated in the West Bank. Carasso addressed him in French, saying: "President Macron, wake up! Before you fabricate plots against Israel, check the facts." The video garnered tens of thousands of views.

However, recognition of his activities began even earlier. In 2025, at just 10 years old, Carasso was chosen to light a torch at the 77th Independence Day ceremony, becoming the youngest torchlighter in the country's history. Alongside his social media activity, he delivers lectures to students and pupils around the world, focusing primarily on the experiences of children living in the shadow of war and antisemitism.

Coping with Antisemitism and International Encounters

International exposure brings severe challenges as well. In November 2025, after being interviewed by the Italian newspaper Il Riformista about the plight of Israeli children during the war, Carasso received hundreds of antisemitic comments, including the shocking call: "Go back to Auschwitz like your grandfather." Carasso, a third-generation Holocaust survivor, noted that out of some 300 comments on the article, the vast majority were antisemitic. During a visit to New York, he also faced verbal abuse while asking passersby to share messages of hope while wearing a Star of David necklace. Despite this, he made it clear that hateful reactions will not deter him from continuing his work.

"President Macron, wake up! Before you fabricate plots against Israel, check the facts."

During visits to Australia, a personal and moving meeting took place. This past March, Carasso met 7-year-old Samar Brituan, who survived the Hanukkah shooting attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney in December 2025. Her 10-year-old older sister, Matilda, was the youngest of the 15 victims killed in the attack. Samar shared her longing for her sister with Carasso, and the meeting led to a lasting connection with her family. Matilda's father even presented him with a memorial pin in memory of his daughter, which Carasso began wearing at meetings and lectures.

Last week, Carasso returned to Australia to mark three years since the October 7 massacre. During a memorial ceremony held at the central synagogue in Sydney, attended by hundreds of participants, he spoke about the children murdered in the Hamas attack and invited Samar to join him on stage. The two—an Israeli boy seeking to voice the children of war and an Australian girl who lost her sister in an antisemitic attack—together declared: "Am Yisrael Chai." The event was described by the Australian Jewish community newspaper as one of the most emotional moments of the evening.

Local Recognition and Media Projects

In Israel as well, Carasso receives widespread exposure and supportive feedback. In an interview with the Weekend program on i24NEWS, he explained that his goal is to present the reality of Israeli children to the world rather than just news headlines. Simultaneously, he hosts the Blue and White podcast, which has featured guests such as Eylon Levy and Shimon Mizrahi. The latter praised his activities, saying: "I wish there were more like you, and there is no one your age who does what you do with such great success."

As remembered, Carasso is not the only child who chose to enter the advocacy arena on social media. Just last week, 10-year-old Riff Dadon, son of model and advocate Netal Dadon, addressed Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie in English following her post regarding the situation in Gaza. In the video, he reminded viewers of the victims of the October 7 massacre and called upon her not to ignore them, emphasizing: "Jewish children count too."