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Weeklong visit by 160 young German leaders, including Muslims and left-wing activists, aims to reshape how their generation understands Israel *** One hundred sixty young German leaders arrived in Israel this week for an intensive political, cultural and human-rights program aimed at reshaping how a new generation in Germany understands Israel beyond social media snapshots. The delegation landed on a chartered plane painted in bright colors to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between the countries. But Israeli officials said the real purpose of the initiative, known as the Plane Project, is to close a widening knowledge gap among young Germans who often encounter Israel only through the lens of war and conflict on TikTok and other platforms. Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor, who accompanied the group, said many young Germans lack even basic awareness of modern Israel or the history that shaped it. “There is an alarming amount of ignorance,” he told ynet, noting that large segments of the younger generation do not know what the Holocaust was. “People assume everyone understands the region, the neighbors, the fact that Israel is a democracy and a multicultural state, but they do not. What they have seen in the last two years is Israel only through the prism of war. It deeply concerns us.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized and funded the delegation and said it is part of an unprecedented wave of hundreds of similar visits this year, bringing influencers and emerging leaders to Israel as a strategic tool in the information struggle faced by the country.

Bye bye Brussels… A Brussels municipality canceled the American metal band’s Oct. 15 concert, citing security concerns tied to Jewish rocker David Draiman’s outspoken support for Israel; Tickets remain on sale despite the official police order The Brussels district of Forest has canceled a planned Disturbed concert over what officials described as “security concerns” and public outrage surrounding the pro-Israel views of the band’s lead singer, David Draiman. The show was scheduled for Oct. 15 at the Forest National Arena, but city authorities issued an official police order halting the event, the Belgian newspaper De Standaard reported.  Forest Mayor Charles Spapens said the decision followed a negative police assessment. “Given the sensitive location and the police’s negative opinion, it was my duty to make this decision,” he said. “My responsibility and priority are the safety of residents, neighbors, spectators, and staff.” The American metal band has yet to issue a public response.  According to the report, local unions and organizations had planned to hold protests outside the venue, and police warned of a potential threat to public safety. @ynetglobal