Finding light in dark times: The story behind the viral Whatsapp group Just My Israel

In the tapestry of modern Jewish life, where threads of tradition interweave with contemporary challenges, there are moments when a single light illuminates the way forward. Through the pixelated glow of smartphone screens, that light now shines from an unexpected source: a social media platform that has become a digital hearth for the Jewish community worldwide.

Just My Israel (JMI) emerged not from corporate boardrooms or marketing strategies, but from a heart full of love for the land of Israel and its people. In an age where social media often amplifies division, JMI has become something rare and precious: a virtual gathering place where the pulse of Israeli life beats in harmony with the hopes and prayers of Jews around the globe. In an exclusive interview, we spoke with the founder who, choosing to remain unnamed, shared how a personal passion transformed into a viral Whatsapp group, sharing messages of unity and hope for tens of thousands of Jews all over the world.

What is Just My Israel?

A Love Rekindled

"I love Israel, I guess that's pretty obvious," the founder begins with a warm smile in his voice. But this deep connection wasn't a constant in his life. After spending a year in yeshiva study in Israel, he took an unexpected eight-year break from visiting the land. It was a pivotal ten-day trip with his wife that reignited his passion.

"I was just blown away," he recalls, his enthusiasm palpable even through our digital conversation. This transformative experience led to a personal commitment: visiting Israel every year, each trip deepening his understanding of the land's rich history, complex legal questions, and intricate halachic aspects.

From Tourist Frustration to Digital Innovation

The genesis of JMI stemmed from a common traveler's pain point. "I was troubled by the fact that there are so many kevarim (burial sites), ancient shuls that one can discover on the side of the road that have zero information," he explains. Like countless others before him, he found himself wandering through the ancient streets of Tzfat, aware that he was missing layers of meaning in his surroundings.

An Unexpected Journey

What began as a modest social media presence transformed rapidly. "A friend with a large following gave me a free shoutout and within one day I had 150 followers," he remembers. The platform's growth was organic, driven by an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. However, it was during times of crisis that JMI found its true calling.

"People learned that our platform was the best place for the positive and uplifting content we all craved, and things just exploded from there," he shares. The platform became particularly crucial during the recent conflict, offering a source of hope and connection for worried families worldwide.

The Power of Namelessness

The founder's choice to remain anonymous is deliberate, rooted in both practical and philosophical considerations. While he maintains a separate professional public persona, his anonymity serves a higher purpose: "I really don't want this platform to be labeled. I want everyone across the spectrum of the Jewish community to identify with my mission. I am represent all Jews, not anyone in specific, no specific Hashkafa or community."

A Growing Mission

As JMI's influence has expanded, so has the founder's sense of responsibility. He meticulously curates content to maintain an uplifting tone while embracing the diversity of Jewish communities. "The more I realized how important the positivity was for the followers, the more effort I put in to deliver," he explains. This includes careful attention to language, ensuring content remains accessible to less affiliated Jews by thoughtfully explaining Hebrew or Yiddish phrases.

Impact Beyond Borders

The platform's reach extends far beyond its original target audience. "I describe it as a window into Israel for those of us who don't live there," he explains. "Which, by the way, is the reason it surprised me when so many people living in Israel joined. Today we have thousands of +972 numbers."

The impact of JMI's positive approach has become part of the cultural lexicon. He shares a touching anecdote: "During the beginning of the war, someone living in Israel told me that they heard someone say something negative and then another person say, 'we gotta wear our JustMyIsrael glasses' and see only positive. Made my day, my year, my life..."

A Light in Dark Times

Perhaps the most powerful testament to JMI's impact comes from parents of soldiers during times of conflict. "I got so many messages then," he recalls. "A few along the lines of 'my kid is there in the army, I'm so nervous, the news looks so bad, so your content is the only thing I look at and now I know he'll be okay.'" His voice softens as he adds, "Nothing like those messages."

Behind the Scenes

Managing JMI is a labor of love that comes with significant challenges. The founder balances the platform's demands with "extremely long work days with heavy pressure" in his regular life. What sustains him? The constant stream of grateful messages from followers. "Every message thanking me for my work warms my heart and gives me a huge boost to keep it up," he shares.

Looking to the Future

Despite the demanding schedule and responsibilities, the founder maintains both his enthusiasm and sense of humor. He playfully promises that JMI will be "the first to break the news about Mashiach's arrival," adding with characteristic optimism that he's "convinced that this will happen very soon."

The platform continues to evolve, sharing videos of tour guides, Israeli music, concerts, events of Rabbis and chassidic courts - "everything and anything that highlights The Jewish People in Israel," as the founder puts it.

A Sacred Bridge in the Digital Age

In the ancient streets of Jerusalem, where prophets once walked and kings once ruled, a new kind of light now shines - one that spans continents and connects hearts through the invisible threads of the digital age. Just My Israel has become more than a platform; it has transformed into a modern-day pilgrim's path, where every scroll, every like, every shared moment becomes a prayer, a hope, a connection to the eternal story of our people.

As the sun sets over Jerusalem's golden stones and rises over Brooklyn's bustling streets, JMI continues to weave its tapestry of unity, one post at a time. In an era where screens often divide us, it has created a sacred space where the soul of Israel reaches out to embrace her children wherever they may be. Through this window, we glimpse not just the Israel of tourist brochures or news headlines, but the beating heart of a land and people bound together by faith, tradition, and an unwavering hope for tomorrow.

Just My Israel reminds us that even in the digital age, we remain what we have always been: one people, one heart, turning always toward Jerusalem. As the founder's journey shows us, sometimes the most profound connections begin with a single post, a moment of sharing, a gesture of love that ripples outward to touch countless lives, reminding us of continuation - of our story, our unity, our eternal bond with the land that has always been our home.

To Join JustMyIsrael: https://wa.me/message/GDYLTDTR3TZKM1