Fuente Latina – a non-profit and non-governmental organization that intends to remove geographic and linguistic barriers for global Spanish language media covering stories about Israel and the Middle East – has recently open its first United States office in Miami. This is the organization’s third office, with the others being in Jerusalem, Israel and in Madrid, Spain.
This organization’s mission is to provide balanced information about Israel and the Middle East to Spanish language media. It was established in December 2012 out of a growing demand for greater access to information about Israel and the Middle East in Spanish amid developing regional events such as Operation Pillar of Defense and the Arab Spring. The organization’s new office engages primarily global Spanish media that is based in South Florida – including Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties – and the rest of the state. Its relationships aren’t just limited to media, as it is working closely with local partners.
Leah Soibel, the organization’s executive director and founder, said in an email statement: “The new Miami office marks an important stage in our history, as we are close to reaching three years of work promoting accurate reporting on Israel and the region. We have contributed in awakening an interest among Hispanics about this part of the world and from Miami we will become more of a bridge between Latinos in the United States and Israel, bringing both sides closer together.”
Gloria Garcés, the new Miami office director and an alumnus of the University of Miami with a degree in Business and Marketing and with a vast experience in the media, both as an executive and in front of the camera in Latin America and the United States, said in an email: “From our new Miami base, Fuente Latina can provide access and emerge as the number one source for local Spanish language media covering stories about Israel and the Middle East. We are committed to work hand in hand with local Hispanic journalists and media outlets, tailoring news from Israel and the Mideast for their specific audience, ultimately strengthen understanding and ties between the Hispanic world and Israel.”
The organization’s first official event in Miami was the launch party in December where dozens of local Hispanic media personalities, friends, community leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate the establishment of the U.S. office. The office also hosted Ronen Hoffman, a former Israeli member of the Knesset, at a private fundraiser in Aventura for supporters of organization’s mission.
Garcés thought hosting Hoffman speaking in one of the office’s first events was very fitting.
“Ex MK Hoffman believes strongly in Fuente Latina’s mission,” Garcés noted in the email. “He is a proponent of strengthening U.S.-Israel ties and building bridges with U.S. Hispanics. Holding an event with a member of Knesset demonstrates Fuente Latina’s access to newsmakers and key politicians; these are the personalities media want to interview.”
Garcés thought the highlight of Hoffman’s talk was his analysis of possible outcomes of the U.S. presidential elections and its impact on U.S.-Israel relations.
Hoffman said in an interview: “As an Israeli statesman and as an Israeli academic, I think Fuente Latina is one of the most important organizations and the work that they do for Israel is huge, so I’m honored and very fortunate that they actually invited me to speak.”
When asked what he hopes the audience took away from his presentation, Hoffman responded: “I hope the audience can get a better understanding of Israel’s national security concern, a better understanding of Israel’s foreign policy strategy and a better understanding of Israel’s public diplomacy.”
More information on the organization can be found at fuentelatina.org.
