The IDF Spokesman's office is trying to make online hasbara an epic battle. The new web application IDF Ranks virtually "enlists" hasbara-ites to become Israel's most revered soldier in only a few clicks by sharing articles about Israel's military. Each share is awarded points, earn enough points and subscribers can move up from a lowly recruit to a Zionist Rambo. From IDF Spokesman:
Have you ever wanted to join the military and fight to defend Israel? Well, now you can, with IDF Ranks — embedded directly in all IDF social platforms!Lock, stock and load; share, Tweet and email. Do it from your sofa, bed or toilet if you have a smart phone.
IDF Ranks promotes YOU for your activities around IDF-related material. Your every action — commenting, liking, sharing and even just visiting — rewards your efforts, as well as helps spread the truth about the Israeli army all over the world.
Yet the application is basically a dressed up version of a Facebook/Twitter share feature (we have one on Mondoweiss, it's on the upper left side of the page). But what distinguishes IDF Ranks as a "game" with "virtual soldiers" is its bombastic copy that equates selecting an icon in the name of Israel to a venerable activity:
"TO INFINITY, AND BEYOND!more
That’'s the spirit, soldier! Welcome aboard. Now get started and score some badges! You can earn badges by completing several specific tasks. For instance, ‘like’ 3 different articles in the front page and you’ll get a brand new badge for that. (Shiny.)"
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