Philanthropist Millie Magid Credits Private Talks with Erdoğan for Shift in Views on Israel

In a recent JNS TV interview, Peruvian‑born Jewish activist and philanthropist Millie Magid recounted a series of private meetings with world leaders that, she says, reshaped her perception of Israel and motivated a new approach to combating antisemitism. The interview, recorded on 24 October 2026, focused on a chance encounter with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan just weeks before the October 7 attacks, as well as earlier conversations with the Pope and a Ugandan ambassador. Magid’s narrative offers a rare glimpse into how personal dialogue can intersect with the broader geopolitical currents that shape Israel’s diplomatic landscape.

From Catholic Roots in Peru to Jewish Advocacy

Magid’s story begins in the highlands of Peru, where she was raised in a Catholic family. She described her upbringing as steeped in religious tradition, yet she always felt a pull toward the Jewish people and their historic connection to the land of Israel. After converting to Judaism, she and her husband Larry devoted themselves to philanthropic work that emphasizes education and cultural exchange.

In the JNS interview, Magid explained that her early exposure to religious pluralism gave her a unique perspective on inter‑faith dialogue. She said that “the values of respect and learning that I absorbed in my youth have become the backbone of my advocacy for Israel.” This personal evolution, she argued, is essential for anyone seeking to bridge the gap between Israel and skeptical audiences abroad.

Her conversion and subsequent activism are framed not merely as a personal journey but as a strategic effort to counter antisemitic narratives that often rely on ignorance rather than intent. By positioning herself as a bridge‑builder, Magid hopes to demonstrate that Israel’s story can be understood through lived experience rather than through the abstract slogans that dominate many diplomatic arenas.

The Private Meeting with President Erdoğan

According to Magid, the most pivotal moment in her recent diplomatic outreach occurred during a private meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in early October 2026, a few weeks before the October 7 attacks. She described the encounter as “a chance conversation that quickly turned into a candid exchange about Israel’s security concerns and the broader regional dynamics.”

Magid recounted that Erdoğan, who has historically been critical of Israel, asked probing questions about the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict and the security challenges Israel faces on its northern and southern fronts. She said she emphasized Israel’s right to defend its citizens while also acknowledging the humanitarian concerns that arise in any protracted conflict. The tone, she noted, was surprisingly open, allowing for a dialogue that went beyond the usual diplomatic platitudes.

She stressed that the meeting was not a formal diplomatic negotiation but rather an informal, personal conversation that allowed her to “humanize” Israel for a leader whose public statements often focus on political rhetoric. Magid believes that this encounter laid the groundwork for a subtle shift in Erdoğan’s public posture, though she stopped short of claiming any concrete policy change.

Encounter with the Pope and the Power of Symbolic Dialogue

In addition to her talks with Erdoğan, Magid highlighted a previous meeting with the Pope, which she described as “a profound moment of inter‑faith solidarity.” While the interview did not specify which Pope she met, she emphasized that the conversation centered on the shared values of peace, religious tolerance, and the importance of protecting holy sites in Jerusalem.

Magid argued that such high‑profile symbolic meetings can have a ripple effect, especially when the participants are seen as moral authorities. She noted that the Pope’s willingness to listen to an activist with a Catholic background who had embraced Judaism sent a powerful message about the possibility of reconciliation and mutual respect.

She linked this experience to her broader thesis that “education and firsthand experiences are more powerful than political slogans.” By meeting religious leaders who command global attention, Magid believes she can help shape narratives that influence both public opinion and, indirectly, diplomatic stances.

Challenging Diplomats at the United Nations

Magid’s activism also extends to the United Nations, where she has “challenged diplomats” on the floor of various committees. In the interview, she recounted a specific instance in which she confronted a delegate who was promoting a one‑sided view of the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict. She argued that such unilateral narratives ignore the complex security realities Israel faces, including rocket attacks from Gaza and the threat of infiltration from the north.

She described her approach at the UN as “direct but respectful,” aiming to inject nuance into debates that often become echo chambers for entrenched positions. By presenting data, personal testimonies, and on‑the‑ground observations, Magid seeks to counterbalance the more emotive arguments that dominate many UN sessions.

While she did not claim to have altered any specific UN resolution, Magid believes that the cumulative effect of these interventions helps to keep Israel’s perspective visible in an arena where it is frequently marginalized.

Bringing a Ugandan Ambassador to Israel

Another highlight of Magid’s diplomatic outreach, as described in the video, was arranging a visit for a skeptical Ugandan ambassador to Israel. She said that the ambassador arrived with a “pre‑conceived notion” that Israel’s policies were primarily driven by expansionist ambitions. During the visit, Magid organized tours of Israeli high‑tech hubs, agricultural innovation centers, and security installations.

She emphasized that the ambassador’s reaction shifted from skepticism to admiration after witnessing Israel’s technological achievements and the resilience of its civilian‑military infrastructure. Magid argued that such firsthand exposure can dismantle entrenched biases more effectively than any press release or diplomatic note.

She also noted that the Ugandan ambassador’s subsequent public statements reflected a more balanced view, acknowledging Israel’s right to self‑defence while also calling for renewed dialogue with Palestinian leadership. Magid presented this outcome as evidence that “personal experience on the ground can reshape diplomatic language in ways that official channels often cannot.”

Response to the October 7 Tragedy and the Path Forward

When asked about the October 7 attacks, Magid described the day as a turning point not only for Israel but also for her own activism. She and her husband Larry responded by intensifying their support for Israeli families affected by the attacks, channeling donations to medical and psychological aid programs in northern Israel.

She reiterated her belief that “education and firsthand experiences are more powerful than political slogans,” arguing that the tragedy underscored the need for the international community to understand the human cost of insecurity. Magid’s narrative suggests that the events of October 7 have reinforced her commitment to fostering direct contact between foreign leaders and Israeli society.

Looking ahead, she urged other activists and philanthropists to replicate her model of personal diplomacy: arrange visits, hold informal conversations, and provide concrete evidence of Israel’s contributions to science, security, and humanitarian innovation. In her view, these efforts can gradually erode the “political slogans” that dominate headlines and replace them with nuanced, experience‑based understandings of Israel’s reality.

By Hannah Berg, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: JNS TV video report (24 October 2026); JNS TV; Global1.News