A newly formed firm, Show Faith by Works, has launched a $3.2 million “geofencing” campaign to target Christian churches and colleges across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado with pro-Israel and anti-Palestinian messaging, according to filings under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act.
The firm plans to “geofence” the perimeters of major churches and Christian colleges during worship times, track attendees’ mobile devices, and deliver follow-up ads, all on behalf of the Israeli government.
The campaign also includes paying pastors stipends to record and distribute pro-Israel messages, along with touring “Mobile Museum” exhibits that showcase 7 October attack footage and Israeli military narratives.
Many of the targeted churches told Responsible Statecraft they were unaware of the initiative. Privacy experts warn that geofencing, long used by corporations to push targeted ads, becomes especially dangerous when used by foreign governments for political influence.
Megan Iorio of the Electronic Privacy Information Center described the practice as “incredibly invasive,” noting that it allows precise tracking and messaging without users’ consent. Some states, including Oregon and Maryland, have already taken steps to restrict this kind of location data collection.
The campaign is being overseen by Eran Shayovich, Chief of Staff at Israel’s Foreign Ministry, as part of “Project 545,” a broader push to strengthen Israel’s influence operations in the US. It also involves coordination with former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale. Critics, including churchgoers who discovered their congregations on the target list, have accused the effort of religious manipulation and propaganda, warning that foreign-funded messaging risks compromising the independence and integrity of religious communities.
The Cradle, https://t.me/thecradlemedia/44233