The AI company used its technology to give a voice to abducted children through its "Be Their Voice" campaign
The AI company used its technology to give a voice to abducted children through its "Be Their Voice" campaign
The campaign, made by Generative AI for good, aims to secure the release of 241 Israeli abductees and includes a series of animated videos depicting the abductees. The video of the abducted brothers Naveh and Yahel Shoham, ages 3 and 8, reached global attention
In response to the terrible attacks on October 7 and to aid in the return of the kidnapped Israelis held in Gaza, Generative AI for Good began the "Be Their Voice" initiative. The campaign uses AI to animate the faces of the kidnapped, making it appear as if they are speaking, thus reaching out to people worldwide. Despite the sensitive nature of the situation, the families of the kidnapped are involved, believing in the power of the campaign to highlight the grave injustice their loved ones are enduring. The first video, released last week featuring Naveh Shoham, received widespread attention and increased awareness of the issue. A new video was released on Wednesday with his younger sister Yahel, who was also kidnapped. In these videos, Naveh and Yahel ask to be brought back home.
The campaign was conceived by Shiran Malmedovsky-Somekh's company, Generative AI for Good, and entrepreneur Daniel Ofek. Their collaborative efforts with the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, Tal Harari, and creative director Mor Biran Morg brought the project to life. Gilad Korngold, the grandfather of Naveh and the father of another abductee, Tal Shoham, expresses his anguish, "The animated videos of Neve and Yahel truly tug at the heartstrings. We haven't seen our beloved children's smiles or heard their joyous laughter in weeks. Since Yahel and Naveh are unable to make their voices heard at this moment, it is up to us to be their voice."
"AI is a powerful tool in engaging the public and winning hearts and minds. We've leveraged it to increase global awareness about the kidnapped individuals while ensuring its use is responsible and empathetic," states Shiran Malmedovsky-Somekh.
Efrat Duvdevani, director of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, comments, "The last few weeks have been excruciating. We are focused on the mission to bring back all the kidnapped - women, children, elders, and men. These AI videos express the words the kidnapped cannot say themselves. We eagerly await their safe and healthy return. Amen."
Experts from various industries have joined the campaign, including Natalie Lievsky, photographer Yoram Reshef, who is a faculty member at Hadassah Academic College's Department of Photographic Communication, AI professionals like Nur Pro-Zahraldin and Debbie Shapiro, and well-known voice actors from popular children's series.
