In a digital age in which screens shape reality and algorithms steer public opinion, there exists another arena, quiet and largely unnoticed, where a very different kind of communication takes place. It is a world in which private individuals, enthusiasts, connect countries, break down barriers and build bridges that at times precede official policy.
Many are unaware of the depth of the diplomatic and human contribution made by amateur radio operators worldwide. As early as the 1960s and 1970s, rare moments of openness were recorded. At a time when Israeli amateur radio operators were legally prohibited from communicating with Arab countries, one voice nonetheless broke through: that of a Jordanian radio amateur bearing the unique call sign JY1, King Hussein.
Hussein, an avid radio enthusiast, operated a station from the royal palace and at times from London. His contacts with Israeli radio amateurs were exceptional. He did not limit himself to brief, formal exchanges, known as QSOs, but held long, friendly conversations marked by genuine human curiosity. This was an unusual phenomenon at the time. Years later, following the signing of the peace treaty, King Hussein invited Israeli amateur radio operators for an official visit to Amman and presented them with gifts as mementos.
This form of radio diplomacy did not remain a relic of the past. It continues today. One notable example is a connection I established with Gen. Mohamed Harmou, head of Morocco’s intelligence apparatus and the official responsible for the personal security of the king, who invited me to visit his country. Even in the sensitive world of security and intelligence, where every word is carefully weighed, amateur radio serves as a direct human channel. It is based on trust, mutual respect and, at times, personal acquaintance rather than political interests.
Other countries have also demonstrated surprising openness. Amateur radio operators in Iran, for example, sometimes respond to CQ calls, general calls seeking contact, from Israelis. These exchanges serve as a reminder that humanity and friendship can at times be stronger than politics and official conflicts.
Unique diplomacy with the Israel Amateur Radio Association
As the current president of the Israel Amateur Radio Association, I have experienced this unique diplomacy firsthand. In the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah Al Qasimi, president of the amateur radio association and son of the ruler of Sharjah, hosted my wife and me for a friendly dinner attended by ministers and senior figures. What began as a radio contact evolved into a personal, human relationship.
Another extraordinary connection also emerged through the amateur radio world. A radio amateur from Sierra Leone who visited Israel as part of his activities established contact with me, leading to an official invitation to visit his country and meet with its president. Coordinated with Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the initiative resulted in the establishment of Sierra Leone’s first dialysis unit. This humanitarian project significantly strengthened diplomatic relations and left a lasting human imprint between the two countries.
This is an example of how a connection on radio frequencies, combined with goodwill, can yield diplomatic, medical and social outcomes. These are outcomes that could not have been achieved through official channels alone.
Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is also an active amateur radio operator. This is further proof that the hobby connects statesmen, security officials, scientists and private citizens into a single international network.
Amateur radio operators also play a role in saving lives. In times of disaster, including earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, fires and the collapse of communication systems, amateur radio networks often become the only operational means of communication. This was the case during the earthquake in Mexico, the tsunami in Japan, Hurricane Katrina and many other disasters, when radio amateurs established emergency networks within minutes and transmitted life-saving information in real time.
On October 7, 2023, an amateur radio operator named Shlomo Goldstein, who was trapped in a safe room in Kibbutz Kissufim, managed to call for help via a fellow radio amateur in Ramat Gan. He was saved.
In Israel, this contribution has received official recognition. The Knesset has acknowledged amateur radio operators as emergency communications operators, and dedicated legislation allows them to establish antennas and stations in their homes with minimal regulatory barriers. The law is enshrined in the state’s statute book and reflects a deep understanding of their national and humanitarian contribution.
Israel’s amateur radio community is known worldwide for its professionalism, innovation and ability to build direct, unmediated human connections. The association’s board represents Israel with distinction at international conferences. In recent years, the Israel Amateur Radio Association has invested in making the hobby accessible to new audiences. This includes in-person courses, community meetups and the podcast “Open Contact,” which opens a window into the fascinating world of amateur radio.
In a world where trust has become a scarce resource, amateur radio operators offer something different: human communication that connects people around the world who share the same passion.
The author is CEO of Radios 100FM, honorary consul and vice dean of the Consular Diplomatic Corps, president of the Israel Amateur Radio Association, and a former Galei Tzahal signal operator and NBC television correspondent.