As tensions flare between Israel, Iran, and Hamas, two Angolan women living in Israel have spoken out about their experiences and expressed frustration over the flood of misinformation circulating on social media.
In an exclusive interview with Rádio Correio da Kianda, Laura and Lassalete—both longtime residents in Israel—shared their accounts of living through the recent escalation and warned that a significant portion of the widely shared footage and claims online are false.
“Seventy percent of the information shared on social media about the war with Iran and even Hamas is fake news,” said Laura, who lives in southern Israel, near the area targeted during the October 7, 2024, Hamas attack.
Describing the intensity of those first days, she recalled, “Friday and Saturday were complicated, difficult situations.
We couldn’t be on the streets, the children couldn’t go to school.”
However, she noted that the situation had since improved.
“Today I left the house, I was able to go to the supermarket, I was able to go to a café.
Things are starting to calm down.”
Lassalete, based in the north of the country, acknowledged that while her area was typically quieter, the current conflict presented new dangers.
“Iran is much stronger than Hamas. It has a much more powerful military potential, which affects all of Israel.”
Despite ongoing concerns, Lassalete has returned to teaching and noted that life continues under strict safety protocols.
“When there are sirens, we go into the bunkers and live our lives like that.
It’s strange, but we’re getting used to missiles flying over our heads.”
Both women debunked viral videos showing alleged destruction of key Israeli infrastructure.
“There’s a video of Ben Gurion Airport completely destroyed. That is completely false,” Lassalete said.
“And the reports of Mossad headquarters being hit—also fake,” Laura added.
They attributed much of the misinformation to manipulated content.
“A lot of these videos are enhanced using artificial intelligence, and people fall for that,” said Lassalete, voicing concern about the global impact of this misinformation.
In the midst of the turmoil, both women commended the Angolan Embassy in Israel for its unwavering support.
“Whether it’s four in the morning or three in the morning, they are always there asking how each member of the community is doing,” Lassalete said.
Laura added that she had once been evacuated by the embassy during a dangerous situation and expressed deep gratitude for their continued assistance.
As the conflict evolves, these firsthand testimonies offer a grounded counterpoint to online speculation, highlighting the resilience of residents—and the power of accurate information.
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