We came across a recent Facebook post featuring an image that appears to show Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel. The post could be interpreted to imply that Minister Balakrishnan recently visited the Western Wall to pray for peace.
This post comes at a time when Israel is engaged in conflicts both in Palestine and with Iran. Such an implication could give the impression that Singapore is siding with Israel in these conflicts.
The image was shared by a Facebook profile described as a “digital creator,” who has regularly shared commentary on topics related to Israel, including the Israel-Iran and Israel-Gaza conflicts. Many comments under the post also expressed concerns about whether the image truly depicted Minister Balakrishnan or if it had been generated by AI.
Was the image AI-generated?
To verify its authenticity, we analysed the image using free online AI detection tools, such as AI or Not, and found that it was likely genuine.
We also conducted a Google reverse image search of the image and found that it is an authentic photograph taken during the official visit of Minister Balakrishnan to Israel, from 21 to 23 March 2022, which included his visit to the Western Wall and the Western Wall Tunnels in Jerusalem.
During his visit, Minister Balakrishnan met with Israeli officials to discuss, among other things, strengthening cooperation in areas such as innovation and technology, trade, and investment.
Although the photograph was taken in 2022, it has recently resurfaced on platforms such as TikTok, accompanied by sentiments suggesting that Singapore supports Israel and is indirectly condoning its actions in Gaza.
An X post further speculated about Minister Balakrishnan’s religious beliefs, falsely stating that his father was a pastor (a statement that was later corrected), implying that this family background suggests strong fundamentalist Christian views. It also alleged, without evidence, that he harbours Sinophobia (a fear or dislike of China, or its people or culture) stemming from these supposed religious beliefs.
These insinuations attempted to cast doubt on Minister Balakrishnan’s integrity by suggesting that his diplomatic positions could be influenced by personal religious convictions rather than Singapore’s national interests, implying that his professional judgment may be compromised by private beliefs.
Singapore’s position on the Middle East
Since the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023, Minister Balakrishnan has restated Singapore’s strong condemnation of the acts of terror and urged the “safe, unconditional, and immediate release of all civilian hostages from Gaza”. During his most recent state visit to Israel in March 2024, he also expressed Singapore’s profound concern about the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
These statements and actions reflect Singapore’s consistent, principled stance, contradicting the unfounded speculations suggesting that the Minister’s positions are driven by personal religious beliefs.
Hence, it is not true that Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, was in Jerusalem recently to pray for peace.
Given the ongoing conflicts, posts related to Israel have become particularly sensitive, making it understandable that people might question the authenticity of a photo showing our Minister for Foreign Affairs in Israel and wonder if such a visit implies Singapore’s support for Israel.
However, it is important to recognise that times of conflict are often exploited by individuals or groups seeking to spread misinformation or sow confusion. As such, people should exercise caution and verify information before sharing or drawing conclusions.
