Dear Chaverot
I hope that this finds you all well.
Shana Tova! I hope that you are all well. As I write this, Israel is in lockdown for the second time as the number of Covid 19 infections have risen astronomically. It has been an emotional time as we try and navigate these High Holy days separated from our families and loved ones.
I also write this during an extraordinary time in Israel’s history. Israel has signed peace agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and many other states are expected to follow. This heralds a new dawn for Israel – and the region!
In this edition of Straight Facts, we take a look at the Abraham Accord agreements from various angles; hear from an NBA player who went to Auschwitz and more.
Warmest regards,
Rolene Marks
World WIZO Executive: Public Diplomacy & Hasbarah – Office of the Chairperson
+ 972 52 582 9090
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Why I Went to Auschwitz
NBA player, Ray Allen, writes this emotional article explaining why he visited Auschwitz and how important he believes the lessons that we can learn from visiting this most painful place are: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/ray-allen-why-i-went-to-auschwitz
Fortune Favours the Bold
Blessed are the peacemakers. These were the words of US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, when news of a truly momentous occasion, a proposed peace between Israel and the United Emirates and Bahrain was announced. More in this article by Rolene Marks: https://layoftheland.online/2020/08/18/fortune-favours-the-bold/
Palestinians Need to Want to Help Themselves
A senior Emirati diplomat weighs in on the Palestinians and their response to the signing of the Abraham Accords. This interview is quite enlightening: https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinians-need-to-want-to-help-themselves-senior-uae-diplomat-tells-toi/#gs.fmpxrx
The Road to Arab-Israeli Peace No Longer Runs through Ramallah
The signing of the Abraham Accords has certainly changed the paradigms of negotiating peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Avi Mayer looks at what has changed in this article for Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/road-arab-israeli-peace-no-longer-runs-through-ramallah-opinion-1531548
From BDS Activist to Israel Educator
Ali Drabu went from fervent Israel hater and BDS activist to Israel educator who works with Stand With Us. Read more about his fascinating journey here: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/my-journey-from-bds-activist-to-israel-educator/
Watch: Israel’s Legal Founding
When the state of Israel was founded in 1948, it was done so with the approval of the United Nations. But today, Israel's enemies routinely challenge the legitimacy of its very existence. So, under international law, who's right? Israel? Or her enemies? World renowned legal eagle, Alan Dershowitz explains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12KJa4a0d64
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Email Rolene Marks, World WIZO Executive: Public Diplomacy & Hasbara
Email: rolenemarks@yahoo.com
Tel.: + 972 52 580 9090