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#73
Straight Facts
We are looking forward to welcoming many of our members to the Meeting of Representatives (MoR) in January. As I write this, Jews around the world are celebrating Chanukah, the festival of light. This year, it is particularly poignant as we still have 100 hostages captive by Hamas and antisemitism spreads around the world at a terrifying rate. Chanukah is that most Zionist of holidays. A celebration of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. It is also a reminder that inside every one of us is the spirit of the Maccabees. We stand tall, proud and unapologetic for who we are. We are grateful for our many allies, standing resolutely with us. Thank you!
In this edition of Straight Facts, we take an in-depth look at the manipulation of Gaza casualty figures, hear some extraordinary stories from survivors and rescuers on 7/10, go inside the Mossad’s pager mission and more.
Rolene Marks
World WIZO Executive: Head of Public Diplomacy & Hasbara
(Photo courtesy of Aaron Bours)
Israel’s New Approach to Tunnels
Maj (ret) John Spencer, expert in urban warfare weighs in on how Israel has been conducting its military campaign and what can be learnt from Israeli know-how and experience:
The Rescue – The only firsthand account of October 7 by Israel’s Pararescue Commandos
When she needed a helicopter to evacuate the wounded from Gaza and no one responded, he texted, ‘We’ll make sure it gets there’; Amid chaos at Kfar Aza, she set up the Paratroopers’ HQ in Sderot – Major Noga and Guy, a 669 medic, reflect on pressure, partnership, and moments of comfort during the war.
I think of them everyday
At the time of writing this, there are still 100 hostages held by Hamas. They must be released NOW!
This Dangerous Jewish Moment
Renowned author and journalist, Yossi Klein HaLevi writes this important article on the current iteration of antisemitism. HaLevi writes, “Antisemitism is the transformation of the Jews into “The Jew,” a symbol of whatever a given civilization regards as its most loathsome qualities.”
Questionable Counting
How has Hamas manipulated civilian casualty number and why does the media not report on them accurately? The Henry Jackson Society produced this in-depth look at the evidence. A must read!
Review of Textbooks in Ireland
The Irish government has become increasingly hostile towards Jews – but perhaps this worrying trend is starting earlier. This report by Impact exposes the alarming content children are taught in their school textbooks:
Israel’s Medical Advancements During war
Israel’s war with Hamas has resulted in some cutting-edge, astonishing medical advancements. Read more here:
WATCH:
Last year, the Nova music festival began as planned in the desert. But as the sun rose on October 7th 2023, Hamas gunmen crossed the border from Gaza launching a surprise attack on Israel. Nova attendees were among the 1,200 people killed and over 250 hostages taken by Hamas according to the Israeli government. The attack quickly turned into the deadliest day in Israel’s history.
Stop the Violence Panel on the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women:
LISTEN: The IDF take you inside the harrowing job of piecing together evidence found on the battlefield:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wAhbq9WxBnZzmrFlAm8rO
Former British officer and disinformation expert Andrew Fox tackles some of the most contentious claims surrounding the Gaza conflict. From the inflated casualty figures provided by Hamas to allegations of genocide, Fox addresses these issues head-on and explains how misinformation spreads during wartime.
State of Tel Aviv’s Vivian Bercovici brings you this fascinating chat with Professor Gad Sa’ad, an iconic intellectual figure who helps to make sense of this seemingly mad moment in history. Sharp, brilliant, fearless—and also very funny—Prof. Sa’ad likens the thought and mind controls pervading western societies to bacteria—or pathogens—that cause disease. It’s the focus of his international best-seller—The Parasitic Mind.
Pagers exploded across Lebanon in September. Retired Mossad agents, key to the operation, tell 60 Minutes Israel’s plot started years ago with getting Hezbollah terrorists to buy walkie-talkies.
Trey Yingst is an American journalist based in Jerusalem, Israel serving as the chief foreign correspondent for Fox News. Yingst has reported from the Gaza Strip and war zones around the world. On October 7, 2023, Yingst reported on the Hamas attack on Israel. He covered the Kfar Aza massacre, embedded with the IDF in Gaza, and reported on the tunnel system under Gaza, earning praise for his calm and poised reporting throughout the war.
MORE STORIES
#Rolene Marks
Straight Facts
Rolene Marks is a passionate advocate for Israel and appears on radio, television and in print. She is a member of the Media Team Israel, an advocacy body that fights media bias as well as Truth be Told. She is the Chairperson of WIZO’s Hasbara Division.
#72
Straight Facts
Some of the most prolific writers and thinkers such as Douglas Murray, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Dara Horn and others explore a variety of topics in this edition of Straight Facts.
#71
Straight Facts
In this edition of Straight Facts, we hear from a dissident from Gaza what life under Hamas is like, view the evidence collected off terrorists, listen in to important conversations and more.
#70
Straight Facts
In this edition of Straight Facts, we salute an extraordinary police officer who raced into the fire to rescue his sons, take a look at who is funding the anti-Israel protests, go inside Operation Arnon and more.
