WIZO Hasbara
Home » WIZO Hasbara » 74

#74
Straight Facts
It was A-MAZING to welcome to many of you to Israel for the Meeting of Representatives (MoR) last month. What a week it was – and at such a crucial time as we navigate a temporary ceasefire and some hostages released. For many, it was a first visit to Israel since the atrocities of 7 October and it was a time to mourn – but also a time to focus on WIZO’s extraordinary work supporting the people of Israel.
A constant concern for many was the alarming spike in antisemitism in their countries. I hope that the content presented in Straight Facts helps to present Israel’s narrative and also empowers and strengthens you in the fight against antisemitism.
In this edition of Straight Facts we continue to bear witness by hearing from ZAKA, United Hatzalah first responders, find out about Kinocide and more.
Rolene Marks,
World WIZO Executive: Head of Public Diplomacy & Hasbara
(Photo courtesy of Israel: State of a Nation with Eylon Levy)
Top 10 Worst Antisemitic Incidents of 2024
The Simon Wiesenthal Centre’s annual report on the worst antisemitic incidents – 2024 saw an alarming spike, here are the top ten worst incidents.
https://www.wiesenthal.com/about/news/swc-releases-list-of-top-ten.html
Progressive Except for Palestine
My decades of activism—including vocal support for a Palestinian state—apparently don’t matter to my academic colleagues, who have cut me off for being a Zionist writes Philip Berber:
https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/community/articles/progressive-except-palestine
Are there Palestinians who want peace with Israelis?
Don’t lose hope: Many Palestinians do want peace – he cause has been hijacked by extremists but giving up will only create a vicious cycle says Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib:
https://www.thejc.com/lets-talk/dont-lose-hope-many-palestinians-do-want-peace-xrzn0nd6?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Email%2007012025&utm_content=Daily%20Email%2007012025+CID_11f322d753351a941282230967c29a11&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=Dont%20lose%20hope%20Many%20Palestinians%20do%20want%20peace
Horrible Hasbara: Israel’s Poor PR Efforts
The pro-Palestinian camp have spent more than 75 years perfecting their 30-second elevator pitch. It is time for Israel to catch up opines the author.
https://quillette.com/2024/10/30/horrible-hasbara-israels-poor-pr-efforts/
Kinocide Report – Why it is important
Hamas intentionally targeted families in their brutal terror attack on 7/10. This is Kinocide. Read more:
https://www.jns.org/kinocide-report-hamas-brutality-systematically-targeted-families/
The extraordinary ordinary women of the Swords of Iron
An ode to the inspiring women during the early months of darkness and others who have joined their ranks in the long months since.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-extraordinary-ordinary-women-of-iron-swords/
WATCH/LISTEN:
Interview with Simcha Greiniman from ZAKA
Simcha Greiniman is a Commander and Veteran Volunteer with ZAKA Search & Rescue, an Israeli NGO with over 3000 international volunteers who swiftly respond to assist in humanitarian emergencies across the globe.
From natural disasters to terror attacks and other mass casualty events, the heroes of ZAKA have seen a lot…but nothing as horrifying and disturbing as what they witnessed in the days and weeks following the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simcha-greiniman-10-7-zaka-search-rescue-israel-hamas/id1771334138?i=1000671357865
Maj. (ret) John Spencer analyses 7/10 Attacks from a military perspective
Many will be familiar with the major facts about the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. Over 1,200 people were killed and another 240 kidnapped and brought to Gaza as hostages. What do we know about the specific sites—more than twenty in total—that the attackers selected as targets? What about the specific tactics they employed? And since many of the sites targeted were in built-up, inhabited areas, what lessons on urban warfare can be extracted from the attacks? John Spencer explores those questions and more, based on firsthand research, in this episode.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/studying-the-october-7-terrorist-attacks/id1490714950?i=1000649339995
Inside Gaza with an IDF Special Forces soldier
In this compelling episode of State of a Nation, former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy engages in a riveting conversation with Special Forces reservist Stav Cohen.
From the River to the Sea
A documentary about the Israel-Hamas war – no, it’s not what you think from the title!
UN Whistle-blower Reveals All
Emma Reilly reveals all about corruption, blackmail, bribery, collusion, abuse, complicity in crimes against humanity, torture, kidnappings, and much much more. Watch it all now!
October 7, 6:29 am
In this first episode, United Hatzalah first responders discuss the opening of the incident at 6:29 am with Rachel Zubeta, manager of emergency preparedness, describing the chaos and uncertainty as the incident unfolded.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/october-7th-629-am/?utm_source=Podcasts+Newsletter&utm_campaign=podcasts-newsletter-2024-10-07&utm_medium=email
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.

#73
Straight Facts
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.

#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.