Straight Facts Volume #62

Dear Chaverot,

I hope this finds you well. It was A-MAZING to see so many of you at the Meeting of Representatives (MoR) in Tel Aviv last month. It was such a great opportunity after several years of being apart to welcome you back to Israel with massive hugs.

We were immensely privileged to hear Col. Golan Vach, Commander of Israel’s National Rescue Services recount some of the missions the IDF have undertaken. As I write this, Operation Olive Branch is underway to help with rescue and recovery after the devastating earthquake in Turkey. We wish them G-d speed.

In this edition of Straight Facts, we hear the heartbreaking tales from Gaza’s citizens, Col. Vach recounts rescue efforts in Surfside, examine propaganda and more.

Please do not forget to share this with your Federations.

I hope this serves you.

Warm regards,

Rolene Marks

World WIZO: Head of Public Diplomacy & Hasbarah

rolenemarks@yahoo.com

+972 535829090

ADL Findings on Antisemitism in America

Antisemitism has risen around the world and the United States is no exception. The Anti-Defamation League conducted a survey. You can read their findings here:

https://www.adl.org/resources/report/antisemitic-attitudes-america-topline-findings

Whispered in Gaza – 3 Part Series:

We often wonder what people in Gaza living under Hamas really feel and experience. In this 3 part series, we get a glimpse into life in the Gaza strip under Hamas control. It is a heartbreaking, harrowing read:

Part 1:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/whats-life-like-under-hamas-whispered-in-gaza-offers-unique-courageous-testimony/

Part 2:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/whispered-in-gaza-part-2-when-residents-of-the-strip-tried-to-challenge-hamas/

Part 3:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/darkest-tragedy-unrealized-dreams-whispered-in-gaza-the-final-interviews/

Ken Burns on his Most Important Film

Read/Listen to Bari Weiss interview award-winning documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns about his series that looks at how America responded to the Holocaust. The link includes the podcast as well.

https://www.thefp.com/p/ken-burns-on-his-most-important-film?utm_source=direct&r=ylml4&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

A Tale of Two Narratives

Propaganda - how is it used to push certain narratives and peddle victimhood? This article looks at two examples. One from pop culture and one from the news headlines. Read more here:

https://layoftheland.online/2023/01/25/a-tale-of-two-narratives/

WATCH:

Col. Golan Vach, Commander of Israel’s National Rescue Services, who spoke at the WIZO MoR recounts rescue efforts in Surfside, Miami in this interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2aAUFwD4ZU

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