Dear Chaverot,
I hope you are all well. What an intense few weeks it has been! Israel just celebrated 75 years of Independence and the World Zionist Organisation held a special congress in Jerusalem, which WIZO attended. The IDF launched “Operation Shield and Arrow” in response to over 100 rockets fired towards Israel and a rare, endangered monk seal called Yulia stole our hearts – along with a unicorn anthem sung by Noa Kirel.
In this edition of Straight Facts, the ADL present two alarming reports, we ask if it is necessary to edit the iconic books of our youth, check in with activist Yosef Haddad and more!
Please don’t forget to share with your Federations and communities.
I hope this is of service to you all.
Warm regards,
Rolene Marks
World WIZO Executive: Head of Public Diplomacy & Hasbarah
ADL: U.S. Antisemitic incidents hit highest level ever recorded
Audit of antisemitic Incidents finds such instances up 36% in 2022, with campus and school incidents seeing nearly 50% hike, along with 91 bomb threats targeting Jewish institutions:
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkpsh5fx3
South Africa’s Government will be held responsible for growing antisemitism
The South African Zionist Federation’s Rowan Polovin says the government, due to their extremely partisan position on Israel will be held responsible for growing antisemitism in the country:
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-735242
Reverse Causality
When it comes to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, media warps cause and effect through misrepresentation and de-contextualization. Mike Conte writes more:
https://rationalpolicy.com/2023/04/08/reverse-causality/
Shaken Stirred and Really Perturbed
Some of our favourite stories and characters are being re-written for our sensitive times. Is this censorship and harming the way we learn about historical context?
https://layoftheland.online/2023/03/02/shaken-stirred-and-really-perturbed/
The Shameful Silence on the West Bank Massacre
Following the horrific murders of Lucy, Maia and Rina Dee, journalist Brendan O’Neil is just as appalled at British elites refusing to acknowledge the horrific circumstances surrounding them:
https://www.spiked-online.com/2023/04/11/the-shameful-silence-on-the-west-bank-massacre/
ADL Report on Online Holocaust Denial
Holocaust denial is growing and social media is rife with antisemitic abuse. The ADL have published their latest report that examines the growing phenomenon of Holocaust denial:
https://www.adl.org/resources/report/2023-online-holocaust-denial-report-card?utm_campaign=holodenrepcard2023&utm_medium=email&utm_source=whole&utm_content=e01
What is really happening at Jerusalem’s Holy Sites:
The mainstream media broadcast one narrative – but as Bassam Tawil explains, the reality is entirely different:
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/19579/jerusalem-holy-sites
WATCH : Gareth Cliff in conversation with Yosef Haddad
Listen to this fascinating conversation between podcast host, Gareth Cliff and Israel-Arab advocate for Israel, Yosef Haddad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNuw2x2cA2I
Get your news updates in real time! Have you joined the WIZO News & Hasbarah Whats App group? Send a message with your name to + 972 52 582 9090 and receive your updates, articles of interest and important tools you need to become super ambassador for Israel.
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