Bridging the Gap

How Gen Z really feels about the Israel-Hamas war. December 22, 2023 Good morning. As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, we’re investigating a pressing question: [What's causing the generational divide over this conflict](? The answer’s far from simple. Later, we’ve got a fascinating interview about [why people fall for scams]( and a look at [the form of therapy everyone’s been talking about](. Then, we’ll gear up for seasonal celebrations by examining [why holiday movies all have the same plot]( and sharing [a foolproof gift for techies](. Thanks for spending your year with us!   In the News [Gen Z protest]( Getty Images Bridging the Gap The college campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war have inspired fierce debates, countless think pieces, and even Congressional hearings. They’ve also seemingly exposed a massive gap between the sentiments of older and younger adults in America — or have they? [Is Gen Z really as pro-Palestine]( as we’ve been led to believe? As it turns out, the answer to that question (and our understanding of that generation in general) is nowhere near as straightforward as you might’ve guessed. We dug deep into the polling data on Gen Z, Gaza, and Israel, and the numbers paint a surprising picture. Here’s [what young people really think about the conflict](, and why the rest of us have so much trouble making sense of it. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-and-policy%2Fwhy-is-gen-z-pro-palestine-againt-israel%2F   More Stories [Claudine Gay greeting people]( Getty Images Mounting pressure: Harvard President Claudine Gay has requested additional corrections to her past work and is planning to update her 1997 Ph.D. dissertation to address "inadequate" citations. Gay's become the focal point of tumult at the school as a House committee broadens its existing investigation to probe allegations of plagiarism against her. (The committee was already looking into a [rise in antisemitic incidents]( on campus.) Horror in Prague: A gunman killed at least 14 people and wounded 25 others at Charles University in Prague yesterday. The assailant, believed to be a 24-year-old world history student, is thought to have died by suicide. He's not yet been formally identified due to the severity of his injuries. It's thought he killed his father at home before commencing his rampage at the school. The national police chief said he's believed to have been “inspired by a similar terrible event abroad.” Tapped out: Rudy Giuliani has filed for bankruptcy after being ordered to pay $148 million in damages to two Georgia election workers who he falsely claimed tried to steal the 2020 election. The filing says Giuliani owes millions in legal fees, and lists debts between $100 million and $500 million, and assets worth up to $10 million. Giuliani's adviser says it “will afford Mayor Giuliani the opportunity and time to pursue an appeal." Grim allegation: Vin Diesel has been accused of sexual battery in a lawsuit brought by his former assistant. Asta Jonasson claims that in 2010 while filming Fast Five, Diesel forced himself on her, groped her, and masturbated in front of her. She alleges he ignored “clear statements of non-consent,” and after she “screamed and ran towards the nearby bathroom,” he “pinned her against the wall.” An attorney for Diesel says he "denies this claim in its entirety.”   A Closer Look Gun control legislation isn’t the only way to stop gun violence. The nonprofit Global Action on Gun Violence filed a landmark “lawsuit for survival” on behalf of one of the victims of the Parkland shooting. Joaquin Oliver v. USA accuses the U.S. government of violating human rights law by failing to prevent mass shootings. Learn more about this unique approach and how you can get involved [right here](.   In Focus Olympic gold medalist Tianna Madison was only 26 weeks into her pregnancy when she checked into the hospital to find she was already 4-6 cm dilated. [Her moving personal story]( is a must-hear for anyone who's faced challenges in the healthcare system.   Must-Reads [Woman holding her shoulders bathed in rainbow light]( In the Spotlight Matthew Perry’s cause of death put ketamine therapy at the forefront of conversation. Here’s more on how this treatment works. [Read More »]( [Mandy Moore rests her head in her hand and holds her phone in the other]( A Talk to Remember We all think we’re too smart to get scammed, but Mandy Moore, who stars in the new season of Dr. Death, explains why it’s not that simple. [Read More »]( [Three couples from Hallmark movies]( Déjà Vu Have you noticed how a lot of Hallmark movies have the exact same plot? Here’s why this trope won’t die and what it says about modern love. [Read More »](   Feel-Good Friday With 63% of Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck these days, it only takes one unexpected expense to send a family into crisis mode. In Brooklyn Park, Minn., the caring staff at Second Harvest Heartland food bank is there to help when the need arises, and we've got [a touching look at their work]( and how it affects the community. [READ MORE]( [supported by P&G](   Spreading Cheer [Happy Holidays from Katie Couric Media]( KCM The holidays are a time to count your blessings, and mine include my family and my work family. Over the last six years, John Molner and I have had the privilege of assembling a wonderful team of talented people to form KCM. They work hard and care deeply about our mission: helping others understand this challenging, complicated world by communicating what’s happening; hearing different perspectives that may help broaden our worldview; and having some fun along the way with great recipes, fashion tips, and yes, even Golden Bachelor updates. A big thanks to all of you who wake up with Wake-Up Call every morning! Here’s [a little holiday message from me]( and the rest of the team who makes it all possible.   Extra Credit First person: Holiday traditions shouldn’t just be about gifts. [This touching essay]( explores why incorporating giving back into your celebrations can be just as rewarding — if not more so — than unwrapping a shiny new present. Best foot forward: Lower-body soreness could mean your feet and legs don’t have enough support. One of our editors tried out Bombas compression socks, and [here’s how they hold up](. Sounds good: Apple AirPods are a Wake-Up Caller favorite and a top-selling gift during the holidays in general, but are they really worth that price tag? We’re breaking down [the benefits of this tech](.   From Someone Who'd Know [Woman riding CAROL exercise bike]( CAROL / KCM Getting more active is a common goal in the new year, and KCM’s resident shopping expert has discovered [an all-star piece of at-home workout equipment](. "I’m constantly on the road or working, which makes working out hard. I can’t meet with a trainer or attend workout classes regularly, until now. I just hop on my CAROL bike, follow an AI-generated workout (that’s created based on my endurance levels from past workouts), or I can follow a pre-recorded ride from a pro." – Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.cominfo@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] [For the best experience, read in browser.]( Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.