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Biden assures Israel’s Netanyahu of U.S. support, urges calm as fighting kills dozens
The United States dramatically deepened its involvement in the latest Israeli-Palestinian crisis on Wednesday, with President Joe Biden breaking his silence by assuring Israeli leaders of America‘s support but also calling for an end to the fighting that has already killed dozens of people.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also reached out to the Palestinian president and announced he was sending a State Department official to the region.
After days of staying quiet amid escalating tensions and increasing pressure from even some fellow Democrats, Biden on Wednesday spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Blinken also spoke to Netanyahu, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to his Israeli counterpart, Benny Gantz. Separately, national security adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with top Qatari officials in the hopes that they could help deescalate the situation.
Biden and his three deputies have all said Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas rockets being launched into Israeli territory and other violence. But all have also expressed a desire to see calm prevail.
“My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later,” Biden said in an encounter with reporters on Wednesday. “But Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory.”
Since taking office, Biden has sought to deemphasize focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in favor of other national security interests. But that posture has drawn increased criticism from activists and some members of Congress in recent days, with activists in particular questioning Biden’s silence and urging the administration to get more involved.
Sullivan’s call with Qatar’s foreign minister and deputy prime minister was likely aimed at getting Qatar to pressure Hamas to stop the rocket fire. The United States has labeled Hamas a terrorist group and does not directly engage it. Hamas controls the Gaza Strip.
“Mr. Sullivan made clear that the ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas into Israel are unacceptable and must end,” according to a readout of his call.
In his call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Blinken expressed condolences for the lives, but “condemned the rocket attacks and emphasized the need to deescalate tensions,” according to a readout of the call. It was Blinken’s first call with Abbas since the former became secretary of State. Biden is not known to have spoken to the Palestinian leader since taking over the presidency.
Some leading activists said the situation remains unpredictable.
“U.S. engagement at a time like this is desperately needed,” said Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of J Street, a left-leaning pro-Israel group. “This conflict can’t go untended. The United States has to be party that manages this conflict. Without it, the fires will continue to burn.”
According to a readout of Biden’s call with Netanyahu, the U.S. president “conveyed the United States’ encouragement of a pathway toward restoring a sustainable calm” and “shared his conviction that Jerusalem, a city of such importance to people of faith from around the world, must be a place of peace.“
The Pentagon said Austin conveyed “ironclad” U.S. support for Israeli self-defense. Blinken, meanwhile, “emphasized the need for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy,“ according to a readout of his call with Netanyahu. He used similar language in the call with Abbas, according to the State Department.
Blinken said Wednesday that he is sending Hady Amr, a deputy assistant secretary of State, to the region to try to help defuse the crisis. The fighting has killed dozens of Palestinians in recent days — including a number of women and children — as well as several Israelis and injured hundreds more in the surrounding area.
The latest conflagration erupted earlier this week after simmering for a few weeks. Disputes between Israelis and Palestinians over access to holy sites in Jerusalem — as well as Palestinian frustration over attempts by Israeli settlers to evict several Palestinian families from their homes in east Jerusalem — have driven clashes. Hamas escalated the conflict when it began launching rockets at Jerusalem on Monday. Israel has responded with airstrikes. There have also been reports of scattered incidents of mob violence by both sides.
In comments to reporters Wednesday, Blinken condemned the rocket fire from Hamas-aligned militants but added that Israel has “an extra burden” to try to avoid civilian casualties in its response. “When we see children caught in the crossfire losing their lives, that has a powerful impact,” he said.
The hostilities between the two countries is the worst since 2014 and have shown little sign of abating. The violence has overlapped with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, as well as a politically precarious time for Netanyahu, who faces legal problems and was unable to recently form a government after Israel’s fourth election in two years.
Palestinians face their own political turmoil. Abbas recently postponed what would have been the first Palestinian elections in 15 years. There were concerns in some corners that Hamas-linked candidates would do well, though Abbas blamed Israel, saying it wasn‘t clear if Palestinians in east Jerusalem would be allowed to vote.
Blinken made his remarks to reporters as he unveiled the State Department‘s annual religious freedom report, which assesses the climate in nearly 200 countries. The report put out Wednesday covers 2020, and, unsurprisingly, the impact of Covid-19 — which precipitated extraordinary restrictions on religious life and other mass gatherings — permeates the document.
The report was particularly tough on China and its treatment of Uyghur Muslims, which the state Department labeled “genocide” in late January as one of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s final acts in office.
As part of the report’s rollout, Blinken announced visa restrictions on Yu Hui, a former Chinese official accused of “gross violations of human rights,” particularly regarding members of the Falun Gong movement.
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Toronto Declares December as Christian Heritage Month, Following Heated Debate: Christians Jubilant to Celebrate Faith
In a landmark decision on November 14th, 2024, Toronto’s City Council officially declared December as Christian Heritage Month, sparking jubilation among the city’s Christian community. This historic celebration will take place in the very council chambers where a heated debate on the topic unfolded, adding profound significance to the occasion and reflecting the depth of engagement surrounding this important decision.
To commemorate this milestone, a celebratory event will be held on Thursday, November 21st, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM, providing a space for Christians across the region to come together and honor their faith and heritage. The event is being organized by Christian Music Festival.
The celebratory event on November 21st promises to be a powerful expression of faith and freedom, uniting communities to honor the historic declaration of Christian Heritage Month.
The movement to declare December as Christian Heritage Month is being spearheaded by Molly Banerjei, a passionate advocate for the initiative, who has garnered support from a diverse coalition of volunteers, pastors, faith leaders, and community members from across Canada. This national grassroots movement has received backing from Canadians of various backgrounds, including First Nations, African, South American, Asian, Caribbean, and European communities.
“As a proud Christian Canadian, this moment fills me with hope and gratitude,” said Molly Banerjei. “Christian Heritage Month is not just about celebrating faith but about honoring the values of love, service, and community that have strengthened our nation’s fabric for generations.”
With this declaration, Toronto joins over 30 municipalities across Canada, including Ottawa, Mississauga, Markham, Vaughan, and Durham Region, that have also recognized December as Christian Heritage Month. Many of these municipalities will be holding flag-raising ceremonies to mark the occasion, signifying the importance of this movement in the Canadian mosaic.
“This is not just a celebration of Christianity; it’s about recognizing the contributions of Christian communities to every aspect of Canadian society,” said Banerjei. “By celebrating Christian Heritage Month, we honor the diversity that makes Canada strong and the faith that has shaped this great nation.”
Councillor Lilly Cheng added, “There’s so much good and beauty in Christianity. So, I don’t think it’s something to be ashamed of to say I’m Christian. This is an important day for our city and the Canadian people.”
As December approaches, churches across Toronto, Vaughan, Durham Region, and beyond are preparing events, services, and outreach activities to mark this historic occasion. The recognition of Christian Heritage Month in Toronto is seen as a major step toward greater inclusivity and acknowledgment of the values that unite Canadians across the country.
The celebratory event on November 21st promises to be a powerful expression of faith and freedom, uniting communities to honor the historic declaration of Christian Heritage Month.
Sources:BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
ലണ്ടന്: ഓസ്ട്രേലിയക്ക് പിന്നാലെ 16 വയസിന് താഴെയുള്ള കുട്ടികളില് സോഷ്യല് മീഡിയ നിരോധനം കൊണ്ടുവരാന് യുകെയും. ഓണ്ലൈന് സുരക്ഷ ഉറപ്പാക്കാന് തനിക്കാവുന്നത് ചെയ്യുമെന്ന് യുകെ സാങ്കേതിക വിദ്യ സെക്രട്ടറി പീറ്റര് കൈലേയെ ഉദ്ധരിച്ച് ബിബിസി റിപ്പോര്ട്ട് ചെയ്യുന്നു. എല്ലാത്തിന്റെയും രേഖകള് കയ്യിലുണ്ടെന്നും തനിക്ക് ആദ്യം കൂടുതല് തെളിവുകള് ലഭിക്കണമെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം വ്യക്തമാക്കി. യുവാക്കളിലെ സോഷ്യല് മീഡിയകളുടെയും സ്മാര്ട്ട്ഫോണുകളുടെയും സ്വാധീനത്തെക്കുറിച്ച് കൂടുതല് ഗവേഷണം നടത്തുമെന്നും കൈലേ പറഞ്ഞു.
16 വയസുവരെയുള്ള കുട്ടികളില് സോഷ്യല് മീഡിയ ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നത് നിരോധിക്കുന്നതിനുള്ള നിയമം ലോകത്തിലാദ്യമായി ഓസ്ട്രേലിയ അവതരിപ്പിച്ചിരുന്നു. ഓസ്ട്രേലിയയിലെ കമ്മ്യൂണിക്കേഷന് മന്ത്രി മിഷേല് റോളണ്ട് അവതരിപ്പിച്ച ബില്ല് ഓണ്ലൈന് സുരക്ഷയുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ടുള്ള രക്ഷിതാക്കളുടെ ആശങ്കയ്ക്ക് പ്രാധാന്യം നല്കുന്നു. ബില്ല് പാസായാല് നിയന്ത്രണമേര്പ്പെടുത്താന് ഒരു വര്ഷം വരെയെങ്കിലും സമയമെടുക്കും.
കുട്ടികള് അക്കൗണ്ട് എടുക്കുന്നത് തടഞ്ഞില്ലെങ്കില് സാമൂഹ്യ മാധ്യമങ്ങള് നഷ്ടപരിഹാരം നല്കേണ്ടി വരുമെന്നും ബില്ലില് പറയുന്നുണ്ട്. ഇങ്ങനെ സംഭവിച്ചാല് ടിക് ടോക്, ഫേസ്ബുക്ക്, സ്നാപ്ചാറ്റ്, റെഡ്ഡിറ്റ്, എക്സ്, ഇന്സ്റ്റാഗ്രാം തുടങ്ങിയ പ്ലാറ്റ്ഫോമുകള് 3.3 കോടി ഡോളര് പിഴ നല്കേണ്ടി വരും. സോഷ്യമീഡിയ പ്ലാറ്റ്ഫോമുകളില് സംരക്ഷണം ഒരുക്കേണ്ട ചുമതല കുട്ടികള്ക്കോ മാതാപിതാക്കള്ക്കോ അല്ലെന്നും മൈക്കിള് റോളണ്ട് പറഞ്ഞു. 18 വയസിന് താഴെയുള്ളവർക്ക് ഓണ്ലൈന് പോണോഗ്രഫി നിരോധിക്കാനുള്ള നിയമവും ഓസ്ട്രേലിയ ആലോചിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്.
Sources:azchavattomonline.com
LONDON – An ex-Muslim turned Christian evangelist has been beaten, chased by angry mobs, unlawfully jailed and even stabbed, all for the sake of the Gospel.
This is not in Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia. It is officially happening in Christian Britain.
Her name is Hatun Tash, and what has been done to her has even caught the attention of the British media.
Tash grew up in Turkey as a Muslim and became a Christian after moving to England. And being an ex-Muslim speaking out against Islam has made her a target.
She told us she has changed residences more than 50 times in the past four years because she knows Muslims are looking for her in order to kill her. One man has already been sentenced to 24 years in prison for trying.
Because of this ongoing danger, she asked that we interview her from a secret location.
Tash told us her conversion to Christ began when she learned the truth about Islam and Mohammed.
“As I read biography, it was very disturbing to me. So, the man you grew up to love and honor suddenly turns out to be like, yeah, not good, not good. And I decided, I can’t be Muslim.”
Then she learned about a very different God than the one of Islam, telling us, “As you dig into it, you get to meet with a God who is not silent or far or distant from you, but you meet with a God who loves you, who pours out himself on you. And not only that, He just puts himself on the cross and then says, ‘I love you from everlasting to everlasting, Come to me.'”
Tash began sharing this message to Muslims at Speakers Corner, in London’s Hyde Park, where speakers climb atop stepladders and vigorous debates ensue, often between Muslims and Christians.
Her preaching and criticism of Islam has sometimes enraged Muslims, and three years ago a man slashed her face with a knife. He has never been caught.
She however has been arrested unlawfully more than once. The London Police have twice paid her damages for wrongful arrests, including two years ago when she refused to leave the area where she was preaching. Tash was forcibly marched through Hyde Park, followed by Muslims celebrating her arrest. She was placed in a police van, strip-searched, and jailed.
This has not stopped Tash from going to mosques and sharing the Gospel daily.
“I would simply stand in front of the mosques, and I’d say ‘Muhammad is a false prophet. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Tell me, what is your objections?’ Hundreds of Muslims just stop and then they want to talk to you. Sometimes you get harmed, sometimes it gets dangerous. Sometimes you end up in hospitals, sometimes you end up in people’s homes for a cup of tea,” Tash said.
“I don’t care whether people reject me or not. They need to hear the gospel,” she said.
Christian Concern’s Christian Legal Centre has defended Tash. Christian Concern’s Andrea Williams told us, “The truth is that those that have attempted to kill her have been caught on camera. The police know who they are, but they have not been arrested. She is feared by and targeted by Muslim groups because she is fearless for the gospel. She loves Jesus so much that nothing will halt her.”
Tash says she will continue to preach and continue to challenge Islam.
“Things are dangerous. Should I choose to stay silent? Like when people are spending 5,000 Pounds to buy a gun, to shoot you and shoot your loved ones? The Gospel is so glorious, I cannot be silent. And the Lord is the giver of life. So, when it’s my time, He will take me home. But until He gives me breath, we continue to preach.”
Sources:CBN News
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Toronto Declares December as Christian Heritage Month, Following Heated Debate: Christians Jubilant to Celebrate Faith
In a landmark decision on November 14th, 2024, Toronto’s City Council officially declared December as Christian Heritage Month, sparking jubilation...
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