Madonna Gives Impassioned Call for Social Action During London Concert
By Newsdesk
During a recent concert in London, pop icon Madonna gave an impassioned speech touching on heavy current events and appealing to her fans’ sense of humanity. Speaking bluntly and from the heart, Madonna expressed horror at ongoing violence against children in conflicts like the Israel-Palestine crisis. “What the fuck is going on in the world?” she asked, citing graphic examples of decapitated babies and other atrocities. The iconic singer asserted forcefully that “children belong to all of us” regardless of background, referencing author James Baldwin as inspiration for this belief in universal human bonds. She also condemned the recent stabbing
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EU Scientology Representative Joins Project SHRINEs for Interfaith Protection of Places of Worship
By Newsdesk
PYRZOWICE, POLAND, October 19, 2023. The European Union’s ISF-funded project “SHRINEs” has revolutionized the protection of places of worship. This groundbreaking initiative, spanning 24 months, aims to enhance security and safety in sacred spaces while fostering an interfaith and multidisciplinary network to address contemporary risks and threats. Project Objectives and Partnerships SHRINEs is a consortium consisting of 10 partners, including 4 religious organizations representing the Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant faiths. It also includes public and private entities, academic institutions, and Law Enforcement Agencies. This collaboration aims to identify innovative technological solutions and effective mitigation measures to safeguard places of
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Media Accountability Triumph, Jehovah's Witnesses in Spain achieve condemnation of "El Mundo"
By Juan Sanchez Gil
On October 16, 2023, in a report by Massimo Introvigne for BitterWinter.org, an important legal case involving the Spanish Jehovah’s Witnesses and the newspaper “El Mundo” is highlighted. The lawsuit centers on an article that was published by “El Mundo” on November 21, 2022. The article relied on information provided by the Association of Victims of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, an organization opposed to the group. A court in Spain has made a decision in favor of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Has instructed “El Mundo” to publish a response, from the religious group. The court recognized that the newspaper had uncritically accepted
https://bit.ly/3M8Bk6f

Security Council rejects Russian resolution on Gaza
By Newsroom
The draft resolution led by Russia received support from five countries (China, Gabon, Mozambique, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates) and opposition from four countries (France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Six countries (Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, Malta, and Switzerland) chose to abstain from voting. There was a division among members regarding the absence of a clear condemnation of the extremist group Hamas. It was Hamas that initiated the ongoing escalation of violence by deploying hundreds of fighters to carry out massacres in settlements near the Gaza Strip on 7 October. For the Council to adopt a
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Explainer: What’s inside aid convoy at Gaza crossing
By Juan Sanchez Gil
As humanitarian workers echoed the urgent calls of the UN Secretary-General, urging Israel to open a secure corridor for delivering aid, Gaza will soon run out of basic supplies, according to UN agencies on the ground, who raised alarms about a looming unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. Following the outbreak of violence on October 7th, Israel closed all borders with Gaza, resulting in the UN’s inability to restock its lifesaving aid supplies. As a result, supplies in the region have dwindled due to the daily bombardment, prompting UN agencies, partners, and nations to quickly send aid to the area. Here’s what’s in the convoy:
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Martin Hojsík elected Vice-President and Isabel Wiseler-Lima elected Quaestor
By Newsdesk
On Wednesday, Martin Hojsík (Renew, SK) was elected to the office of European Parliament Vice-President, by acclamation as he was the sole candidate, in accordance with Parliament’s rules on nominations. In a second approval by acclamation immediately after, Isabel Wiseler-Lima (EPP, LU) was appointed an EP Quaestor. Background Based on Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, a new Vice-President (VP) or Quaestor is elected to fill a vacancy in the existing order of precedence – so the MEPs elected have become Parliament’s tenth VP and second Quaestor. The President delegates specific duties to Parliament’s 14 Vice-Presidents, who can replace her when necessary,
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Israel-Gaza crisis: Competing Security Council resolutions reveal diplomatic fault lines
By Juan Sanchez Gil
The 15-member body responsible for peace and security matters is expected to make a decision on a second draft resolution later today, led by Brazil. This proposal, although not yet officially representing the Council’s position until adoption, seeks to alleviate the persistent humanitarian distress on the ground. It also aims to create secure passageways for aid delivery and safeguard the UN and other humanitarian personnel who are facing challenges in providing vital assistance to the residents of Gaza. Key differences While both texts aim for a humanitarian pause, they differ in their approach, particularly regarding the main point of disagreement
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For a sustainable coexistence between Israel and Palestine
By Lahcen Hammouch
For years I have spoken as a Muslim, but never as an Islamist. I firmly believe in the separation between personal faith and politics. Islamism, by seeking to impose its vision on society, is in contradiction with the principles of a moderate democracy and a modern state. Founded in 1987, the Islamist movement Hamas emerged in the context of the Israeli occupation. Its beginnings were tinged with a sense of despair and a desire to defend the rights of the Palestinian people. Over the years, however, Hamas has evolved towards a more radical political approach, advocating an exclusive and dogmatic
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Omar Harfouch confirms from Washington, America will enter the war against Hezbollah
By Newsdesk
In the midst of the military and political tensions prevailing in the Middle East, the Honorary Chairman of the European Diversity and Dialogue Committee, Omar Harfouche, arrived in the United States of America, specifically to Washington, where he began his meetings in the US Senate. Harfouch met with members of the US Congress and the Foreign Relations Committee, and the initiator of the Third Lebanese Republic initiative stated that a meeting is now being held in the US Senate and the Foreign Relations Committee will issue a resolution asking the White House to intervene militarily against any party that enters
https://bit.ly/3Q1cmqA

It Seems Opposition emerged as the winners of the Polish election
By Newsdesk
According to an exit poll, the opposition has emerged as the winners of the Polish election. If the vote count validates this outcome, it would signify a significant shift in direction following a fiercely contested election campaign. WARSAW – The recent general election in Poland suggests that the opposition parties have gained a significant victory, which could bring about a substantial change in the country’s political landscape, as well as have implications for the European Union. The current government, led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, has been at odds with Brussels for eight years, facing accusations of undermining
https://bit.ly/3tFyHm0

Countering Anti-Religious Hate Crimes: Safeguarding Communities and Fostering Inclusivity
By Juan Sanchez Gil
Representatives of religious and belief communities, along with experts, recently gathered to discuss the issue of countering anti-religious hate crimes, at a side event organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The speakers were Eric Roux (Co-Chair, FoRB Roundtable Brussels-EU), Christine Mirre (Director, Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience – CAP Freedom of Conscience), Alexander Verkhovskiy (Director, SOVA Research Center), Isabella Sargsyan (Program Director, Eurasia Partnership Foundation; Member, ODIHR Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief) and Ivan Arjona-Pelado (President, European Office of the Church of Scientology for
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