International

California Bill Calls for Better Documentation of Hate Crimes

The California State Assembly passed legislation Tuesday that aims to significantly strengthen California’s response to the recent surge in hate crimes and hate-motivated violence. Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), Assembly Bill (AB) 57 would implement specific recommendations from the State Auditor to enable law enforcement to better prevent, respond to, and document hate crimes. The measure passed the State Assembly 77-0 with bipartisan support. [News Release from Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel]

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USA

U.S. formally ends Trump’s ‘remain in Mexico’ asylum policy

Published by Reuters By Ted Hesson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States has formally ended the Trump-era “remain in Mexico” policy, which forced tens of thousands of Central American asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for U.S. court cases, according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo sent to agency leaders on Tuesday. The administration

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USA

Jewish Family’s Anguish after Converting as Catholics during Nazi Era

Erika Hecht’s mother had herself and Erika converted from Judaism to Catholicism to protect them from discovery by the Nazis or their Hungarian allies, the Arrow Cross. Erika was enrolled in Catholic school, where she learned her catechism, but she remained aware of her Jewish parentage — especially since she remained close to her father and paternal grandmother. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History

Thai museum unveils 1,000-year-old artefacts returned from US

Published by Relaxnews Two ancient sandstone artefacts believed to have been stolen from Thailand during the Vietnam War were unveiled Monday at a Bangkok museum, greeted with a fanfare of traditional dancers and an elaborate worship ceremony. The temple support beams — which were returned Friday — boast exquisite carvings of the Hindu deities Indra

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USA

Israel foreign ministry summons Philippine envoy over UNHRC vote

Published by Philippine Star Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star) – June 1, 2021 – 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — The Israeli Foreign Ministry summoned the Philippines’ ambassador to Tel Aviv to clarify the country’s vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council favoring an investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes and actions in the Gaza Strip

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Middle East

Indigenous groups call for Canada to identify graves after remains of 215 children found

Published by Reuters By Anna Mehler Paperny TORONTO (Reuters) – Indigenous groups in Canada are calling for a nationwide search for mass graves at residential school sites after the discovery of the remains of 215 children at one former school last week shocked the country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday that searching for

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International

Newark honors city’s first 3 Black firefighters, all veterans, as trailblazers

Published by NJ.com David Lee Bolden didn’t beat around the bush when asked why he wanted to become a Newark firefighter 65 years ago. “I needed the job,” said Bolden, 92, matter-of-factly. “And also, to help the city.” He kept it modest. But on Friday, Bolden and two others were recognized by city officials as

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USA

After 100 years remembering, last survivors mark race massacre in Tulsa

Published by Reuters By Makini Brice TULSA, Okla. (Reuters) – Lessie Benningfield Randle, 106, can still remember a house engulfed in flames and the bodies stacked in truckbeds, one hundred years later. “I was quite a little kid but I remember running and the soldiers were coming in,” Randle said in an interview with Reuters

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USA

Netanyahu challenger: Still obstacles to new Israeli government

Published by DPA Opposition leader Yair Lapid still sees numerous obstacles on his way towards forming a new government in Israel. “Maybe that’s a good thing because we’ll have to overcome them together,” Lapid said at a meeting of the parliamentary faction of his Yesh Atid (Future) party on Monday, according to a spokesman. “That’s

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Middle East

Palestinians call for Abbas to be removed from office

Published by Al-Araby Palestinian academics, activists and political factions have called for the removal from office of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, citing his cancelling of the Palestinian elections and a perceived failure to support the people Gaza during the recent Israeli attacks. “The recent intifada of Jerusalem has revealed the resounding incompetence of the

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Middle East