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Humanitarian Aid on Trial in Greece

  File photo: Migrants from Afghanistan is towed by rescuers of the Refugee Rescue NGO, on the island of Lesbos, Greece. Twenty-four humanitarian aid workers have gone on trial in Greece, facing felony charges of migrant smuggling, money laundering, and membership in a criminal organization . The case, unfolding on the island of Lesbos, targets former volunteers of the now-defunct NGO Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI) , which operated search-and-rescue missions between 2016 and 2018. Among the defendants are Sarah Mardini , a Syrian refugee and professional swimmer whose story inspired the Netflix film The Swimmers , and Seán Binder , a German-Irish rescue diver. Both were arrested in 2018 for their involvement in helping migrants and refugees arriving by sea from Turkey. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison . Greek prosecutors allege that the group facilitated illegal entry into the country by monitoring coastguard communications and relaying ...

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Passover 2025: A Celebration of Resilience Amid Challenges

Passover, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, commemorating the exodus of the ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This year, Passover begins at sunset on Saturday, April 12, and ends after nightfall on Sunday, April 20. It is a time for family reunions, storytelling, and reflection on themes of freedom and resilience.

However, the celebrations this year are shadowed by ongoing anxieties and divisions within Jewish communities. The unresolved Israel-Hamas conflict continues to weigh heavily, with many Seder tables symbolically leaving empty seats for those lost or held hostage. Additionally, the specter of antisemitism looms large, with reports of increased incidents in various countries, including the United States and Canada. Security advisories have been issued to Jewish organizations, highlighting potential threats during this sacred time.

Despite these challenges, Passover remains a beacon of hope and unity. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Jewish people, who have faced adversity throughout history and emerged stronger. This year, as families gather to recount the story of the Exodus, the holiday's message of liberation and perseverance resonates more deeply than ever.



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