Welcome to the January 15, 2024 issue of Black Westchester Newspaper
BW January 15, 2024 Issue
South Africa Brings Genocide Allegations Against Israel to International Court of Justice
In a significant legal development, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to hold public hearings on Thursday, January 11, and Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Peace Palace in The Hague. The hearings pertain to proceedings initiated by South Africa against Israel on December 29, 2023.
The case revolves around allegations made by South Africa regarding Israel’s alleged violations of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (commonly referred to as the “Genocide Convention”) concerning Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This legal action by South Africa has garnered international attention and is expected to be a closely watched legal battle.
The core focus of the upcoming hearings will be on the Request for the indication of provisional measures presented in South Africa’s Application. In its Request, South Africa calls upon the Court to indicate provisional measures aimed at “protecting against further, severe, and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention” and “ensuring Israel’s compliance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention not to engage in genocide, and to prevent and to punish genocide.”
According to a PBS report, South Africa has initiated a two-day hearing seeking binding preliminary orders against Israel in a significant international legal case. This case is considered one of the most significant to be heard in an international court and addresses a core issue in one of the world’s most challenging conflicts.
South Africa’s goal is to compel Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza, where the health ministry, run by Hamas, reports that more than 23,000 people have died. South African lawyer Adila Hassim argued that there is substantial evidence over the past 13 weeks demonstrating a pattern of conduct and intent that could be seen as genocidal acts. She emphasized that the suffering in Gaza can only be stopped by an order from the court.
On the other hand, Israel contends that it is engaged in a battle with a formidable adversary in the Gaza Strip, responsible for the deadliest attack on its territory since its establishment in 1948, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,200 people. Israel asserts that it adheres to international law and takes precautions to minimize harm to civilians, placing blame on Hamas for embedding itself in residential areas.
South Africa remains steadfast in its claim that Israel intentionally committed genocide, citing the scale of destruction in Gaza, the targeting of civilian homes, and the impact on children as evidence of genocidal intent. Lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi argued that the articulated intent is the destruction of Palestinian life.
Palestinian Christians in Gaza Fear Extinction Amid Ongoing Conflict
While we were celebrating Christmas in the United States, Palestinian Christians couldn’t join in the festivities because they were grappling with the fear of extinction. The Palestinian Christian community in Gaza is deeply worried about what lies ahead for them as they confront the constant threat of extermination during the ongoing conflict with Israel, which commenced on October 7th. The Israeli military has carried out intense air strikes and ground operations, leading to a devastating death toll of nearly 19,000 Palestinians, with a significant number being children and women, over the past three months..
In an article written by Nadda Osman, she explains that the conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with residential towers, places of worship, and schools being razed by Israeli air strikes. Furthermore, Israel has severed essential supplies such as fuel, water, food, and electricity to the besieged strip since October 9th. The war erupted after an attack led by Hamas on Israel, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 1,200 people.
She explains in her article that the Palestinian Christian community in Gaza, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. The Palestinian Christian community in Gaza, which has a long history as one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, is currently at risk of disappearing. Reports indicate that before the start of the Israeli siege and blockade in Gaza in 2007, approximately 3,000 Christians were living in the region. However, as a result of the harsh living conditions imposed by the blockade and the recent conflict on October 7th, the Christian population has dwindled significantly to just 800, with the number of casualties increasing every day.
Many Palestinian Christians have sought refuge in churches throughout the constant bombardment, including the historic St. Porphyrius church, which tragically suffered an air strike on October 19th. The relentless attacks have forced Christians to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in these places of worship.
As the world observes, many Christian pastors in the United States remain silent about the situation, while some misinformed Black pastors are openly supporting Israel’s actions that contribute to the persecution of one of the world’s oldest Christian communities.
When Black Pastors, who are descendants of slavery, downplay or ignore the oppression of other people, particularly fellow Christians, due to concerns about U.S. political correctness, it raises a question: Are we deviating from Jesus’ teachings to speak out against the mistreatment of fellow Christians who have no ties to Hamas and are facing potential extinction due to the continuous bombardment by Israeli weapons funded by the U.S.?
Osman writes that Hammam Farah, a Palestinian Christian living in Canada who has lost several relatives in the current bombing campaign, expressed his distress, calling it Israel’s “genocidal campaign.” He recounted the tragic collapse of the St. Porphyrius church’s ceiling, which claimed the lives of 18 people, including his cousin Soliman. His cousin’s wife was seriously injured in the incident, leaving their two young children to witness their father’s tragic death.
The violence hasn’t spared even the elderly, as Farah’s great aunt, renowned music teacher Elham Farah, aged 84, was shot by an Israeli soldier as she attempted to leave the church to check on her home, leading to her untimely demise.
The constant attacks on churches have left the Palestinian Christian community deeply worried and anxious, with tanks firing on a convent that was sheltering 54 people with disabilities, damaging essential equipment and supplies.
Ryan al-Natour, a Palestinian Christian from Australia, emphasized that the ongoing attacks aim to erase all Palestinians from Gaza and have a dire impact on the Christian community there. He criticized Israel’s claims of being the “savior” of Christians in Gaza while carrying out actions that threaten their very existence.
Recent events, such as the cancellation of Christmas lights in Bethlehem, festive parades in Jerusalem, and celebrations in Jordan due to Israel’s bombing of Gaza, have further heightened concerns. Many diaspora Palestinians have chosen not to celebrate this year, deeming it inappropriate in light of the ongoing crisis.
Israeli officials’ and politicians’ comments about the existence of Christians in Gaza have also raised alarm. An Israeli politician’s claim that “there are no Christians in Gaza” has sparked anger and frustration among the community.
Sally Dabeet-Asfour, a diaspora Palestinian Christian with family in Gaza, highlighted that all Christians in Gaza are now concentrated in two churches, not only seeking shelter from the bombings but also striving to protect their places of worship. She stressed the significance of Christians’ historical presence in Gaza and the real threat posed to their existence and their churches.
The Palestinian Christian community holds a special attachment to their land as it is the birthplace of their faith and home to numerous significant Christian sites. Gaza boasts several important religious locations, including the Saint Porphyrius Church and the Tell Umm Amer monastery, dating back centuries.
Israel-Palestine war: A quick history of Christianity in Gaza
Despite historical challenges, many Palestinians describe peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims, and Jews in the region, and they view claims of persecution as divisive tactics. They stress that it is the Israeli occupation that has had a devastating impact on the community, isolating them from larger Christian communities and causing the destruction of their land and resources.
In conclusion, the Palestinian Christian community in Gaza faces an existential threat amid the ongoing conflict with Israel. Their historical presence and significance in the region are at risk, and their plea for protection and recognition remains a critical concern amid this devastating conflict.
PUBLISHERS STATEMENT
America, often called a Christian nation founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ, once again finds itself in a disturbing contradiction. The plight of Christians living in Gaza, subjected to oppression solely due to their skin color, exposes a glaring hypocrisy within our Christian beliefs here in America. As a Black man, I am deeply disappointed by the silence of Black leadership, descendants of those who endured similar horrific oppression, while our fellow Christians in Gaza face a dire situation. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, and it calls for immediate attention and action.
The Untold Story: Uncovering Big Money Anti-Black Campaign in Westchester County!
According to a lohud report, the Teach Coalition is set to spend a substantial $1.6 million to oust Congressman Jamaal Bowman from his position. This organization operates across seven states and is actively involved in a campaign centered on Westchester County. The significance of this campaign lies in its sizable budget, specifically targeted at targeting Jamaal Bowman, a Black representative.
The Teach Coalition’s primary objectives include influencing the 16th District race and various state Legislature contests. Furthermore, the successful execution of this campaign in Westchester could potentially serve as a blueprint for similar endeavors elsewhere in New York, illustrating the significant influence of financial interests in politics, which can often leave Black and Brown communities underserved.
As previously mentioned in our articles, organizations like Teach and AIPAC, significant contributors to George Latimer’s Congressional campaign, appear to exhibit limited concern for the welfare and socioeconomic well-being of Black and Brown residents in Westchester. What is additionally concerning is the apparent lack of awareness among some Black leaders and pastors regarding the unfolding political landscape in Westchester, which could have adverse implications for Black interests.
The Teach Coalition is actively gearing up to establish a voter registration center in New Rochelle and is planning to open multiple field offices throughout the county. They have a team of five paid staff members, with potential hires and volunteers in the pipeline.
Notably, twelve Jewish schools and synagogues in Westchester and the Riverdale section of the Bronx have pledged their support for the voter outreach campaign.
With a 35-year history in various public offices and serving as county executive since 2018, George Latimer launched his campaign to challenge Jamaal Bowman for the 16th Congressional District, which encompasses the southern half of Westchester and the Wakefield neighborhood of the Bronx.
In contrast, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, seeking his third term, has secured over $200 million in aid for NY-16. This funding includes a substantial $20 million allocated to local groups, nonprofits, and government entities dedicated to the betterment of senior citizens, infrastructure enhancement, improved access to healthcare services, and enriching activities for youth.
The political climate in Westchester, often considered liberal, seems to be witnessing an under-the-radar anti-Black campaign that has also extended to other parts of the country. This campaign targets Black and Brown politicians who challenge policies allocating significant taxpayer funds to military efforts. At the same time, Black and Brown communities grapple with a range of issues, including social problems, crime, violence, understaffed police and fire departments, hospital closures, and the championing of these causes in both urban and rural areas.
Finally, the scheduled primary election in New York, initially set for June 25, could experience delays. These potential delays stem from legal challenges tied to the redrawing of the state’s 26 House districts, as per the directive issued by the highest court in the state.
There is significant speculation regarding whether these district changes will result in the removal of more Bronx areas from the 16th district, which has a historical Black and Brown population, potentially benefiting Jamaal Bowman, or if the district will see an increase in Westchester regions, potentially providing George Latimer with an advantage due to a predominantly white voting base. The outcome remains uncertain, and we must wait and see how it unfolds.
PUBLIC NOTICE – Littering GO 17-2023.HA
A GENERAL ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 93 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF YONKERS ENTITLED “LITTERING”
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Yonkers has adopted the abovementioned legislation that amends Chapter 93 of the Code of the City of Yonkers entitled “Littering”, in part, by amending several sections to prohibit the disposal of any litter by depositing it in any body of water, watercourse, or public space within the City of Yonkers.
The penalties for violation of this ordinance are as follows:
§93-14 Penalties for offenses.
Any violation of this chapter shall constitute a Class II offense. Notwithstanding any other inconsistent provision of law to the contrary, by resolution, the City Council may from time to time fix an additional fine, surcharge or penalty for violations of this chapter.
The complete text of the ordinance is on file and may be examined at the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 40 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.
Dated: December 18, 2023
Vincent Spano
PUBLIC NOTICE – Vehicles and Traffic LL 18-2023
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 109 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF YONKERS, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” IN REGARDS TO DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES FOR TOWING AND IMPOUNDED VEHICLES
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Yonkers has adopted the abovementioned legislation that amends Chapter 109 of the Code of the City of Yonkers entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” is hereby amended in part by amending various sections to update the process by which vehicles are towed and impounded and by which vehicle owners/lessors are notified.
The penalties for violation of this local law are as follows:
§ 109-160. Penalties for offenses; towing and storage fees.
A. Except for violations of this chapter which are within the jurisdiction of the Parking Violations Bureau, and in the event that a penalty is not established for a given violation of this chapter, then such violation shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $250 or confinement in jail not exceeding 10 days, or both.
B. Parking, standing, and stopping violations shall be punished as follows:
| Type of Violation | Fee | Type of Violation | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expired meter (on street) | $30 | M/T 12 inches from curb, 2-way street | $50 |
| Overtime parking at meter (on street) | $30 | M/T 12 inches from curb, 1-way street | $50 |
| Expired meter (off street) | $30 | Parking left side to curb, 2-way street | $50 |
| Failed to activate meter (on street) | $30 | Parking wrong direction, 2-way street | $50 |
| Overtime parking at meter (off street) | $30 | Parking wrong direction, 1-way street | $50 |
| Failed to activate meter (off street) | $30 | Parking opposite construction site | $50 |
| Parking in 2 meter spaces (on street) | $50 | Improper parking | $50 |
| Parking rear to meter (on street) | $50 | Parked rear to curb | $50 |
| Parking in 2 meter spaces (off street) | $50 | Improper angle parking | $50 |
| Parking rear to meter (off street) | $50 | Angle parking prohibited, 2-way street | $50 |
| No parking | $50 | Angle parking prohibited, 1-way street | $50 |
| Overtime parking, no meter | $50 | Wheels not turned to curb on hill | $50 |
| Parking in driveway, public or private | $50 | Parking a trailer, semitrailer, tractor-trailer, tractor, house-on-wheels, bus or school bus | $500 |
| Parking within 30 feet of stop sign | $50 | Other commercial vehicle | $50 |
| Parking within 10 feet of crosswalk at intersection | $60 | Parked on bridge | $50 |
| Parking in loading zone | $50 | Unattended vehicle | $70 |
| Parked at theater entrance | $50 | No current license plate | $90 |
| Parked on private property | $50 | Unauthorized license plate | $90 |
| Parked without lights | $50 | Parked leaving L/T 10 feet roadway | $90 |
| Inspection violations | $50 | Restricted area | $70 |
| Parked on entrance or exit ramps, state highway | $50 | Restricted area, parking lot | $70 |
| Parked on state highway | $50 | Restricted area, off street | $70 |
| Parked alongside curbcut | $50 | Restricted, raceway parking | $70 |
| Parked for purpose of vehicle sale | $50 | Obstructing traffic | $90 |
| Parked for vehicle repair, except emergency | $50 | Obstructing traffic, L/T 10 feet roadway | $90 |
| Parked on highway with speed limit over 35 mph for purpose of selling frozen desserts | $50 | Double-parked | $90 |
| Parked within safety island | $60 | Double-parked commuting hours (Mon. – Fri. 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., excluding holidays) | $100 |
| Parked within crosswalk | $60 | Parked within 15 feet of fire hydrant | $70 |
| Parked within intersection | $60 | Parked in fire zone | $90 |
| Parked on sidewalk | $80 | Parked within 20 feet of fire station entrance | $90 |
| No standing | $70 | Parked in tow-away zone | $90 |
| No stopping | $70 | Emergency snow removal | $90 |
| No stopping, bus stop | $50 | Parked in handicap space, no permit, on street | $200 |
| Stopped on pavement | $50 | Parked in handicap space, no permit, off street | $100 |
| Registration violations | $70 | Abandoned vehicle | $450 |
| Unregistered motorcycle | $70 | Abandoned vehicle in a designated emergency | $500 |
| Tab improperly on plate | $70 | All other parking violations, including violations of Article 32 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law | $50 |
| License plate violations | $90 |
C. In the event that a respondent does not enter a plea or remit the fine due for a parking, standing or stopping violation as and when required by this chapter, then they shall pay a late payment penalty equal and in addition to the scheduled fine for the violation charged.
D. In the event that a vehicle is towed pursuant to this chapter, the owner or person entitled to possession of the vehicle shall pay a towing charge and a storage charge as set by the rules and regulations of the City of Yonkers. These charges shall be in addition to any fines or penalties for illegal stopping, standing, parking, abandonment or any other offense under this chapter. Towing and storage charges shall be paid as lawfully. No vehicle shall be released unless all towing and storage fees, outstanding parking violations and related penalties are paid in full.
The complete text of the ordinance is on file and may be examined at the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 40 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.
Dated: December 18, 2023
Vincent Spano City Clerk
Westchester Community Health Center 50th Anniversary Gala
Westchester Community Health Center Celebrated 50 Years of Providing Quality Health Care at its 50th Anniversary Gala with Over 500 Supporters
Mount Vernon, N.Y. – Westchester Community Health Center, formerly known as Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center, held its 50th Anniversary Gala in celebration of 50 years of providing high-quality health care on Wednesday, December 6th at the Glen Island Harbour Club located at Weyman Avenue in New Rochelle, NY. This year’s gala honored Mr. Louie Lanza, Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, Dr. Bruce Roseman, and Dr. Nora H. Farkouh for their long-time support of Westchester Community Health Center.
“I would like to thank everyone who joined us as we celebrated 50 years of Westchester Community Health Center providing high-quality, comprehensive, and affordable health care to the communities we serve,” said Judith Watson, CEO of Westchester Community Health Center. “We look forward to what the next 50 years will bring as we continue our mission to ensure that residents in our communities receive access to the health care they are entitled to.”
Over 500 attendees enjoyed an evening that included a cocktail hour featuring live music from Da-Vine Tuch, gospel singing from the John H. Paxton Chorale of the Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church of Mount Vernon as they led the attendees upstairs for the program, an awards presentation highlighting this year’s honorees, fabulous food, a silent auction, a 360 photo booth, and an after party featuring DJ Brother Arthur.
Dignitaries were also on hand to pay tribute, which included the Hon. Shawyn Patterson-Howard, City of Mount Vernon Mayor; Paul Feiner, Town of Greenburgh Supervisor; New York State Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, Ken Jenkins, Westchester Deputy County Executive; Councilwoman Lisa Copeland, City of Mount Vernon; Legislator Ben Boykin, Westchester County Board of Legislators; New York State Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky; Councilman Derrick Thompson, City of Mount Vernon; Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, Westchester County Legislator; and Andre Wallace and Ernie Davis, former City of Mount Vernon Mayors.
The 50th Anniversary Gala was sponsored by: Title Sponsor – Joe Duffy and Harry DiMarzo; Platinum Sponsor – Lanza Family Foundation, Montiefore Mount Vernon, Montiefore New Rochelle; Gold Sponsor – Dr. Chaudhry Hameed; New York Presbyterian Westchester; Silver Sponsor – Affinity by Molina Healthcare, BioReference, CohnReznick, Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, Westchester Medical Center; Bronze Sponsor – ABC Realty, CureMD.com, MedStock, Simone Development Companies, Valuable Drugs/RL Mt. Vernon Pharmacy, Inc., Wartburg, Webster Bank, and XTreme Home Care. For those who would still like to make a donation in support of Westchester Community Health Center, please visit their website at www.westchestercommunityhealthcenter.org.
About Westchester Community Health Center: The Westchester Community Health Center (formerly Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center) offers high-quality, preventative, and affordable health care and support services in an atmosphere of humane care, dignity, and respect, to improve the lives of adults, teens, and children in Westchester County and the Bronx, New York. Westchester Community Health Center is overseen by a group of dedicated, experienced professionals devoted to furthering the mission and ideals of quality affordable health care for all. To learn more about Westchester Community Health Center, please visit their website at www.westchestercommunityhealthcenter.org.
Greenburgh Town Board salutes retiring Town Board member-Ken Jones
Greenburgh Town Councilman Ken Jones is retiring from the Town Board after 12 years of hard work and dedicated service. Monday, December 18th, was his last official Town Board meeting and the Board paid tribute to his exceptional service. You can watch the tribute to Ken in the video link below. Ken will be replaced by Councilwoman-elect Joy Haber who takes office on January 1, 2024.
“A big thank you to Ken for all you did to make Greenburgh a better place,” Town Supervisor Paul Feiner shared.
Ken has served as liaison to the Greenburgh Housing Authority, helping the GHA obtain approvals for new, state-of-the-art affordable housing units; and to renovate older, existing units and obtain funding to provide broadband internet services to residents.
Ken served as as liaison to the Hartsdale Parking District. He helped the parking authority come up with creative new policies to overcome pandemic challenges.
Ken worked to improve pedestrian safety–securing funding and approval for almost 12 miles of new sidewalks around town, many built with funding from the federal and state governments.
The Councilman encouraged Town Board members to conduct department head evaluations and organized the review process.
During his tenure, Greenburgh enhanced playgrounds and our parks and initiated new programs and activities. Last night Councilman Jones voted for the proposal by Sportime to build/operate a robust racket sports program including pickleball at AF Veteran park-there will be free programs for seniors, disabled and scholarships.
Ken worked to make sure that our court system is well run and pushed for the appointment of the first African American police chief in Greenburgh history;
During Ken’s tenure, Greenburgh was named the 9th Best Family Friendly community in the United States by Fortune Magazine and the 8th Best locality in the northeast by Money Magazine; and, all the bond agencies gave Greenburgh a triple A bond rating–the highest rating a municipality could obtain–a rating reserved for only 2% of American municipalities.
You can watch the tribute to Ken Jones by all the members of the Greenburgh Town Board in video below
Ken has lived in Greenburgh full time since 2003. His parents moved from New Rochelle in 1984 when his father inherited the house where Ken lives now. In 1984 Ken was away at Cornell University and then the University of Wisconsin Law School so he only came home to Greenburgh sporadically. After graduation from law school he moved to New York City where he lived for 10 years. In 2003 Ken inherited the house from his mother and he has lived there since.
In addition to being a Greenburgh Democrat, he is vice president of the Parkway Gardens Civic Association, a member of the Westchester Black Bar Association, and a 2018 recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Award from the Black Democrats of Westchester for his dedication to civil rights, community activism and devotion to equal justice for all. In 2017 he was named Mentor of the Year by the William F. Carter Foundation for his program “Careers in Law Enforcement” which he ran for youth at the Theodore Young Community Center.
He also sits on the boards of the Howard Memorial Fund and the Fellas Scholarship Fund; both funds provide financial assistance to students in college and medical school.
As Councilman, Ken is the liaison to: the Greenburgh Town Court, Department of Philanthropy, Department of Community Resources, Greenburgh Housing Authority, Greenburgh/Elmsford Community Action Program, the Hartsdale Public Parking District, the Westchester Community Opportunity Program and the Police Advisory Committee.
In addition to being a three-term Councilman, Ken is a Senior Associate Counsel at the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County. He is also an Administrative Law Judge for the Westchester County Human Rights Commission.
While holding office here in Greenburgh, Ken has been available and responsive, present in the community, and leading by example. He has been an advocate for low-income and workforce housing, an advocate for our Town Court and Greenburgh Police, an advocate for organic waste recycling in the town, and a role model for youth at the Theodore Young Community Center.
His wife is the artist and therapist Jeanine Primm Jones. They live in Parkway Gardens in a house where Ken’s family has lived for over 90 years.
Controversial Israeli Developer Sparks Outrage with Plans for New Settlements in Gaza: Kill them and take their land!
In a recent social media post shared by Jewish Voice for Peace, disturbing revelations have emerged regarding the intentions of a prominent Israeli developer with a history of building illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territory. The post displays a juxtaposition of a destroyed Gaza alongside a schematic for a new Israeli settlement, raising serious concerns about potential violations of international law. This article delves into the details of this controversial situation and its implications for the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Developer in Question
The focus of this controversy is an Israeli real estate firm named Harey Zahav, known for its involvement in constructing illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. These settlements have long been a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as they are widely viewed as obstacles to peace and have drawn condemnation from the international community.
The Disturbing Advertisement
The Jewish Voice for Peace post highlights advertisements from Harey Zahav that have ignited outrage and concern. The firm’s promotional material unabashedly promotes the idea of settling in Gaza, despite the area’s tumultuous history and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One of their advertisements boldly declares, “A house on the beach is not a dream! We have begun clearing rubble and fending off squatters.” Another ad goes further, referring to Gaza as the “Land of Israel” and encouraging individuals to “Fight. Liberate. Settle.” It even provides a hotline for people to register their interest in securing a place in the proposed settlement.
The Timing and Context
What adds to the gravity of this situation is the timing and context in which these plans have surfaced. The revelation comes during Hanukkah, a significant Jewish holiday when a coalition of settler groups funded by the Israeli government convened to discuss a “practical” plan for constructing settlements in Gaza. This development is particularly concerning given that it coincides with an Israeli military campaign against Palestinians, a situation that some have labeled a “genocidal war.”
Violation of International Law
If indeed accurate, the proposed settlement in Gaza raises many legal and ethical concerns under international law. Building settlements in occupied territories is considered illegal under various international conventions and United Nations resolutions. These actions are seen as undermining the possibility of a two-state solution and exacerbating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
The controversy surrounding Harey Zahav’s plans for new settlements in Gaza underscores the complexities and challenges of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It highlights the ongoing struggles for territory and sovereignty in the region and the role of developers in perpetuating tensions. While the authenticity and seriousness of these plans remain subjects of investigation and debate, they serve as a stark reminder of the need for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict. International attention and scrutiny are essential to ensuring that actions taken in the region adhere to established legal frameworks and principles of justice.
We Got Our Own Thang: Hip Hop from The 914 with ENU Builds and AJ “AJ Rok” Woodson (JVC Force)
ENU Builds & Race Talk Revolution presents Music Of The People & Beyond: A Look At 914 Hip-Hop, a panel discussion with AJ Woodson (author of “We Got Our Own Thang: A Look At Hip-Hop From The 914“), Brother Arthur Muhamad (Zulu Nation and Dir of East Coast for Karl Kani), Tri-State Jericko (rapper, DJ who has worked with Heavy D, The Lox & DMX), TJ Davis (co-host of The Starting 5 podcast) and Large Amount: The Boy With A Billion Barz (D-Block) discussing Hip-Hop From The 914, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, Monday, December 18th, 7PM
My new book, “We Got Our Own Thang: A Look At Hip-Hop From The 914,” is officially out in time for the holidays. After checking out all of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of Hip-Hop, I noticed one region that was often overlooked and underrepresented was the 914. So I present this literary offering to celebrate the role of 914 Hip-Hop in the 50 years of Hip-Hop! This is the latest in my series of books documenting Black in Westchester!
You can purchase your copy today on Amazon for $30.00, or you can order an autographed copy directly from me via Venmo @AJ-Woodson-2 or PayPal http://PayPal.me/BlackWestchestackWestchesterMag or CashApp $MrAJWoodson. Add $5 for postage, and make sure you email me your mailing address, MrAJWoodson@gmail.com.
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