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ENUBuilds presents How The Music Video Changed Hip-Hop W/ Hip-Hop Icon ‘Uncle Ralph’ McDaniels & Media Editor ULTRAMAG

AJ Woodson
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ENUBuilds presents How The Music Video Changed Hip-Hop W/ Hip-Hop Icon ‘Uncle Ralph’ McDaniels & Media Editor ULTRAMAG

ENU Builds brings together Hip-Hop Icon Ralph McDaniels aka Uncle Ralph and Hip-Hop Video Editor Aaron Phillips aka ULTRAMAG7 to discuss the historical and current impact of video on Hip-Hop. Ralph McDaniels is the co-creator and co-host of the music video program Video Music Box – the longest running music video platform in the world. ULTRAMAG7 is a video media artist and podcaster blending Hip-Hop and Pop Culture.

ENU Builds is a community organization based in Ossining, NY, that is committed to building community, empowering youth, and inspiring networking and growth for the enrichment of Black, Brown, and Indigenous youth of color. ENUBuilds.com

You can follow Ralph McDaniels and Video Music Box @VideoMusicBox and Ultramag7 @ultramag7

Ken Jenkins, Redistricting Commission Member, Faces Calls to Resign Due to Alleged Conflict of Interest

DAMON K JONES
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Ken Jenkins, Redistricting Commission Member, Faces Calls to Resign Due to Alleged Conflict of Interest

Ken Jenkins, Deputy County Executive of Westchester County and a member of New York’s Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC), is under pressure to resign from the commission due to a perceived conflict of interest. This demand follows the entry of Jenkins’ boss, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, into the Democratic primary race for New York’s 16th congressional district.

In a letter sent on January 14th to State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Steering Committee of NYCD16-Indivisible argued that Jenkins’ dual roles create a significant conflict of interest. They assert that because Jenkins holds the positions of both Latimer’s second-in-command and chair of the redistricting commission, he may wield inappropriate influence over the redrawing of district boundaries, particularly those affecting Latimer’s congressional ambitions.

The letter references interviews in which Latimer openly acknowledged that the redistricting process could impact his electoral prospects. It contends that Jenkins’ involvement in shaping the district maps “compromises the integrity of the redistricting process” and erodes public confidence in a fair and ethical outcome.

Characterizing the situation as an “alarmingly clear conflict of interest,” the group called for Jenkins’ immediate resignation from the redistricting committee. They also urged Stewart-Cousins to make a similar request, especially given that the new district maps are nearing completion.

While Ken Jenkins did not respond to the letter (at least not to BW), the Black Dems of Westchester County issued a counter-statement. They vehemently rejected calls for Jenkins to step down from the Independent Redistricting Commission, portraying these demands as a groundless smear campaign against prominent African American leaders.

In a statement provided to the media (but not to Black Westchester), they condemned NYCD16-Indivisible’s letter, particularly its timing over MLK weekend. The Black Dems accused the group of targeting the “first black female Senate Majority Leader,” Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and questioned the wisdom of their focus on Jenkins.

The Black Dems extolled Ken Jenkins as a person of impeccable integrity and vehemently dismissed the accusations of impropriety as utterly absurd. They described the calls for his resignation as irrational and as an affront to Westchester’s African American community.

In a scathing conclusion, the Black Dems demanded that NYCD16-Indivisible issue immediate apologies to both Stewart-Cousins and Jenkins. They insisted that the group should reconsider their seemingly irrational political strategy of targeting these individuals.

Black Westchester spoke with a member of NYCD16-Indivisible regarding the letter and the response. This member clarified that their concerns were not based on race but on the need for transparency in the political process. As voters in NYCD16, they have the right to question the actions of the election officials they vote for.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Latimer openly acknowledged on the record that the redistricting process could influence his chances of winning. The fact that his Deputy County Executive, Ken Jenkins, plays a pivotal role in shaping the district boundaries has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

It’s important to mention that not only have several other news outlets, including Black Westchester, raised similar concerns, but the New York State Working Family Party has also questioned the perceived conflict of interest surrounding George Latimer and Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins’ participation in the redistricting committee.

As events continue to develop, close attention will be paid to the unfolding situation, especially concerning its potential impact on the Black vote in New York’s 16th congressional district. A prior example of this direction was observed in NYCD16 during Bowman’s last reelection, where portions of the Bronx were removed and more predominantly white communities from Westchester were included.

If the outcome of the redistricting process leads to a further reduction in the Black vote, it could potentially raise questions about a possible violation of the United States Voters Rights Act. In such a scenario, Black elected officials and leaders would find themselves facing challenging inquiries regarding their actions and compliance with the law.

New York Skyline Shines with AKA Pink & Green on Sorority’s Founders’ Day

AJ Woodson
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New York Skyline Shines with AKA Pink & Green on Sorority’s Founders’ Day

Iconic New York Skyscraper Shines with Pink & Green Commemorating the 116th Founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

New York, NY—North Atlantic Regional Director Elicia Pegues Spearman, Esq. shared with Black Westchester, that in celebration of the 116th Founders’ Day of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), on January 15, 2024, the sorority’s colors of pink and green lit up One World Trade Center and the New York City skyline. New York is located in AKA’s North Atlantic Region and is led by Spearman of New Haven, CT. She joined New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Adrienne E. Adams, Speaker of the New York City Council, and Melvin Norris, Director of Government Affairs of The Durst Organization, which developed One World Trade Center with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, at the skyscraper lighting. 

Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded on January 15, 1908, and has more than 355,000 initiated members, with more than 16,000 members in its North Atlantic Region, which spans 11 states from the nation’s capital to New York, to Maine.  

“Within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., commemorating our organization’s Founders’ Day is an annual rite observed throughout the nation and across 11 countries around the world. It is a day when each member reflects upon and renews their commitment to our sisterhood’s mission and ideals,” said North Atlantic Regional Director Elicia Pegues Spearman. “This year, in New York City, it is both exciting and a privilege to be the FIRST sorority to have its name and colors up in lights at One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and other high points around the city, in collaboration with The Durst Organization. Today’s event provides an opportunity for Alpha Kappa Alpha’s name and its commitment to supreme service and sisterhood to SOAR to reach greater heights here in the Big Apple.”

“I am so honored to be with Alpha Kappa Alpha members on their 116th Founders’ Day to celebrate the oldest Greek-letter association established by African American college-educated women. “For more than a century, you have been breaking barriers for African American women. Your steadfast commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and leadership has ensured that you live up to your creed of ‘service to all mankind.’ It is fitting that we celebrate your 116th birthday on the same day we remember and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. because we must not forget the women who helped propel the civil rights movement alongside him. African American women know how to ‘Get Stuff Done.’ May you continue to do so for another 116 years! New York City Mayor Eric Adams shared with Black Westchester.”

“I am proud to be a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, which upholds the values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. AKAs across the country are on the front lines of leadership and movements for change and progress,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams. “As we celebrate our 116th Founders’ Day, it is critical that we pay homage to those who created our beloved organization and paved the way for us to achieve higher heights. I am grateful for the never-ending support of my Alpha Kappa Alpha sisters and continue to be inspired by the goal of excellence instilled in our sisterhood. I remain committed to fostering the tenets of our sorority, ‘Service to all Mankind.’ Happy Founders’ Day!”

One World Trade Center was built by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and The Durst Organization in a unique public-private partnership.

“The Durst Organization is proud to light up One World Trade Center and our towers in Midtown and Queens in recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 116th Founders’ Day,” said Melvin Norris, Director of Government Affairs at The Durst Organization. “For the esteemed members of AKA and for all New Yorkers, I hope Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a day of reflection, service, and celebration, and I hope that illuminating the skyline in AKA’s honor can be a point of pride and inspiration.”

Three other Durst-owned buildings around the city, at One Five One W. 42nd Street, One Bryant Park, and the Sven residential building on Northern Boulevard in Long Island City, Queens also had their spires lit in pink and green through The Durst Organization’s Spireworks experience. Spearman expressed appreciation to Durst officials, Mayor Adams, and Speaker Adams for helping to make Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Founders’ Day such a memorable experience that AKA members will cherish.

Following the building lighting, Spearman and New York-based Alpha Kappa Alpha leaders, including former North Atlantic Regional Director Meredith L. Henderson, laid a wreath at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in honor of Sara M. Clark, a sorority member and Washington, DC teacher who died on the plane that crashed into the Pentagon on that tragic day.

About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ®, North Atlantic Region: The North Atlantic Region (NAR) is the birthplace of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, an international service organization founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. Led by International President & CEO Danette Anthony Reed, AKA is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women and is comprised of more than 355,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters in 11 countries. The NAR is comprised of 155 chapters throughout Eastern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

About The Durst Organization: The Durst Organization, founded in 1915 by Joseph and Rose Durst, is the owner, manager, and builder of 13 million square feet of premier Manhattan office towers and over three million square feet of residential rental properties, with 3,400 rental apartments built and several thousand units in the pipeline. The Durst Organization is recognized as a world leader in the development of high-performance and environmentally advanced commercial and residential buildings where people live, work, and thrive. For more information, visit www.durst.org.

JOB ALERT: Port Chester Job Fair for an Emerging Economy

AJ Woodson
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JOB ALERT: Port Chester Job Fair for an Emerging Economy

Green Jobs Fair for an Emerging Economy: Showcasing Opportunities in Renewable Energy, Clean Technology, Green Construction, and Labor

PORT CHESTER, NY– The Port Chester Job Fair for an Emerging Economy, is an event dedicated to connecting job seekers with opportunities in our rapidly growing green economy. The fair will take place on Friday, January 19th, at the Carver Center in Port Chester, from 3:30 PM to 7 PM.

The fair is a joint event between the Village of Port Chester, Carver Center, and Soulful Synergy.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, January 19th, 2024

Time: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Carver Center, 2nd Floor Gymnasium, 400 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573

Free Childcare Services available from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Street parking is available and encouraged.

Highlights:

  • Job Opportunities: Discover rewarding career paths in renewable energy, clean technology, green construction, and labor. Representatives from leading regional companies in these sectors will be present to discuss job openings and career prospects.
  • Networking: Engage with industry professionals, recruiters, and fellow job seekers to build valuable connections and gain insights into the green job market.
  • Workshops: Attend informative sessions on industry trends, skill development, and career advancement in the green sector.
  • Speakers: Hear from representatives from the New York State Department of Labor, State Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblyman Steve Otis, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, County Legislator Nancy Barr, Mayor Luis Marino, and Deputy Mayor Grangenois-Thomas.

Media Access: Members of the media are invited to cover this event. Interviews with representatives from participating companies and organizers are available upon request.

RSVP: To confirm your attendance or request additional information, please contact:

Paul Presendieu

Director of Community Engagement

Soulful Synergy, LLC

PPresendieu@soulfulsynergy.org 

OR

Joan Grangenois-Thomas

JGT Public Relations

joan@jgtpr.com

914-980-6160

About Soulful Synergy: Soulful Synergy is a minority-owned workforce development agency dedicated to creating equitable and sustainable communities. For almost a decade, Soulful Synergy has successfully run tailored recruitment and training programs that tap into the soul of communities and upskill local workforces for clean energy and other high-demand jobs in construction, security, government and more. The company partners with government agencies and for profit and non-profit organizations to ensure funds are optimally allocated to meet the needs of communities and local job markets.

Soulful Synergy uniquely understands the nuanced challenges marginalized groups face as a result of institutional barriers, and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. To mitigate the effects of systemic injustices, Soulful Synergy provides tailored education, workforce training and certification, and recruitment and staffing services that  place underserved populations in sustainable career paths. Soulful Synergy’s compassionate approach to community engagement is key to its track record of success with course enrollment and completions and job placements. 

We look forward to your presence at the Job Fair, for an Emerging Economy where we aim to create a bridge between job seekers and the growing opportunities in the green economy.

The Urgency of Reparations for Descendants of Black American Slaves: Who’s for it, Who’s not and Who Should Get the Black Vote

DAMON K JONES
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The Urgency of Reparations for Descendants of Black American Slaves: Who’s for it, Who’s not and Who Should Get the Black Vote

According to a recent Lohud article, New York’s 16th District Congressman Jamaal Bowman was one of the original sponsors of House Resolution 414 in 2023. This resolution provides a comprehensive narrative that outlines the history of slavery in America and underscores the enduring impacts that continue to afflict Black people in the United States.

House Resolution 414 calls for monetary reparations and presents additional policy proposals to address the historical injustices. These proposals include offering free college education at the nation’s 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, funding organizations like the National Publishers Association and the National Association of Black Broadcasters, and advocating for the restoration of voting rights for individuals who are currently or have been previously incarcerated.

In addition to Congressman Bowman, former Bedford Supervisor MaryAnn Carr also supports this bill. Carr is currently challenging former Rep. Mondaire Jones for the Democratic nomination in the neighboring 17th District.

However, it’s worth noting that Jones and Westchester County Executive George Latimer, seeking to unseat Bowman, do not endorse HR 414. Instead, they back House Resolution 40, which calls for the establishment of a reparations commission and an official apology from the federal government for its role in decades of sanctioned chattel slavery of Black people.

This raises a crucial question: Why is there a need for further study on this issue when we are already well aware of its existence? The historical enslavement of Black people was not only a known fact but was also sanctioned by the American government. Delving into a study appears to overlook the extensively documented suffering inflicted by American White Supremacy and American institutions. The United States has a long and painful history of oppressing and perpetrating injustice against Black Americans, spanning centuries, including over 400 years of brutal and dehumanizing slavery, followed by the racist Jim Crow laws and practices that denied Black Americans their fundamental rights for nearly a century after the abolition of slavery. Even today, the lasting impacts of these historical injustices continue to manifest through significant economic, social, and health disparities between Black and white Americans.

Furthermore, there are six notable reparation programs designed to compensate for historical injustices. These programs were established by various entities, such as Germany for Holocaust victims, South Africa for victims of apartheid, the U.S. for victims of Japanese internment during World War II, North Carolina for victims of forced sterilization in the mid-20th century, the federal government for victims of the Tuskegee experiment, and Florida for victims of the 1923 Rosewood race riot. Given the existence of these programs, one may question the necessity of conducting a separate study on reparations for the descendants of Black American slaves, especially when the extensive suffering they endured is well-documented and acknowledged.

In 2024, the Biden administration remains steadfast in its commitment to honor the Federal Government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal nations and Native communities. Following extensive consultations with Tribes, the Budget allocates $4.7 billion for the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Tribal programs. This funding exceeds the 2023 enacted level by over $690 million and encompasses initiatives aimed at bolstering public safety, justice, social services, and educational requirements. These investments are designed to uphold Federal trust responsibilities and advance equity for Native communities. Additionally, the Budget designates contract support costs and leases at DOI as mandatory expenses for 2024. But when it comes to Black people, we take your vote but we have no money for you!

There is a strong moral argument that reparations are owed to the descendants of slaves and victims of systematic racism. Reparations are about acknowledging this unpaid debt and attempting to compensate, even if only partially, for stolen labor and livelihoods across generations. Economists estimate the current value of unpaid wages during slavery range from $5.9 trillion to over $14 trillion. Even a fraction of this could be transformative in assisting Black communities and helping repair damage done.

Beyond financial restitution, reparations signal an acceptance of responsibility and commitment to redress injustice. This matters for building trust and unity. Continuing to ignore the economic effects of generations of income inequality, racial terrorism, segregation, mass incarceration, employment discrimination and other oppressions makes true reconciliation impossible.

If you’re seeking the support of the Black vote, it’s essential to demonstrate equal support for reparations. Reparations are not about punishing the current generation; instead, they serve as a societal remedy to rectify long-standing systemic injustices that have significantly disadvantaged millions of Black Americans. It’s essential to recognize that just because something is challenging, it shouldn’t deter us from attempting it, especially when a strong ethical imperative exists.

If you agree to allocate funds to other groups, you should also agree to allocate them to Black Americans, with whom you engage, smile, and take pictures during your campaign.

The United States allocates substantial funds to other countries, surpassing other nations by contributing over $530 billion globally between 2012 and 2021. In the most recent data from 2021, the U.S. provided approximately $52.4 billion in foreign aid.

However, despite this generosity towards other countries, there has been a reluctance to address reparations for the descendants of enslaved Black Americans who endured centuries of forced labor, institutionalized white supremacy, and ongoing disparities.

It’s hypocritical to request Black Americans to contribute their tax dollars for aid to other countries while neglecting the documented debts owed to the descendants of enslaved Black people, which are being overlooked in favor of a study.

Black communities within the U.S., particularly those with a history of racial discrimination, currently face conditions resembling war zones and poverty due to the enduring impacts of historical injustices and discriminatory laws.

Black people must stop being puppets for votes and demand that our interest is more significant than the crumbs off their table. We allow those with soft spines to speak for us instead of demanding any elected official, especially our Black elected officials, who do not recognize the necessity of reparations and should not expect the support of Black voters. Why shouldn’t we? Every other ethnic group but us were too busy worrying about photo ops and job appointments. The interests of Black people should be prioritized, just as those of other ethnic groups who receive significant American tax dollars.

It’s time for Black voices to speak up boldly: If you don’t endorse monetary compensation for the 400 years of oppression suffered by Black Americans at the hands of Racist American Governmental institutions, policies and laws, you’re Anti-Black and you’re against the interests of the Black community.

BCW’s Ambassador of the Year Award is Attorney Melissa G. Andrieux

AJ Woodson
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BCW’s Ambassador of the Year Award is Attorney Melissa G. Andrieux

RYE BROOK, NY (January 2024) — Melissa G. Andrieux, Chief Diversity Officer and Chief Client Relations Officer for the law firm of Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP has been awarded The Business Council of Westchester’s (BCW) prestigious Ambassador of the Year Award. The award was presented at the BCW’s Annual New Year Blast held January 10 at the Surf Club in New Rochelle.

Andrieux is an experienced litigator who leverages her background in law to lead Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives. She is responsible for developing and executing the firm’s strategy to attract, recruit, and retain talent and to foster a firmwide culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging. She also consults and assists firm clients and other businesses with the development of their own diversity and inclusion programming and related initiatives. As a leading DEIB professional, Andrieux is regularly called upon to share her insights through speaking engagements and magazine features. 

Andrieux also serves as the firm’s Chief Client Relations Officer, tapping into her extensive experience in marketing, business development, and recruitment to drive business growth within the firm. Outside of the firm, she serves as Ambassador to the BCW, as well as a Board Member of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association (WWBA) and co-chair of the WWBA’s DEI Committee.

Andrieux received her B.S. from St. John’s University and her J.D. from New York Law School. Before joining Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP, she was an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County, New York, and a civil litigator at a New York based litigation firm.  

The BCW’s Ambassador Program was created 18 years ago and has become one of the BCW’s signature programs. Longtime BCW members volunteer their time, energy and expertise to mentor and guide new members through their first year of membership. Ambassadors attend all of BCW events and their responsibilities include welcoming members at every program and event we offer. Every member who joins the BCW is partnered with an Ambassador.

Photo caption: From left, BCW President & CEO Marsha Gordon, Ambassador of the Year Melissa G. Andrieux of Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP; BCW Senior Director of Membership & Programs Linda Tyler and BCW Chairman Jamie Schutzer. Photo courtesy of the BCW.

About the Business Council of Westchester: The Business Council of Westchester is the county’s largest and most prestigious business membership organization representing more than 1,000 members, including multinational corporations, hospitals, universities, biotech pioneers, not-for-profits, entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes. As the most influential economic development and advocacy organization in Westchester, The Business Council of Westchester’s members enjoy unparalleled access to today’s top thought leaders, diverse business development opportunities and lawmakers at all levels of government. The BCW Data Exchange provides the latest demographic research to help guide smart business decisions. The LEAP program, a one-of-a-kind initiative, gives members direct access to lobbying efforts at the county, state and national levels on issues that directly affect their businesses. Build, Connect and Win with The Business Council of Westchester. Visit thebcw.org to connect today.

Charlamagne Tha God Announces He Won’t Endorse Biden and Harris in 2024, Citing Disappointment

DAMON K JONES
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Charlamagne Tha God Announces He Won’t Endorse Biden and Harris in 2024, Citing Disappointment

Charlamagne Tha God, the radio personality also known as Lenard McKelvey, has announced that he will not endorse Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. This marks a shift from his previous support for Harris during the 2020 campaign. Charlamagne has been critical of the Biden administration, raising pointed questions and expressing disappointment with their performance.

In 2020, Charlamagne endorsed Kamala Harris, stating that he was voting for her, not necessarily for Joe Biden. However, over the past three years, he has become a vocal critic of the Biden administration, even challenging Harris on his canceled Comedy Central show regarding who the real president of the country was.

Charlamagne’s decision not to endorse Biden and Harris in 2024 is notable, as he holds significant influence with his four million monthly listeners. It comes at a time when support among Black voters for President Biden has seen a decline, with the latest poll indicating a decrease from 87% in 2020 to 64% now.

Charlamagne expressed that when he previously endorsed Harris, he believed she would “hold it down,” but he now believes that she hasn’t fulfilled that expectation. His change of stance reflects his disappointment in the Biden administration and raises concerns for the Biden campaign regarding their support among Black voters.

BW January 15, 2024 Issue

AJ Woodson
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BW January 15, 2024 Issue

Welcome to the January 15, 2024 issue of Black Westchester Newspaper

Black Westchester January 15, 2024 Newspaper Front Cover [Black Westchester]

South Africa Brings Genocide Allegations Against Israel to International Court of Justice

DAMON K JONES
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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

DAMON K JONES
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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.

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