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GAZA: On The Eve Of Ramadan, Jerusalem’s Old City Provides Little Festivity As The Gaza War Rages.

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JERUSALEM — On the eve of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, Jerusalem’s Old City lacks the customary festive characteristics.

Nearly half of the grotto-shaped souvenir shops are closed with metal shutters. The narrow alleyways leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site, are strangely vacant. The fairy lights and brilliant lanterns that would normally hang over rushing worshippers are absent.

Ramadan preparations in Jerusalem, the spiritual centre of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have been hampered by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which is now in its sixth month. With almost 30,000 Palestinians dying in Gaza and hundreds of thousands going hungry, there is little room for celebration.

“This will be the black Ramadan,” Abu Mousam Haddad declared in front of his coffee stand outside Damascus Gate, one of the Old City’s main entrances.

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On The Eve Of Ramadan, Jerusalem’s Old City Provides Little Festivity As The Gaza War Rages.

However, over the following few days, emphasis is likely to turn from Gaza to Al-Aqsa, which has previously served as a hotspot for rapidly escalated Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Hamas, which framed its Oct. 7 onslaught on southern Israel as a war for Muslim rights at Al-Aqsa, is seeking such an eruption now in the hopes of engaging Israeli forces on new fronts and increasing its bargaining power in Gaza cease-fire talks.

The militants have urged Palestinians in Israel and the occupied West Bank to flock to the mosque during Ramadan to protest anticipated Israeli restrictions on worship and mobility.

Although similar limitations have frequently sparked previous riots, it is unclear whether Palestinians will risk confrontation in the current atmosphere, in which Israeli forces are clamping down hard on any perceived threats.

“There is great fear among people about what Ramadan will look like this year and how the Israeli police will behave regarding entry and exit… into the city,” said Imad Mona, the owner of a bookshop near the Old City.

Israel has restricted access to Al-Aqsa to varied degrees over the years, notably prohibiting young men, citing security concerns. The Israeli government has offered scant details about this year’s Ramadan, which could begin as early as Sunday evening. However, it has been suggested some Palestinians from the West Bank will be permitted to pray at Al-Aqsa.

In the past, Israeli police invading the holy site battled with stone-throwing Palestinians who barricaded themselves inside, often to protest Israeli access restrictions. Such skirmishes have provoked escalation, including Hamas rocket fire, which resulted in a brief Israel-Hamas conflict in 2021.

The compound has always been a hotly debated religious place because it is located on the Temple Mount, which Jews regard as their most sacred site. It is located in east Jerusalem, a sector of the city that Israel conquered during the 1967 Middle East War and later annexed. Palestinians intend to make it the capital of their future state.

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On The Eve Of Ramadan, Jerusalem’s Old City Provides Little Festivity As The Gaza War Rages.

The US and other international mediators had pushed for a Gaza cease-fire to coincide with the beginning of Ramadan. However, there has yet to be a breakthrough.

Israel remains determined to continue its invasion and annihilate Hamas, who killed over 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped roughly 250 captives on October 7. During a November truce, the terrorist group liberated hundreds of prisoners, but it refuses to release any more unless there is a complete stop to hostilities.

Most Old City business proprietors declined to comment on the upcoming Ramadan. Israel has imprisoned scores of Palestinians for social media remarks criticizing the Gaza war since it began.

Some who spoke reported that extra Israeli police officers have been stationed in the Old City since October. According to business owners, young Palestinian men have been prohibited from entering the Al-Aqsa compound for Friday noon prayers regularly since the war began. This has generated discussion about more potential limits. The Israeli police have not responded to calls for comment.

According to Israeli media, the country’s outspoken national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has been campaigning to exclude all West Bank Palestinians, as well as young men who are among Israel’s more than 2 million Palestinian citizens. His spokeswoman did not return a request for comment.

COGAT, the Israeli military authority in charge of Palestinian affairs in the West Bank, announced Friday that some West Bank Muslims would be allowed to enter the territory for Ramadan prayers but did not specify. Last year, hundreds of thousands of people were permitted to enter, with the majority being women, children, and senior men.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also been imprecise, stating that the same number of worshipers as last year will be allowed to pray at Al-Aqsa during the first week of Ramadan. He stated that this would be examined every week during the month. No further information was made available.

Since 1967, the Waqf, a Jordanian Muslim religious authority, has administered the property informally. Jews can visit the complex but cannot pray there. The accord has crumbled in recent years, as huge groups of Jews, including hardline religious nationalists, have made frequent visits. Some of them attempted to pray at the place.

In the days leading up to Ramadan, Palestinians in the West Bank were wondering whether they would be permitted to attend prayers.

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On The Eve Of Ramadan, Jerusalem’s Old City Provides Little Festivity As The Gaza War Rages.

In general, Palestinians in the territory require a permit to visit East Jerusalem, which Israel regards to be part of its undivided capital, even though the majority of the international community does not accept its annexation. Since October 7, Israel has prohibited Palestinians from accessing Jerusalem or any area of Israel.

“It is the dream of every Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab to pray in Al-Aqsa Mosque” during Ramadan, said Akram al Baghdadi, a Ramallah resident with extended family living in the West Bank and Gaza.

The holy month also threatens to exacerbate divides within Israel’s turbulent cabinet, which is already split on how to handle the Gaza battle.

In a post on X, Ben Gvir criticized Netanyahu’s decision to allow Palestinians to pray at Al-Aqsa. He said that “Hamas celebrations on the Temple Mount” do not imply “a complete victory,” alluding to Netanyahu’s wartime battle cry.

Ben Gvir, who has been to the Al-Aqsa compound multiple times, is likewise a vociferous opponent of any cease-fire agreement with Hamas. He frequently supports Israeli settlement construction as well as the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, both of which are against the wishes of the majority of Cabinet members.

Months of conflict and tension have resulted in economic hardship, with fewer tourists and Palestinians buying in the Old City.

“It’s not just my shop that’s affected, but all the traders here,” said Jihad Abu Salih, a city-based sweets and pastry dealer. “It’s sad.”

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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King Charles Could Millions Annually from Renting His Properties

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Estimated Annual Rental Income of £1.4 Million

A recent analysis suggests that King Charles might earn over £1 million each year by renting out royal properties to holidaymakers.

The Royal Family’s historic houses and mansions are popular holiday rentals, contributing significantly to the Palace’s revenue.

Pikl Insurance estimates that the royals may earn up to £118,775.85 per month, or around £1,425,310.20 per year, from their holiday rental portfolio. Even after accounting for cancellations, the monarchy is anticipated to generate a net annual income of somewhat more over £1.4 million.

Estimated Annual Rental Income of £1.4 Million

The four primary royal properties accepting public bookings are Balmoral Castle, Castle of Mey’s Captain House, Restormel Manor, and Dumfries House, according to Express.co.uk. Cottages at Balmoral Castle in Scotland are expected to generate £36,798.30 per month after accounting for cancellations.

According to the numbers, the 500-year-old Restormel Manor in Cornwall is the most profitable of them all, earning a solid £47,082 every month. The resort, located in the Fowey Valley, has four booking spaces and six converted barns.

Windsor Castle

Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, adds an estimated £31,185.63 and offers 25 rooms for booking. The Castle of Mey’s Captain House in the Scottish Highlands is estimated to generate a more modest £3,709.92 per month, despite the fact that the entire property is available for booking.

The analysts stated, “While the Royal Family’s primary role is undoubtedly to serve the nation, it is clear that their properties are also a valuable asset.” These estimates highlight the royal estate’s considerable financial potential and provide an intriguing peek into the monarchy’s corporate operations.”

Royal Family received £86.3 million from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant in the previous fiscal year, according to official numbers released in July.

All revenues from the Crown Estate, which includes royal households, forestry, agriculture, and offshore wind, are paid directly to the Treasury, with a portion of this money, now 12%, returned to the Royal Family to finance their tasks.

The records also cover a period of jubilation, including the coronation and festivities surrounding the King and Queen’s crowning in May of last year.

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Man Creates Candy Cane Car to Spread Christmas Cheer

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Man Creates Candy Cane Car Spread Christmas Cheer
Clayman in his Grinch costume poses with his Candy Cane Car

In a delightful display of holiday spirit, a local resident in North Providence, Maine, has transformed his vehicle into a candy cane delight that is capturing hearts and spreading Christmas Cheer.

Over the past 15 years, Dave Clayman has transformed a simple 1991 Toyota Camry into a rolling holiday icon that captivates everyone who encounters it.

It’s wrapped in $3,000 worth of reflective tape, the same kind used on trailer trucks. Whether parked at a mall or cruising down the highway, you can’t miss it with its candy cane decorations.

This whimsical project started with an unusual idea. When an old exercise bike landed in Clayman’s possession, he mounted it on top of his car instead of letting it gather dust in his garage.

“There’s nothing like working out in the fresh air,” Dave said. That quirky addition quickly drew eyes, inspiring him to keep going.

The car features homemade rockets built from trash cans and salad bowls, candy cane-themed hubcaps, and candy cane lights dangling from the mounted exercise bike.

Man Creates Candy Cane Car Spread Christmas Cheer

The Candy Cane Car cost Clayman $3,000

To top it off, it boasts a PA system and a custom horn, making it a true sensory experience.

The candy cane car has now become a local landmark every Christmas. Parked outside Clayman’s house, it’s a favourite backdrop for people snapping photos or simply stopping to admire it.

Some visitors even share stories of seeing the car as a child, reminiscing about how it’s been a beloved part of their neighbourhood for years.

“When people see it, their mood amplifies,” Clayman explained. “If they’re happy, they become happier. If they’re upset, well, they sometimes get angrier.” But for the most part, he estimates that over 96% of people love the festive car, particularly around Christmas.

Clayman said he used to wear a Santa costume when riding in his festive car for years. A few years ago, he bought a Grinch costume and never looked back.

“It’s like a state of euphoria. Every time I get behind the wheel and people see it,” he said. “Anything that people are in a better mood, it seems to make you in a better mood. It’s a labor of love you got to be committed to it.”

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Senate Approves Social Security Fairness Act, Heads to Final Vote

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Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS

(VOR News) – On Wednesday, the United States Senate Social Security passed a measure with a vote of 73-27, indicating that the legislation, which is co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins of Maine, is likely to be implemented before the end of the year.

The law may be beneficial to personnel working in the public sector in Maine, including teachers, firefighters, and other workers.

The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal two restrictions that lower the amount of Social Security payments paid to public employees.

These regulations would be eliminated with the passage of the act. A provision known as the Windfall Elimination Provision makes it impossible for public employees who are currently receiving pensions to continue receiving them.

The Government Pension Offset, as it is commonly referred to, is designed to limit the amount of money that can be paid to the surviving spouses of recipients who are also receiving government pensions.

This problematic situation impacts Social Security benefits.”

In November 2024, the Social Security Administration reported that more than 2 million individuals, including more than 20,000 in the state of Maine, had their Social Security benefits reduced as a result of the Windfall Elimination Provision,” Collins stated in a statement that was released by her department.

In November 2024, the Government Pension Offset had an impact on more than 650,000 individuals, with more than 6,000 of those individuals residing in the state of Maine, according to the previously mentioned line of reasoning.

A vote of 327 to 75 was necessary for the measure to be approved by the House of Representatives the previous month. On Wednesday, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader of the Senate, announced that he intended to work rapidly in order to deliver the act from the House of Representatives to the president’s desk.

As indicated by Schumer, who was speaking on the floor of the United States Senate today, “Passing this Social Security fix right before Christmas would be a great gift for our retired firefighters, police officers, postal workers, teachers, and others who have contributed to Social Security for years but are now being penalised because of their time spent serving the public.”

In the beginning, the measure was supported by two individuals: Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, and Collins, a Republican. During her speech in support of the proposal, which was made on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday afternoon, Collins stated that the idea will have a significant impact on a number of individuals, including teachers in the state of Maine.

These advantages are the direct result of the effort that they put forth. During the course of her remarks, Collins asserted that the punishment in question was both unreasonable and unacceptable.

This will strain Social Security’s already shaky budget.

In a recent examination, it was discovered that the Windfall Elimination Provision was one of the primary problems that contributed to the difficulties that the teacher workforce in Maine is experiencing, which experts are referring to as a crisis.

A poll that was conducted and released by the non-profit organisation Educate Maine found that teachers in each and every county in the state of Maine identified the provision as a hindering factor in the process of recruiting new teachers.

According to the findings of the study, “this federal policy that reduces social security payouts is a disincentive,” which implies that it is detrimental to teachers who take on additional work and discourages people from switching careers in order to become teachers.

Sharon Gallant, a retired educator who worked in Gardiner for a total of 31 years, is one of the educators that are now employed there. Prior to beginning his career as a teacher in the public school system, Gallant was employed in the business sector. He made a little contribution to the Social Security system during the entirety of this time period.

“When you move into public education, you are faced with a certain degree of punishment,” according to her statement.

In letters that Gallant sent to Collins and to Sen. Angus King of Maine, who is an independent, he urged both of them to support the concept. She stated that even if it is unsuccessful, Maine will still have a difficult time recruiting teachers because of the clause that deters them from employment.

She made the observation, “If this does not pass, then it is just another reason not to enter public service.”

SOURCE: FR

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