Pierogi Halloween

 

Stuttering Day

 

Deporting Afghans

From the EU:

“Nineteen EU countries and Norway demand measures to return Afghans either voluntarily or forcibly”

Twenty countries are pressing on the EU Commission to start sending back Afghans resident illegally in Europe, either voluntarily or by force. Including negotiating with the Taliban. In a letter addressed to Magnus Brunner the Commissioner of Internal Affairs and Migration, twenty European countries have come together to pressure the European Commission to find ways to send back Afghan nationals who are living illegally in Europe, either voluntarily or by force, according to Belgian minister forAsylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt on Saturday. Many EU countries say that the fact that they cannot currently deport Afghans, even those convicted of crimes, due to no formal return agreement with Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021 poses a threat to EU countries security and "undermines public trust in asylum policy".

The initiative, led by Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, is supported by 18 other countries across the EU and Norway: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia and Sweden.

They are demanding the European Commission bring the return of Afghans to the top of its agenda, including negotiating with the Taliban regime to agree upon a return policy. Van Bossuyt has suggested giving the EU's border agency Frontex a stronger role in organising and supporting voluntary returns through the EU Reintegration Programme. Meanwhile, for forced returns, the letter suggests that those deemed dangerous or criminal should be prioritised, through a joint mission to Afghanistan between the Commission, the EEAS and the Member States wishing to take part.

Since the fall of Kabul in 2021, the only country to recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan has been Russia. Despite this, Germany, led by Friedrich Merz’s conservative government, has been close to cutting a deal with the Taliban on the return of Afghans, who form the second-largest group of asylum seekers in Germany. In July, Merz's government conducted a flight deporting 81 Afghans and hopes other European countries will follow.

However, Germany's actions have previously been criticised by the UN, as Afghanistan is still under a "non-return advisory", according to Ravina Shamdasani, a UN refugee agency spokesperson.

Meanwhile, another worker for the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), Arafat Jamal, said: "We have been documenting continuing human rights violations in Afghanistan."

^ It is wrong to return any Afghan who was able to escape the return of the Taliban back to Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan.

If an Afghan Refugee commits a crime then keep them in an EU Jail.

The EU Member Countries (along with every Country in the World) should NOT officially recognize the Taliban in Afghanistan – not while they continue to murder and torture: Homosexuals, Women, etc. ^

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/10/18/nineteen-eu-countries-and-norway-demand-measures-to-return-afghans-either-voluntarily-or-f

Shooter Identified

From the DW:

“Holocaust photo: 1941 Nazi murderer now identified”

(The Nazi officer training his pistol on a Jewish man in this photo has now been identified)

A man in a long coat with a full head of hair and sunken cheeks kneels at the edge of a mass grave, resigned to his fate.  The dozens of corpses below him and the gunman pointing a pistol to the back of his head leave no room for doubt — he knows his life is about to end. The victim's identity remains a mystery, but a match has been found for the perpetrator with 99% certainty. The gunman in the photo, striking a "casual pose," while showing "performative indifference" and "procedural matter-of-factness," is most likely Nazi war criminal Jakobus Onnen, and the photo was probably a Nazi trophy, said German historian Jürgen Matthäus.

The victim, however, could not be identified

The latest findings by the former head of the research department at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum recently appeared in the Zeitschrift für Geschichtswissenschaft (or "Journal of Historical Science"), published by Metropol Verlag. "This is a massive step forward in getting to the historical reality of the Holocaust. These are the moments where — if I can generalize — where historians are really thinking, 'Aha, here I've really pushed the limit of what we know'," Matthäus told DW.

This photo became one of the most famous images of the Holocaust, titled "The Last Jew in Vinnitsa." It first drew attention in 1961, during the trial of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Israel. However, little was known about the image until now, and some of what was known turned out to be incorrect in retrospect. Though titled 'The Last Jew in Vinnitsa,' research has revealed that the crime happened in Berdychiv, about 150 kilometers from KyivImage: USHMM-Archiv 2021.159.

The photo's history

According to the United Press International (UPI) news agency, which distributed the photo at the time, it was supplied by Al Moss, a Holocaust survivor from Chicago. He reportedly received the photo in Munich in 1945 shortly after his liberation by American troops and handed it over to UPI.

But the image had long been mislabeled. Only in 2023 did Matthäus discover that the photo wasn't taken in the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia some time between 1941 and 1943 as originally thought, but rather in Berdychiv, about 150 kilometers (about 90 miles) from Kyiv. The error was discovered through a stroke of serendipity. A few years ago, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington received the war diaries of Austrian Wehrmacht soldier Walter Materna, who was stationed in Berdychiv in 1941. They included a print of this photo, but of significantly better quality than the previously known copy. On the back was written, "Late July 1941. Execution of Jews by the SS in the citadel of Berdychiv. July 28, 1941." A diary entry by Materna on the same date, in which he describes the murder of hundreds of Jewish people at the same pit at the Berdychiv citadel, reinforced the theory that the crime scene was not Vinnytsia, but Berdychiv. Matthäus published the results of his research on Materna's diaries in late 2023 in the journal "Holocaust and Genocide Studies." The German daily WELT reported on the topic.

Successful use of hive minds Matthäus then received several tips from readers who claimed to have recognized the perpetrator. One of them came from a retired high school teacher who wrote that the "horrifying image" had played a role in his family for decades "because it shows an SS member who resembles an uncle of my wife, her mother's brother... An uncle who was 'on site' as a member of Einsatzgruppe C during the period in question," Matthäus wrote in the Journal of Historical Science.

This 'uncle' was Jakobus Onnen, who was born into a middle-class family in 1906 in the East Frisian village of Tichelwarf, near the Dutch border. He studied French, English and sports in Göttingen to become a teacher, following in his late father's footsteps. He later taught at the German Colonial School in Witzenhausen. In 1931, he joined the Sturmabteilung (or SA), a paramilitary organization of the Nazi Party and a year later he transferred to the SS, a kind of elite police force under the Nazis that had started out as the personal guards of Adolf Hitler. In early June 1941, he became part of Einsatzgruppe C, which murdered hundreds of thousands of Jewish people in Eastern Europe.  "He joined the SA and then later the SS. His study time in Göttingen was clearly influenced by the Nazi student movement, which was very strong, particularly in Göttingen at the time. So here is the Nazification that you can observe," said Matthäus.

'AI was the icing on the cake'

(Comparison of many photos of a man, with a similarity of around 99% displayed. Comparison of many photos of a man, with a similarity of around 99% displayed.)

Onnen was never investigated because he died in battle in August 1943. In addition, his sister had destroyed a collection of letters he'd sent her, eliminating the possibility of using them to reconstruct events. Despite such hurdles, artificial intelligence experts pitched in and managed to determine the murderer's identity using AI-based facial recognition software with a high degree of certainty. This feat was achieved largely through the help of the high school teacher who recognized his relative in the image and sent photos to use for comparison. "The more we cooperate across the disciplinary divide, which is not a given particularly in the humanities, the better. This is very much collaborative ... Holocaust studies exist only as an interdisciplinary field," said Matthäus, adding that such collaborations could also involve art historians, technical experts, musicologists, psychologists and political scientists among others.

Victims remain unidentified The name and biographical details of the shooter are now known. Yet the victim remains unknown — as in so many cases — even though his face is clearly visible in the photograph. This is not surprising, said Matthäus, because the Nazis deliberately did not list the names of the people shot in Eastern Europe — unlike in the case of deportations from Western Europe.  "Increasingly over time, there have been massive efforts to de-anonymize the victims by identifying them by name. Who were these people? A lot of this work was done by survivors who stepped forward and identified on the basis of photos or memoirs and testimonies like at the Shoah Foundation at Yad Vashem and also at the US Holocaust Museum in Washington," said Matthäus.

Nonetheless, the historian remains "cautiously optimistic" that one day interdisciplinary collaboration, hive minds and AI will enable the victim in this photo to be identified, besides opening up many new opportunities for Holocaust research. "If this is possible for this photo, it might be possible for letters, diaries. I think a lot hinges on the willingness of society to embrace this, not just the political class. But also individuals and families to confront this," said Matthäus.

^ It doesn’t matter how long ago these murders were committed. It will always be necessary to try and find the names of the Killers and the Victims. ^

https://www.dw.com/en/holocaust-photo-1941-nazi-murderer-now-identified/a-74394285

White Cane Day

White Cane Day

White canes were introduced in the 1930s as a way of assisting visually impaired pedestrians to travel independently. They also helped motorists identify and yield to people using the white cane, and their use has been protected by law in the United States since that time. White Cane Safety Day, October 15, was established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson in an effort to raise awareness of people who carry a white cane.

What is the White Cane Law? “A totally or partially blind pedestrian who is carrying a predominately white cane (with or without a red tip), or using a guide dog, shall have the right-of-way. The driver of any vehicle approaching this pedestrian, who fails to yield the right-of-way, or to take all responsibility necessary precautions to avoid injury to this blind pedestrian, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) no more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. This section shall not preclude prosecution under any other applicable provision of law.” – Vehicle Code #21963

Safety Tips For People Who Are Sighted Stop your car at least 5ft. from a crosswalk. Pedestrians who are visually impaired or blind may use the sound of your engine to locate crosswalk boundaries. If any part of your car is in the crosswalk, they may misjudge the safe area. Avoid honking at individuals using a white cane. People who are blind or visually impaired have no idea why you are honking. It is okay to ask if assistance is needed. Ask the person who is blind or visually impaired for permission before trying to assist. If the person asks you to help guide them, offer your arm. They will hold your arm just above the elbow to follow your path.

82: Rome Raid

82 Years ago today (October 15, 1943) the Germans raided the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, Italy.

(Settimia Spizzichino)

Jews had lived in Rome since 66 AD.

In 1555, Pope Paul IV ordered the imprisonment of all the Jews of Rome in an area of the Sant'Angelo District, between the ancient Portico d'Ottavia and the bank of the Tiber.  The place, enclosed by walls, was equipped with doors that were closed from dusk to dawn and was soon called a "Ghetto"

 In 1825, Pope Leo XII enlarged the Jewish Ghetto with an additional block of the current Via della Reginella.

In 1848, Pope Pius IX demolished the walls of the Ghetto and liberalized the residence of Jews in Rome.

 The District, however, continued to be inhabited, for the most part, by Citizens of the Jewish Religion and still referred locally as the Jewish Ghetto.

The Italian Racial Laws (Italian: Leggi Razziali) were created by Mussolini in 1938 and modelled after Nazi Germany’s.

Additional Laws stripped Jews of their assets, restricted travel, and finally provided for their confinement in Ghettos throughout Italy.

The Deportation of Italian Jews outside of Rome began with the German Occupation of Italy in September 1943.

The Deportation of Rome’s Jews started on October 15, 1943.

The Italian Police in Rome, unlike in many other parts of German-Occupied Italy, did not participate in the arrests of Jews, and the General Public objected and resisted such arrests.

For these reasons, a sizeable proportion of the Jews in Rome avoided arrest and survived the Holocaust, often hiding in the Vatican or other Catholic Institutions.

Pope Pius XII's role in the Holocaust is mired in controversy with some saying he did nothing including not speaking out about Hitler or the Jews of Europe to others saying he secretly helped the Jews (especially those in Rome.)

Settimia Spizzichino was the only Woman to survive both the Rome Ghetto Round-Up and the Auschwitz Death Camp.

The 5th of 6 children, Settimia Spizzichino was born into a Family in the Jewish Ghetto of Rome on April 15, 1921.

Her father, Mosè Mario Spizzichino, was a Book Dealer. Her Mother, Grazia Di Segni, was a Teacher at the Jewish School.

On October 16, 1943 she was Rounded-Up and Deported to Auschwitz, along with her Mother, 2 Sisters and Neice.

They arrived at Auschwitz 6 days later where the Germans held their infamous Selection.

Settimia’s Mother, Sister (Ada) and her Child were immediately gassed to death.

Settimia and her Sister, Judith, were selected to work moving stones.

When the Soviets were close to liberating Auschwitz in January 1945 Settimia became one of the 58,000 Inmates forced on a Death March by the Germans. She was sent to Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp in Germany where she was liberated by the British on April 15, 1945 – her 24th Birthday.

Out of the 689 Women deported to Auschwitz with her, 47 Women were chosen to work and of those 47 Women Settimia was the only Woman to survive the War.

She returned to Rome where she often spoke to Educational Groups about her experiences.

Settimia Spizzichino died on July 3, 2000 at the age of 79.

Tuesday

 

I'm Confused

I’m confused.

The US is allowing Qatar to build a Qatari Emiri Air Force Facility at the Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho.

The US just spent $20 Billion Dollars to bailout Argentina.

How is that “America First?”

While 900,000 American Workers are being forced to not work with no pay and another 700,000 American Workers are being forced to work with no pay on the 14^th Day of the US Federal Shutdown we are focusing on Qatar and Argentina rather than the American People.

While 1,326,050 American Military Men and Women are risking their lives to protect us and are not being paid during the US Federal Government Shutdown we are focusing on Qatar and Argentina rather than the American People.

Please explain that to me.

Hostages Released

After 738 days as a Hostage of Hamas, Omri Miran, Matan Angrest, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Alon Ohel, and Eitan Mor, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Avinatan Or, Bar Kupershtein, Eitan Horn, Elkana Bohbot, Evyatar David, Maksym Harkin, Matan Zangauker, Nimrod Cohen, Rom Braslvaski, Segev Kalfon, and Yosef-Chaim Ohana are now free and back home.

Day 13

Day 13 of the US Federal Government Shutdown!

Just remember that while 900,000 Federal Workers are home with no work and no pay and another 700,000 Federal Workers are forced to work without being paid.

1,326, 050 Men and Women of the United States Military are also forced to work and risk their lives to defend all of us without being paid.

Who has the power to end the US Federal Shutdown?

The Presidency: A Republican (but he isn’t even in the United States right now, but in Israel.)

The Senate: Is controlled by the Republicans.

The House of Representatives: Is controlled by the Republicans.

I am NOT Anti-Republican and Pro-Democrat.

I am NOT Anti-Democrat and Pro-Republican.

I AM Pro-America and keeping the Men and Women who support and defend us able to feed their Families.

If the Democrats were in power and able to end the Shutdown I would call them out on it, but this time it's the Republicans who are to blame.

Canadian Thanksgiving

 

Columbus Day

 

Still Waiting

 

Dual Citizen

Because Canadian Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I was asked why I celebrate it.

I am a Dual Citizen.

I am a Citizen of Canada (as well as a Commonwealth Citizen of the Member Countries of the British Commonwealth.)

I am a Citizen of the United States.

My Mother was born in Canada to a Canadian Father and an American Mother.

My Father was born in the United States to two American Parents.

In 1960 my Canadian Grandfather became an American Citizen and until 1877 Canada didn’t allow Dual Citizenship so he lost his Canadian Citizenship (as did my Mom who was under 18 years old at the time.)

In 2009 Canada passed a bill to give Canadian Citizenship back to those that had automatically lost it (when they became a Citizen of another Country or if they lived outside of Canada for 10 years.)

My Mom applied for and got her Canadian Citizenship back.

I then applied for Canadian Citizenship and received it.

I am considered a Native-Born Canadian Citizen (not a Naturalized Citizen.)

I am also considered a Native-Born American Citizen (not a Naturalized Citizen.

I have to use my Canadian Passport to enter Canada and my American Passport to enter the United States.

I can use either Passport to enter any other country although if I use my Canadian Passport to enter the United Kingdom or another Commonwealth Country I have more rights than if I enter the UK with my American Passport

Since 2009 we have had low-key celebrations for Canadian Thanksgiving in October and a bigger celebration for American Thanksgiving in November.

Passwords

 

EES Starts

 

Americans and other Non-EU Citizens now have to do this when entering and leaving the 29 Member Countries of the Schengen Area starting today (October 12, 2025.)

It's called the EES (Entry-Exit System.)

The Schengen Area includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark (not including Greenland or the Faroe Islands), Estonia, Finland, France (not including Overseas Territories), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands (not including the Caribbean Netherlands), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The US has a similar Program for Foreigners (called US-VISIT and has been around since 2004) when entering the US (there is no Exit Immigration in the US.)

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en

Diane Keaton

From the BBC:

“Actress Diane Keaton dies aged 79, CBS News reports”

Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton has died at the age of 79, the producer and friend of Keaton Dori Rath has confirmed to CBS News, the BBC's US partner. Keaton, who was born in Los Angeles, shot to fame in the 1970s through her role as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather films. She was also known for starring roles in films including Father of the Bride, First Wives Club and Annie Hall, which won her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1978. The actress, whose Hollywood career spanned more than 50 years, died in California, her family told People magazine.

For Annie Hall, Keaton also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Motion Picture and the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Throughout her career, Keaton starred in dozens of other films including The Family Stone, Because I Said So, And So It Goes, as well as a number of other Woody Allen films, like Play It Again, Sam, Sleeper, Love and Death and Manhattan.

Keaton made her film debut in the 1970 romantic comedy Lovers and Other Strangers. Her most recent film was the 2024 comedy Summer Camp where she starred alongside Eugene Levy and Kathy Bates. Keaton also directed several films, the first of which was a 1987 documentary, Heaven, chronicling people's beliefs about the afterlife. Her 1995 film Unstrung Heroes - a comedy-drama starring Andie MacDowell, John Turturro and Michael Richards - was selected for Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard, which showcases unique stories by emerging directors.

Both in her film roles and in her personal life, Keaton was known for her unique style, which often featured menswear and a wide-brimmed hat. Paying tribute, her First Wives Club co-star Bette Midler wrote on Instagram: "The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me." "She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was ... oh, la, lala!" Actor Ben Stiller paid tribute on X, writing: "Diane Keaton. One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and comedy. Brilliant. What a person." Keaton was nominated for three further Oscars - all in the best actress category - for her work in Something's Gotta Give, Marvin's Room and Reds.

She never married and had two adopted children - a daughter, Dexter, and a son, Duke. In her 2011 autobiography, titled Then Again, Keaton wrote: "I have assessed my happiness ratio and this is the result. I am totally content whenever the ones I love are happy about something little, big, insignificant, whatever. "I just don't think anyone could possibly have the same wonderful, intense, compelling feelings that I have for this family of mine."

^ This is so sad to hear. ^

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr5q5rp4r64o

Special Ed Ended

From USA Today:

“Education Department wipes out special ed office in shutdown layoffs, union says”

The U.S. Department of Education fired nearly everyone in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in a wave of new layoffs that began Friday, according to the union representing the agency's employees.

Without an official estimate from the agency, it wasn't immediately clear how many people in the division were fired. Yet based on reports from staff and their managers, most employees below the leadership level were part of the workforce reduction, said Rachel Gittleman, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252. Separately, employees involved in the college access program known as TRIO, which is located in a different office, were also let go, she said. The firings, which the union has challenged in court, "double down on the harm to K-12 students and schools across the country," Gittleman told USA TODAY.

Spokespeople for the Education Department did not respond to requests for comment Saturday. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has said on multiple occasions that safeguarding students with disabilities, and making sure they have access to the educational resources they're legally entitled to, is a top priority. "I would like to see even more funding go to the states for that," she told CNN in March.

In a Friday court filing, the Justice Department said more than 460 Education Department employees had been laid off, cutting roughly a fifth of the agency's already-hamstrung workforce. That tally is likely to increase.

The terminations, which have hit more than half a dozen federal agencies, are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to pressure congressional Democrats to end the ongoing government shutdown. Nearly 90% of the Education Department is furloughed, too. An Education Department staffer told USA TODAY the agency laid off just about every employee who works to administer funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, the primary federal law supporting students with disabilities. He was unsure how those programs will exist moving forward. "The system is designed to happen at the school level, with oversight from the district, with oversight from the state, and then with oversight form the federal level," said Glenna Wright-Gallo, who served as assistant secretary in the office from 2023 to 2025. "Now we're losing that checks and balances system."

Secretary McMahon has suggested that oversight of IDEA funding could be better positioned in the Department of Health and Human Services, rather than at her agency. Officially moving it would take an act of Congress, though. In the likely absence of federal wraparound services for students with disabilities, Wright-Gallo recommended that parents and advocates start paying more attention to support systems at the local and state level.

^ Getting rid of Special Education at the Federal Level in a disgrace.

Millions of Children that are Disabled across the United States will be dramatically affected with this and it will be dire for many of them.

We should be expanding NOT eliminating Special Education for the Disabled.

For too long the Disabled have been forced to be hidden out of the public eye.

We should be doing more to help them come into the public more.

Getting rid of the Special Education Department is moving us back hundreds of years as a Country.

I am ashamed of how we are treating the Disabled across the United States right now. ^

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/education-department-wipes-special-ed-192438400.html

Saturday

 

Undercover Dogs

 

Friday

 

Mass Layoffs

From USA Today/Yahoo:

“President Trump begins mass layoffs of federal workers amid government shutdown”

President Donald Trump on Friday followed through on his long-standing threat to fire federal workers during the government shutdown, taking action to downsize the government that marks a dramatic break from past shutdowns. “The RIFs have begun,” Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a post on X, referring to “reductions in force,” or RIFs.

With the government out of money after President Donald Trump and lawmakers failed to agree on a deal to keep the lights on, many federal departments and agencies have been closed since midnight. See what remains open and what has closed. The United States Park Service place a notice on the visitors entry door notifying of the closing of the Washington Monument to visitors on the first day of the federal government shutdown on October 1, 2025 after President Donald Trump and congressional leaders failed to reach a funding compromise.

An OMB spokeswoman would not say how many federal workers are affected, or which agencies were targeted, but described the layoffs as substantial. Trump has repeatedly warned Democrats he may pursue mass layoffs of workers and government programs if the shutdown, which began on Oct. 10, drags on.

Historically, nonessential federal workers are placed on furloughs that pause their pay during government shutdowns, but they are not part of widespread federal workforce layoffs. About 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed during the shutdown. The Trump administration this year has already fired tens of thousands of federal workers as part of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to drastically cut the size of the federal government.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/president-trump-begins-mass-layoffs-171813208.html

3 Day Weekend

 

And a 3 Day Holiday Weekend at that.

Paprika

Sarcasm is the spice of life.

That’s why my Middle Name is Paprika.

EES Countries

 

Not participating: Ireland and Cyprus.

They’re keeping Passport Stamps.

If you fly from Dublin to Paris, you get stamped leaving Ireland and scanned entering France.

Silly Posts

 

Gaza Peace Plan

The Gaza War Peace Plan submitted by the United States:

The plan's 20 points were outlined as follows:

 Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.

Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.

If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.

Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.

Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1700 Gazans who were detained after October 7, 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.

Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.

Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads

Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025, agreement.

Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the "Board of Peace", which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump's peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.

A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.

A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.

No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.

Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.

A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.

The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.

Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the United States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.

In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.

 An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.

While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.

The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

 

Reactions

Israel During the initial press conference with Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he supports the plan. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich denounced the plan as "a historic missed opportunity" which will force Israel to "fight in Gaza again".[6] Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid endorsed the plan and said "Israel should announce it is joining the discussions led by the president to finalize the details of the deal." Israeli opposition politician Benny Gantz lauded "Trump's extraordinary efforts to secure a hostage deal and safeguard Israeli security" and said the plan "must be implemented, our hostages brought home, Israel's operational freedom maintained, Hamas's terror regime in Gaza replaced, and moderate Arab States instated instead as I proposed a year and a half ago."

Palestine Palestine The Palestinian Authority called Trump's efforts "sincere and determined" and said that it is committed to holding new parliamentary and presidential elections within a year of the war's end, changing school curriculum, and forming a new security force, while affirming its desire for a "modern, democratic, and non-militarized Palestinian state, committed to pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power."

Palestinian factions

 Hamas: Taher al-Nounou, a senior Hamas official, said they were not consulted about the current proposal and, in any case, they will not accept the demilitarization offer as Israel has demanded.  Hamas leader in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, reportedly objected to the proposal as he is thought to believe that the plan aims to finish Hamas. Hamas's political leadership in Qatar have been reported to be open to accepting the proposal with certain amendments. On October 3, 2025, Hamas issued an official response, declaring its readiness to release all hostages, to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to independent Palestinian technocrats and to negotiate further details.

 Palestinian Islamic Jihad: PIJ leader Ziyad al-Nakhalah called the plan an attempt by Israel to impose through the U.S. "what it could not achieve through war" and condemned "the American-Israeli declaration" as "a recipe for blowing up the region."[6] Following Hamas's agreement to the plan, the PIJ followed suit and said Hamas's response "represents the stance of the Palestinian resistance forces."

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine: Senior member of the PFLP, Abu Ali Hassan, stated that the plan is "a recipe for managing the war and prolonging it, not for its end." He also called the plan "a desperate attempt to separate Gaza from the Palestinian territorial entity."[76]

Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine: Member of the DFLP political bureau, Arkan Badr, stated that the plan is "a direct attack on the Palestinian national entity."

United States Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed that the plan was "essentially the plan that developed over many months" under the predecessor Biden administration and was "more or less left in a drawer for the incoming administration."

International

 Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the plan and said Australia had "consistently been part of international calls for a ceasefire", and called on Hamas to "agree to the plan, lay down its arms, and release all remaining hostages."

Brazil: Brazil's foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, said that the government will welcome the peace plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

China: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun welcomed the plan stating that "China welcomes and supports all efforts conducive to easing tensions between Palestine and Israel." He also reaffirmed China's support to work with the international community toward a lasting peace.

 France: French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Trump's plan and wrote on his X account: "I expect Israel to engage resolutely on this basis, Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan."

 Germany: Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the plan "offers hope for hundreds of thousands of people suffering in Gaza", urging Hamas to accept the deal.

 Holy See: Pope Leo XIV described Trump's plan as "realistic", expressing hope that it would pan out.

Iceland: Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said the agreement was "a great day for Palestine".

 India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the plan, stating that the release of hostages mark a "significant step forward." He also stated that India "will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace."

 Iran: Iran's foreign ministry wrote that it "welcomes any decision by them that guarantees halting the genocide of Palestinians".

 Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Trump's "ambitious plan" could be a "turning point" in bringing about a permanent end to the Gaza war.

 New Zealand: Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Trump's plan as an "example of such global leadership" and urged all parties to "seize this important opportunity to end the conflict."

 Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared support for Trump's peace proposal and lauded "President Trump's leadership and the vital role played by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in bringing an end to this war."

 Russia: The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that they support and welcome Trump's plan to end the war.

 Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his country "welcomes the U.S.-backed peace proposal for Gaza."

 United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the U.S. effort is "profoundly welcome" and called on all sides to "work with the U.S. administration to finalize this agreement and bring it into reality."

 Egypt,  Indonesia,  Jordan,  Qatar,  Saudi Arabia,  Turkey,  United Arab Emirates: The foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates stated they welcomed the "sincere efforts" of President Trump to end the war in Gaza.

Supranational

 European Union: on 6 October 2025, High Representative Kaja Kallas announced that the European Union seeks a role in the proposed transitional authority for Gaza, stating "we feel that Europe has a great role and we should be also on board with this. “The European Union has two overseas operations in the Palestinian territories, the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Rafah and the European Union Mission for the Support of Palestinian Police and Rule of Law.

United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres was encouraged by Hamas's agreement with the proposal and urged all parties to "seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end." United Nations human rights experts "expressed hope for a permanent ceasefire" but said that multiple portions of the plan contradicted international law and the ICJ ruling on Israel's occupation of Palestine.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_war_peace_plan

Columbus Travel

 

Columbus Day Holiday Weekend 40 Million Americans will travel (mostly for the Foliage) across the US.

Good Mood

 

2: Attack

 

Today (October 7, 2023) marks 2 years since the Palestinian Terrorists including Hamas attacked Israel.

1,200 Men, Women and Children were killed that day.

3,000 Men, Women and Children were wounded that day.

251 Men, Women and Children were taken hostage that day.

48 Men and Women continue to be held hostage by Hamas in Gaza 732 days (and counting.)

Popular Guest

 

Channels

When I was a Kid I heard Adults complain that they only had 3 TV Channels to watch from.

When I was a Teenager we only had 1 TV Channel (AFN.)

When I moved here 16 years ago I had 295 TV Channels.

For the past 6years and counting I have 298 TV Channels and 32 Streaming Channels to choose from.

Sukkot

Sukkot starts tonight.

Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish Holiday that comes 5 days after Yom Kippur.

Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest and commemorates the protection God provided for the Children of Israel when they left Egypt.

Here is a picture I took when I was in Jerusalem, Israel in October 2017 – during Sukkot.

Putin

 

Today (October 7th) is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 73rd  Birthday. The best thing I can wish him and his country today is a defeat in Ukraine.

Only For Tonight

 

German-American Day

Today is German-American Day (German: Deutsch-Amerikanischer Tag.)

It celebrates German-American heritage and commemorates the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania (now part of Philadelphia), in 1683.

Cerebral Palsy

Today is Cerebral Palsy Day.

I worked at an Overnight Camp for the Mentally and Physically Disabled in New York) for 4 Summers.

Started in the 1960s it was one of the first Summer Camps in New York, in the United States and in the World that was for the Disabled. Initially it was for those with CP (Cerebral Palsy), but later opened to every kind of Disability.

It was a lot of hard work working there, but also a lot of fun.

WCPD

 

Happiness

 

Day 4

4 Days into the US Federal Government Shutdown.

803,283 Men and Women have been furloughed (sent home with no pay.)

700,000 Men and Women (including Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen/women) are forced to work with no pay.

A US Federal Shutdown costs the Country $7 Billion Dollars every week.

The Presidency: A Republican.

The House of Representatives Is Controlled By: The Republicans.

The Senate Is Controlled By: The Republicans.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he would extend The House’s Recess for another week through October 13, 2025.

35: Unity

From the DW:

“Where does Germany stand 35 years after reunification?”

There is still a wide gap between the former East and West Germany, even amongst young people who have only ever lived in a unified country. The new commissioner for eastern Germany attempts to explain why.

Elisabeth Kaiser is from Gera, in the eastern state of Thuringia. When the federal commissioner for eastern Germany was born in 1987, Germany was still divided. Two years later, the Berlin Wall fell, and on October 3, 1990, the communist GDR became history.  "I did not consciously experience the period of reunification, but the stories of my parents and grandparents have shaped me," Kaiser wrote in an annual report presented in Berlin just in time for the 35th anniversary of German Unity Day. For the 38-year-old member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), this is a first, as she has only been in office since May 2025, when the new federal government was formed. In her report, the political scientist focuses on how younger people are experiencing a Germany that has been united for 35 years. Yet the title she gave it hints at the gap between the former West and East: "Growing up in unity?" Formally, the answer is "yes," because there is now only one German nation. "We children of the late 1980s and 1990s are the first generation to have been socialized in a unified Germany," Kaiser writes in the report's foreword. "Nevertheless, for young people growing up there, 'the East' is still much more than a compass point. It is a space that shapes identities and influences lives," she stressed.

East German identity  Kaiser, who studied at the University of Potsdam in the eastern state of Brandenburg, sees differences between herself and younger people from former West Germany. "Many young people... cannot relate to the label 'West German' — especially if they live on the coast or near the Alps. In contrast, young eastern Germans identify themselves as Ossis far more often," she wrote, using a slang term for people from the former East. Kaiser believes there are good reasons for this. Even though young Germans have all been grown up in the same country for three and a half decades, the conditions of their upbringing still differ in important ways. "This is especially true outside the eastern German cities," she said.

Lower incomes, more welfare In her report, Kaiser references a study on equality between the former East and West. It shows that in small towns and rural regions, public transportation and medical facilities are no longer comprehensively guaranteed in eastern states. In addition, people earn below-average incomes and are more likely to be dependent on social benefits. "Wealth is also lower in the east than in the west," Kaiser added. "This shapes the lives of many eastern Germans well into adulthood," she wrote, because they are less likely to be able to rely on their parents for financial support throughout their lives. In addition, the aging of the population in rural regions of eastern Germany is more pronounced than in western areas. The proportion of young people is well below the national average. 

Rich West, poor East  When presenting her report, Kaiser elaborated on this aspect: "To this day, young people in the east are disadvantaged because wealth is mainly passed on through inheritance," which most east Germans cannot expect. The figures published by the Federal Statistical Office for 2024 underline this: The tax offices in western states reported more than €106 billion ($124.5 billion) in inherited or gifted wealth. In the east, including Berlin, the figure was less than seven billion. That amounts to almost four times more in the west per capita. Kaiser finds this problematic and believes that a serious debate over changes to inheritance laws may be warranted. One idea that has been floated is the "inheritance for everyone" proposal first put forward by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) several years ago. This would see all young people in Germany receive an "inheritance" of €20,000 to finance education, start a business or invest in real estate. It would be financed by taxes on larger inheritances. However, the topic is still unpopular with a lot of conservatives, including some in Chancellor Friedrich Merz's  Christian Democratic Union (CDU). In the end, Kaiser's assessment is a mixed bag. Eastern Germany has developed well in many areas, the economy has grown, there is a vibrant start-up scene, and the region is a pioneer in the expansion of renewable energies. But in the long run, all this will not be enough toclose the gap with the west. And this is likely to become even more difficult to change in the future due to the aging population in the east and the exodus of many young people to the west. While Berlin's population has not decreased, the east has lost two million people since reunification in 1990 — a decline of 16%. Currently, the five eastern German states still have just under 12.5 million inhabitants. During the same period, the population in western Germany grew by 10%, to almost 68 million people.

https://www.dw.com/en/where-does-germany-stand-35-years-after-reunification/a-74218072

Abdication

From MSN:

“Grand Duke Henri abdicates and his son Guillaume becomes the new Head of State of Luxembourg in a historic day”

(Guillaume)

At 10:05, the former Head of State of the Central European country signed his abdication document; his son was proclaimed before the Chamber of Deputies in a solemn session, surrounded by the monarchs of the Benelux. With just four days left until the exact 25 years of reign would have been completed, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg (70 years old) ceased to be Head of State at 10:05 this Friday, with the signature of his abdication document.

The prosperous Central European country, with 680,000 inhabitants and one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, is experiencing a historic day of crown transfer, which will see the new sovereign proclaimed as the former heir, Prince Guillaume (43 years old). And now, after taking his oath and pledging to defend the Constitution before the Chamber of Deputies in a solemn session, the firstborn of Henri and Marie Teresa has become the tenth monarch of Luxembourg, an independent state with the political form of a Grand Duchy since 1815. The anticipation is enormous, as abdication in Europe is still considered exceptional, even though in recent years it seems to be gaining ground, and in nations like the one at hand, it is actually already a well-established custom.

Everything was, in fact, prepared, as this historic Friday arrives with all the necessary steps completed, as the final chapter of a phased abdication. The (relative) surprise came on June 23, 2024, when Grand Duke Henri publicly announced his decision to delegate most of his functions to his firstborn and successor to the throne since October of that year. Indeed, Guillaume then became a lieutenant-representative of the country, a sort of co-monarch, a position established in the Luxembourg Constitution from which he has undergone an accelerated "master's" training in the last 12 months to be able to assume the reins with the utmost rigor today. And in his last Christmas Message, Henri announced the date for this great day, that October 3 that has now arrived. "It will be a key moment for our institutions and all the citizens of the country," he emphasized in his televised address.

Since 9 in the morning, the guests who will be present at Henri's abdication ceremony have started to arrive at the Grand Ducal Palace. Among them, former Prime Ministers Jean-Claude Juncker and Xavier Bettel - who has a strained relationship with Grand Duchess Marie Teresa - as well as the current Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, have already entered the venue. Henri and Marie Teresa themselves - he in the military uniform of the army chief - then went to the main entrance of the Palace to receive the most illustrious foreign guests: the President of the European Council, António Costa, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, the King and Queen of the Belgians, Felipe and Matilde, along with the Heir Isabel, and the monarchs of the Netherlands, Willem and Máxima, along with the Heir Amalia. At exactly 10 o'clock, all members of the extensive Grand Ducal family entered the grand hall of the Palace, including Henri of Luxembourg's siblings, with their respective spouses, as well as all the children of the former sovereign and Marie Teresa, including the Princess Alexandra, who is very pregnant.

Hundreds of Luxembourg citizens crowd the surroundings of the Grand Ducal Palace, many occupying positions since dawn to witness the arrival of international dignitaries. The city is well decorated for the occasion. After the abdication ceremony, everyone proceeded to the nearby seat of the Chamber of Deputies. During their procession, the new Grand Dukes, Guillaume and Stéphanie, very smiling and visibly emotional, were cheered with "vivas" by the public crowding the central streets of the Luxembourg capital. One of the most amusing moments before the solemn proclamation ceremony occurred when the outgoing Grand Dukes entered the Parliament carrying by the hand the one who from this Friday becomes the new heir to the Grand Duchy, Prince Charles (5 years old), the elder of Guillaume and Stéphanie's two children. The most important institutional act of the day began with an address to the Chamber by Prime Minister Luc Frieden, who, after reading as required the abdication decree signed by Henri, praised his reign, emphasizing the prominent role he played in ensuring the stability of the Central European country. "Grand Duke Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie represent a modern monarchy that listens and participates," Frieden also highlighted. Next, Claude Wiseler, President of the Chamber of Deputies, took the floor, who, after thanking Henri for what he had done for the country - which was interrupted by a long applause from all the parliamentarians - emphasized that Guillaume becomes the first Grand Duke to swear to the new Luxembourg Constitution. Wiseler was in charge of administering the oath to Guillaume, who has been the new Head of State of Luxembourg since 11:17 in the morning.

In his first speech as sovereign, Guillaume promised to "always remain politically neutral and defend our fundamental democratic principles." "The monarchy must evolve with the times. I want to be a Grand Duke between generations, between tradition and innovation," he added. "In Luxembourg, we are well positioned for the challenges of tomorrow. I wish we could build more bridges between communities. I believe in values such as openness, diversity, tolerance, and solidarity," he asserted before the representatives of the national sovereignty. Guillaume emphasized the challenges of the future. "Young people, in particular, are called to it. They are growing up in a world where AI is a reality. They must learn to use this technology but also to question it critically," he said. And he specifically called on young people to get more involved in volunteering in associations and communities. Beethoven's well-known Ode to Joy was performed by the orchestra in the Chamber just after the new monarch's words. Then, the national anthem of Luxembourg, Ons Hémécht, was sung, marking the end of the ascension ceremony. A section of the Härebierg Military Center fired a salute of 21 cannon shots at Fetschenhof to welcome the new sovereign. The new reigning Grand Ducal couple had their first encounter with the crowds of the day, covering the distance from the Chamber of Deputies to the Palace. While being warmly greeted by hundreds of Luxembourgers, the military band played, among other pieces, the new march Grand Duke Guillaume, composed by Georges Sadler especially for the ascension to the throne.

Abdications, the norm in the dynasty

(Henri)

Abdications are the norm in the Nassau-Weilburg dynasty, which has ruled Luxembourg since 1890. Adolphe, the first grand duke of this House, appointed his heir as his representative in 1902, three years before his accession to the throne as William IV. This was a political strategy at a time in history when it was still very necessary to strengthen the bond between the dynasty and the nation. Years later, in 1919, Grand Duchess Charlotte succeeded her older sister, Maria Adelaide, who was forced to abdicate due to the strong political and social rejection generated by her pro-German sympathies during World War I. At that time, 77.8% of citizens supported the maintenance of the monarchy and the continuity of the dynasty in a decisive referendum.

Charlotte abdicated in favor of her successor, Grand Duke John, considered one of the national heroes for his fight against Nazism during World War II. The current head of state, the eldest son of the previous one, first served as his lieutenant in 1998, before succeeding him in 2000, also as a result of an abdication that took place with absolute normality and stability. Everything in the extensive program of institutional events marking the proclamation of the new Grand Duke follows the script of the transfer of power ceremonies held 25 years ago. Although at that time, a family tragedy, which fortunately turned out to be nothing more than a scare, forced a last-minute change of plans. The signing of Grand Duke Juan's abdication and the swearing-in of his eldest son, initially scheduled for the end of September 2000, had to be postponed for a few days due to the serious car accident suffered by Prince Guillermo, Henry's brother, and his wife Sibilla. The princess broke her leg. But he suffered the worst of it, as he had a head injury and had to remain in an induced coma in the hospital for quite some time. On the day Henry was finally proclaimed Grand Duke, his mother, Grand Duchess Josephine, was unable to hide her enormous concern for her son, who remained in serious condition in a French hospital bed, which she left for only a few hours to participate in the solemn official ceremonies.

Exciting ceremony Enrique's swearing-in was, all in all, a moment charged with emotion in which, despite rehearsals, he was unable to avoid a linguistic slip during his acceptance as sovereign, the result of understandable nerves. The nation faced the turn of the millennium with a new monarch who, like his peers in the Old Continent, had to tackle reforms in an institution such as the monarchy in search of its place in modern societies, which are increasingly pluralistic, demanding, and open, and with global challenges in which the role of crowned heads of state, stripped of effective powers but with more than considerable symbolic influence, is not always easy. For Henry's proclamation ceremony in Parliament, the throne used for Grand Duke Adolph's ascension in 1890 was used. For William's ceremony this Friday, however, the throne used by his grandfather, the aforementioned John, 61 years ago, when Grand Duchess Charlotte ceded her position to him, will be used. It comes from a series commissioned for the grand knights' hall of the old Berg Castle.

As in 2000, the Grand Ducal Court and the Government have invited the heads of state of neighboring countries to the celebrations, so that if at that time we saw the young Henry accompanied by the then sovereigns of the other Benelux monarchies, Beatrix of the Netherlands and Albert and Paola of Belgium, today King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium will do the same. This time, however, the two royal couples will be accompanied by their respective heirs, Princess Amalia and Princess Elisabeth. Alongside the crowned heads, the presidents of France, Emmanuel Macron, and Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, are expected to attend, along with their wives, Brigitte and Elke Büdenbender, who are expected this afternoon to participate in the gala banquet at the Grand Ducal Palace, as well as the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the president of the Council, António Costa.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, has emphasized in recent months the role played by Grand Duke Henri "as a symbol of our independence, our identity, the continuity of the state, and as a symbol of our nation." Discreet and conciliatory in nature, he has exercised his functions for a quarter of a century without incident and with broad public support, although his reign is remembered for the institutional crisis he caused in 2008 when he warned of his refusal to sign the law to decriminalize euthanasia that was then being processed—and approved by a majority—by Parliament, citing reasons of conscience, as the Grand Duke is a devout Catholic. The episode was very reminiscent of one involving his uncle, King Baudouin of Belgium, who was incapacitated for 36 hours as a legal ploy to circumvent the crisis caused by his refusal to sign an abortion law. In Luxembourg, the then prime minister, the Christian Social Jean-Claude Juncker, had to get to work to push through a constitutional reform in record time, whereby from that moment on, the Grand Duke ceased to sanction laws, limiting his role to endorsing them. In this way, Henri was able to circumvent the problem of conscience that came with giving his approval to a law regulating euthanasia. The most recent polls indicate that 69% of Luxembourg citizens consider the parliamentary monarchy to be the best form of government for their country, a figure not far below the 77.8% of Luxembourgers who supported the maintenance of the institution and dynastic continuity in a decisive referendum after the First World War.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/grand-duke-henri-abdicates-and-his-son-guillaume-becomes-the-new-head-of-state-of-luxembourg-in-a-historic-day/ar-AA1NNnZj