25: Canada

25 Years ago (September 11, 2001) during the Terrorist Attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in the Field in Pennsylvania Canada stood with the United States in many ways.

(Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada with 38 Airliners, totaling 6,122 Passengers and 473 Crew, as part of Operation Yellow Ribbon on 9-11-01.)

Not only did the Canadian Military help protect American Airspace under NORAD, but Canadian Airports took in Hundreds of Planes with Tens of Thousands of Passengers including Thousands of Americans that were headed towards the United States from Europe and Asia.

It was called Operation Yellow Ribbon (French: Opération ruban jaune.)

After the US FAA closed all of American Airspace at 9:45 Eastern Time Transport Canada enacted Operation Yellow Ribbon under SitCen.

The SitCen is Transport Canada's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC.)

As Personnel staffed the SitCen, key Organizations such as Nav Canada, the Department of National Defence, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), and Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) were also involved in SitCen Operations.

After learning that the FAA had closed down U.S. Airspace, David Collenette, the Canadian Transport Minister, gave orders that Canadian Airports be open only for outgoing Police, Military, and Humanitarian Flights, and incoming U.S. Bound International Flights that were passed the “point of no return” over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.  

This was the first unplanned closure of Canadian Airspace.

SitCen focused on keeping in contact with every plane (to make sure there were no more Hijacked Planes), where to land all the Aircraft and how to deplane, screen and clear Tens of Thousands of Passengers through Canadian Immigration and Customs.

Planes were entering Canadian Airspace at a rate of 2 Planes every Minute.

238 Planes with 45,000 Passengers and Crew en-route to the United States were re-routed to 17 Canadian Airports.

Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada is the first North American Airport on the Transatlantic Flight Route.

Gander Airport took in 38 Wide-Body Airplanes with 6,122 Passengers and Crew.

The Total Population of Gander at the time was 9,000 People and there were only 500 Hotel Rooms in the City.

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien stated that in the span of a few hours the Population of Gander jumped by more than 50%.

The People of Gander opened Schools, Community Centers and their Own Homes to house these Stranded People (including American.)

The People of Gander also donated Food, Clothes, Bedding, etc, to them.

Here are the other Canadian Airports that also took in American-Bound Airplanes:

Halifax International Airport in Nova Scotia handled 45 Flights

St. John's International Airport in Newfoundland handled 27 Flights

Winnipeg International Airport in Manitoba handled 15 Flights

Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario handled 14 Flights

Calgary International Airport in Alberta handled 13 Flights

Greater Moncton International Airport in New Brunswick handled 10 Flights

Montréal–Mirabel International Airport in Quebec handled 10 Flights

Stephenville International Airport in Newfoundland handled 13 Flights

Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay in Newfoundland handled 7 Flights

Montréal-Dorval International Airport in Quebec handled 7 Flights

Edmonton International Airport in Alberta handled 6 Flights

Hamilton International Airport in Ontario handled 4 Flights

Whitehorse International Airport in Yukon handled 2 Flights

Deer Lake Airport in Newfoundland handled 1 Flight

Yellowknife Airport in the Northwest Territories handled 2 Flights

Vancouver International Airport in British Columbia (the only major Canadian Airport on the West Coast capable of handling the large Aircraft used for Transpacific Flights took in 34 Planes with 8,500 Passengers and Crew.

After the Planes were diverted and landed and the Passengers and Crew were deplaned and went through Canadian Immigration and Customs the Canadians then had to house and feed all 45,000 Men, Women and Children.

Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Local Canadian Governments worked with Canadian Citizens to feed and house all 45,000 People for 5  days until they could go into the United States,

Operation Yellow Ribbon was the largest Emergency Operation in Civilian Aircraft History.

Canada did not have to endanger their own Citizens by allowing these Planes and People into their Country on 9-11.

They did it because they are a good, kind and caring People.

25 years later we should remember what the Canadians did for us Americans.

15: Last Post

 

15 years ago today (May 2, 2011.)

My Trips

Going along with my previous Post (about going to places where there is Violence or War) I have been to those kinds of places and had to do lots of research and planning beforehand.

(Picture: I took in Belfast, Northern Ireland in June 2010.

 Each Neighborhood looked similar to this one.

This one has the Red, White and Blue of the British Flag with words like Loyalist to show that it is a Protestant Neighborhood and that Catholics are not welcomed or safe entering there.

The Catholics have a similar thing in their Neighborhoods although they use the Green, White and Orange or the Irish Flag with words like Republican to show that it is a Catholic Neighborhood and that Protestants are not welcomed or safe entering there.)

I went to Northern Ireland in June 2010.

We had hired a Driver from the Republic of Ireland to drive us around the Republic of Ireland, into Northern Ireland and then back through the Republic of Ireland.

That meant we had hired a Catholic Driver with Republic of Ireland License Plates (ie. Catholic) so people would be able to know right away.

People in Northern Ireland are still divided between Protestants and Catholics even though The Troubles officially ended in 1998.

The People of Northern Ireland can tell if a Stranger is Catholic or Protestant by: their First and Last Name, the District they Live in, what kind of Pound they use to buy things (using English Pounds and Bank of Ulster Pounds means you are Pro-British and a Protestant while using Bank of Ireland Pounds means you are Pro-Ireland and a Catholic.)

I had no desire to tell anyone when we were in Northern Ireland if we were Catholic or Protestant. I simply said we were American.

By the way I was born, raised and consider myself to be Catholic.

I had to hush my Dad up several times when he would tell complete Strangers that his Grandmother was Scots-Irish since that automatically meant she was a Protestant.

Think there weren’t any issues while we were in Northern Ireland for those several days (2 days in Belfast and 1 day in Derry/Londonderry – officially the City is called Londonderry and only Protestants call it that while Catholics call it Derry) think again.

There was a 300 lbs. bomb found in Belfast the day we left the City to continue through the coast and to Derry/Londonderry.

It was left by the Protestants who were mad that the British Prime Minister had Officially Apologized for the British Government and British Military’s Role and Decades-Long Cover-Up of Bloody Sunday in 1972 which targeted Catholics.

 

I went to Russia 5 times (Visiting as a Tourist in 2000, 2001 and 2003 and Living there as a Student in 2002 and 2004.)

Back then there was no War in Ukraine (that started in 2014), but they were fighting in the 2^nd Chechen War from 1999 to 2009 and there were lots of Terrorist Attacks throughout the Country (including the 2002 Theater Hostage Taking and the 2004 Belsan School Hostage Taking.)

I did go to see a Musical (“Chicago’) in Moscow a few months after the Nord-Ost Hostage Taking and knew where the Emergency Exits were just in case.

I knew I was entering a potentially dangerous Country and so every time I went to Russia I had different plans on what to do if there was a Hostage Situation, a Bombing or I had to flee Russia (I had maps and Cash in Dollars always with me in my Messenger Bag so I could flee overland to safer Countries like Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia or Ukraine (which was safe at that time.)

I never had to use those plans though.

 

I went to Israel and the Palestinian West Bank (as I already said) in 2017.

Before I went to Israel I carefully researched and planned everything for my Sister and I on how to stay safe in case a War started while we were over there.

I looked up all the different Public Air Raid Shelters in all the Cities we would be visiting in Israel and the West Bank.

I learned how to say "Where is the Air Raid Shelter" and "Where is the closest Hospital" in both Hebrew and Arabic (I already knew it in Russian - which is the most widely spoken Language in Israel after Hebrew.)

There was no War when we entered Israel (I would have cancelled the trip if there was) but a War did start 3 months after we left in December 2017.

 

I went to Mexico in 2003.

Because of all the Drug Cartels and Gangs there kidnapping American Citizens for Ransom I had plans on where I should and should not go to and tried not to be the “Loud American.”

 

I went to Cyprus in 2007.

Cyprus has been at War with Turkey since Turkey invaded and occupied the northern part of Cyprus in 1974.

I didn’t expect any issues in Greek Cyprus and I didn’t have any, but I had a trip scheduled to Turkish-Occupied Northern Cyprus and so had some Back-Up Plans in case the Land Border was closed and I was stuck in Turkish-Occupied Cyprus (you can only fly to/from Turkish-Occupied Cyprus by going through Cyprus.)

I had Cypriot Pounds, Turkish Lira, Euros and US Dollars to help if I needed it.

The day I was supposed to go to Turkish-Occupied Cyprus the Tour Company cancelled the trip as I was standing waiting for the Bus so I never went up north.

 

I went to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montengero in December 2010.

Even though the Wars in the Former Yugoslavia ended in the 1990s the People there still don’t trust the different Ethnic Groups and Religions.

When my Mom and I went to Bosnia and Herzegovina I knew the Bosniaks (the Muslims), the Bosnian- Croatians (the Catholics) and the Bosnian Serbs (Orthodox Christian) keep things segregated between them (Schools, their Language, etc.) so I also knew that there could be violence at anytime.

I didn’t plan on a Full-Fledge War erupting while we were there, but I did plan on Riots and other acts of Violence to erupt.

Luckily none did and the People of Bosnia and Herzegovina that I encountered were some of the Friendliest and Most Helpful People I have ever met.

No Surpirse

I watched an Interview of an American Couple who were in Israel when the War with Iran started and had to flee.

I then watched an Interview of an American Couple who were in the United Arab Emirates when the War with Iran started and had to flee.

Is it wrong that I felt badly for the Couple in the UAE and not so bad for the Couple in Israel?

Israel has been bombed and attacked since October 7, 2023 so going into Israel in February 2026 and then being "surprised' when there are Air Raids and Bombs falling seems strange to Me.

The United Arab Emirates, on the other hand, has not been bombed or attacked in Decades so People living or visiting there in February 2026 should be surprised there are Air Raids and Bombs falling.

I went to Israel in October 2017 and to the United Arab Emirates in August 2007.

Before I went to Israel I carefully researched and planned everything for my Sister and I on how to stay safe in case a War started while we were over there.

I looked up all the different Public Air Raid Shelters in all the Cities we would be visiting in Israel and the West Bank.

I learned how to say "Where is the Air Raid Shelter" and "Where is the closest Hospital" in both Hebrew and Arabic (I already knew it in Russian - which is the most widely spoken Language in Israel after Hebrew.)

There was no War when we entered Israel (I would have cancelled the trip if there was) but a War did start 3 months after we left in December 2017.

Before I went to the United Arab Emirates I didn't do any extra safety planning.

People who go to Current Warzones or Dangerous Hot Spots (in Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Haiti, Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Somalia, Norther Ireland, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Nigeria, South Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Ecuador, Cambodia, Thailand, Venezuela Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman) should not then be surprised if they are arrested, kidnapped, bombed at, forced to flee, etc.

I'm now only talking about the People who travel to the above mentioned places since the Violence and Wars have started - not the People who live in those Places and have nowhere else to go or People who were there before the Violence and Wars started and were understandably surprised and caught off-guard when the Violence and/or War started there.

Olympic Decisions

 

(Vladyslav Heraskevych)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has disqualified Ukrainian Athlete, Vladyslav Heraskevych, from competing in the Games because he has pictures of Ukrainian Athletes that have been murdered by the Russians in Ukraine on his helmet.

This is not the first time the IOC or a National Olympic Committee has made poor choices regarding Athletes or Countries participating or wanting to participate in the Olympic Games:

 At the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, England the Grand Duchy of Finland competed separately from the Russian Empire, but was not allowed to display the Finnish flag. Finland was part of the Russian Empire until 1917.

At the 1920 Summer Games in Antwerp, Belgium Budapest had initially been selected over Amsterdam and Lyon to host the Games, but as the Austro-Hungarian Empire had been a German Ally in World War I, the French-dominated International Olympic Committee transferred the Games to Antwerp in April 1919.

Also for the 1920 Summer Olympic Games, Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, and Turkey were not invited to the Games, being the Successor States of the Central Powers which were defeated in World War I.

At the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France Germany was again not invited to participate.

The IOC allowed the 1936 Summer Olympics to take place in Nazi Germany even after Nazi Germany barred its Jewish Residents (they were stripped of their German Citizenship by the 1935 Nuremberg Laws) from participating.

German Jewish Athletes Lilli Henoch and Gretel Bergmann were banned by the German Olympic Committee from participating in the 1936 Olympic Games for being Jewish.

 (Lili Henoch was murdered by the Germans in 1942 at the Riga Ghetto in German-Occupied Latvia Gretel Bergmann fled Nazi Germany in 1937 and survived the Holocaust.)

The IOC allowed Nazi Germany to not allow Lithuania to participate in the 1936 Summer Olympic Games because of Memelland/Klaipėda Controversy.

Also, at the 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany the American Olympic Committee replaced Jewish American Athletes Sam Stoller and Marty Glickman with Non-Jewish American Athletes so as not to “so to not embarrass Adolf Hitler.)

Also, at the 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany Adolf Hitler refused to shake American Athlete Jeese Owens’ hand because Owens was Black.

At the 1948 Summer Olympic Games in London, England Germany and Japan were banned from participating because of their role in World War 2, but Italy was allowed.

The IOC did not ban the Soviet Union from participating in the 1956 Summer Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia despite the Soviet Invasion of Hungary that year – which helped lead to the  "Blood in the Water" Match between Hungary and the Soviet Union Water Polo Teams.

The Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland boycotted the Games in protest.

Starting in 1956 the International Olympic Committee allowed the Soviet Union and other Communist Countries to professionally train and be paid by their National Olympic Committees while forcing Non-Communist Countries to only have Amateur Athletes participate.

 At the 1960 Summer Olympic Games in Rome, Italy the team from Taiwan was made to compete under the name "Formosa", and marched in the Opening Ceremony with a sign reading "Under Protest,"

The Soviet Union, Poland, Bulgaria and Hungary were not banned by the IOC for the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City, Mexico even though they invaded Czechoslovakia in 1968.

At the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City, Mexico Tommie Smith and John Carlos (2 Black Athletes from America) gave the Black Power Salute during the US National Anthem playing.

Then IOC President Avery Brundage, himself an American, forced the American Olympic Committee to expel Smith and Carlos from the Games.

Also, at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City, Mexico Czechoslovak Věra Čáslavská turned her head down and away from the Soviet Flag while the National Anthem played in protest of the Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia.

Also, at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games the IOC did not acknowledge the Tlatelolco Massacre which occurred in Mexico City (500 Mexicans were killed and 1,000 Mexicans were wounded 10 days before the Olympic Games started while protesting Mexico’s Dictatorship.)

At the 1972 Olympic Summer Games in Munich, West Germany Arab Terrorists murdered 6 Israeli Coaches and 5 Israeli Athletes in the Olympic Village.

Initially the IOC refused to suspend the Games during the Hostage Crisis, but 12 hours after the first murder eventually suspended the Games and only for 34 hours.

IOC President Avery Brundage made little reference to the murdered Athletes during a Memorial Speech praising the strength of the Olympic Movement and equating the attack on the Israeli Sportsmen with the recent arguments about encroaching professionalism and disallowing Rhodesia's participation in the Games, which outraged many listeners.

Many of the 80,000 People who filled the Olympic Stadium for West Germany's Soccer Match with Hungary carried noisemakers and waved flags, but when several Spectators unfurled a banner reading "17 dead, already forgotten?" Security Officers removed the sign and expelled those responsible from the grounds.

During the Memorial Service, the Olympic Flag was flown at half-mast, along with the flags of most of the other competing Nations, but 10 Arab Nations objected to their flags flying at half-mast and the mandate was rescinded.

At the 1972 Winter Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan The Canadian Ice Hockey Team boycotted the Games due to the IOC not allowing them to use Professional Players. Canada had expressed concerns that Soviet athletes were de facto professionals as they were paid by the State.

At the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada the Israeli Team commemorated the 1972 Munich Massacre: when they entered the Stadium at the Opening Ceremony, their National Flag was adorned with a black ribbon.

Also, at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada the Canadian Government tried to refuse Taiwan into the Country as Canada didn’t recognize Taiwan going against IOC Rules. Canada then said they would only allow Taiwan to participate if they didn’t compete using the Republic of China name or Flag. Taiwan boycotted the Games.

 The IOC allowed the Soviet Union to host the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow, the Soviet Union even after the USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979. 60 Countries (including the US boycotted the Games.)

At the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Canada there were a series of ticket-related scandals plagued the organizing Committee as the Games approached, resulting in widespread public anger.

Because of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain saw the Unified Team compete with the Former Soviet Republics of: Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan (only Lativia, Lithuania and Estonia didn’t join.)

Also, at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain Russian Weightlifter Ibragim Samadov of the Unified Team, was disqualified for a protest after he refused to accept the Bronze Medal at the Medal Ceremony. He was eventually banned for life.

 Also, at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain Yugoslavia had to compete under the Independent Olympic Participants label and were banned from team events due to the country's conduct in the Yugoslav Wars and United Nations Sanctions.

 At the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, USA the Centennial Olympic Park Bombing occurred killing 2 people and wounding 111 others. The Games continued as usual.

At the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Sthe alt Lake City's Bid Committee was caught in a Bribery Scandal, which led to the expulsion of six IOC Members.

At the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China Players for the Spanish Men's Basketball Team posed for a pre-Olympic newspaper advertisement in popular Spanish daily Marca, in which they were pictured pulling back the skin on either side of their eyes, narrowing them in order to mimic the stereotypes of thin Asian eyes.

Also at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China the Chinese Communist Government was criticized for their State run Athlete Training Program, but the IOC did nothing to end it.

 At the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia people called for a Boycott of the Games due to Russia’s Anti-Gay Laws. The Games continued regardless.

At the 2018 Winter Olympic Games PyeongChang, South Korea Russia was banned by the IOC from attending the Games due to State-Sponsored Doping. Their Athletes still participated as the Olympic Athletes from Russia.

In the wake of the global COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan were postponed for the first time in the 124-year history of the modern Olympics. The Games were held in July and August 2021, despite many concerns that the Delta variant of COVID-19 posed a serious threat.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 the IOC did ban Russian Athletes from the Olympics, but then created a loop-hole where Russian Athletes could participate as “Neutrals.”

At the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy the IOC disqualified Ukrainian Athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych for wearing a helmet with pictures of Ukrainian Athletes murdered by Russia.

 

Rani Gvili

 

After 2 years, 3 months, 2 weeks and 5 days (since October 7, 2023) the final Israeli Hostage has been brought back to Israel.

Rani Gvili, 24 years old, served in the Israeli Police Special Forces and was killed by Hamas during their October 7^th Terrorist Attack on Israel.

Hamas brought his dead body back to Gaza.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) found his grave in northern Gaza and dental records identified the body.

During the October 7^th Attack Hamas killed 1,219 Men, Women and Children in Israel and wounded another 3,400 Men, Women and Children.

Hamas took 251 Men, Women and Children Hostage and brought them to Gaza.

84 of the 251 died while being held hostage.

Sydney Attack

 

In Australia today (December 14, 2025) during the first night of Chanukah a Terrorist Attack occurred.

While Members of Sydney’s Jewish Group celebrated the Holiday on Bondi Beach two Men opened fire on the crowd.

11 People were killed (including Holocaust Survivor, Alex Kleytman shot while protecting his Wife Larisa of 50 years; Rabbi Eli Schlanger and a 12 year old Girl.)

29 People were injured (including two Police Officers.)

1 of the Terrorists was killed and the other was captured.

Australian King Charles III has said he and Queen Camilla are "appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people" at Bondi Beach.

It is the deadliest Terrorist Attack in Australia.

As the World starts to celebrate Chanukah today we ALL need to stand with our Jewish Friends, Family and Strangers against the rise of Anti-Jewish Violence like this that has only increased over recent years.

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

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.

Still Waiting

 

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

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.)

Palestine

 

(This map shows the Countries that recognize Palestine as a Country.)

Today (September 21, 2025) the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognized Palestine as a Country.

As of September 2025, the State of Palestine is recognized as a Sovereign State by 151 of the 193 Member States of the United Nations, or just over 78% of all UN Members.

I do not believe that any Country should recognize Palestine as a Country  - not until Hamas in Gaza and the other Terrorists in the West Bank are disbanded.

I went to Israel and the West Bank, Palestinian Territories in October 2017 so I do know what I am talking about.

When I was in the West Bank (Bethlehem and Jericho) I saw lots of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel posters as well as Militant/Terrorist Buildings purposely not hidden and purposely surrounded by Schools, Mosques and Hospitals - so Israel knows (such as this picture I took in Jericho where the Terrorist Building is surrounded by a Boys’ School and a Mosque.)

24: Ukraine

24: Ukraine

Ukraine stood with the United States on 9/11 and 22 years later we stand with Ukraine.

In 2001 the US faced pure evil and in 2022-2023- 2024- 2025 Ukraine faces pure evil.

24: Mike Kehoe

24: Mike Kehoe

 Here is New York Firefighter Mike Kehoe inside the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

He is running up the stairs, through thick airplane engine smoke and fires, to save people while others) are running to their safety.

He survived the collapse by a mere 30 seconds.

343 of his Firefighter Colleagues did not.

24: Michael & Roselle

 24: Michael And Roselle

Michael Hingson has been Blind since Birth.

He worked as a Regional Sales Manager and Head of Operations for Quantum/ATL, a Data-Protection Agency, on the 78th floor of the North Tower at the World Trade Center with his Service Dog, Roselle.

On September 11, 2001 Michael was setting up the Conference Room for their Breakfast Meeting and Roselle took her position near the door to great People.

Moments later Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower swaying it back and forth.

Michael and Roselle walked down 78 flights of stairs to safety.

Roselle passed away on June 26, 2011 with Michael and his Wife, Karen, by her side.

They subsequently formed Roselle’s Dream Foundation in her honor; the Nonprofit Charity educates People on Blindness and assists Blind Children and Adults in obtaining technology to help them navigate the world around them.

24: Jumpers

24: Jumpers

 24 years ago today (September 11, 2001) an estimated 200 people jumped to their deaths from the burning Towers of the World Trade Center before they collapsed. They have since been called “Jumpers."

The vast majority were at or above the points of impact from the planes and had to choose either to burn or choke to death or jump.

In early video coverage (when the Towers were burning, but hadn't collapsed yet) you can hear the "thumps" as their bodies hit the ground.

This is a picture (called “The Falling Man”) of an unidentified man who jumped out of the burning Towers to the street below. It was only published once in the United States (on September 12, 2001) and then never again because many people thought it was too horrific to see.

It IS horrific and that is why EVERYONE (especially those too young on 9/11 or not yet born then) needs to see it and others like it. It captures exactly what happened on 9/11. Thousands of innocent men, women and children started their day like any other and then were wounded or killed because of the actions of the Terrorists.

The NY Medical Examiner’s Office doesn’t classify the people who jumped from the Towers as “Suicides” because they did not go to their work that day intending to die. They were faced with no other options since no rescue workers could get to them and the smoke and fire were about to consume them.

In the Documentaries and other Video Footage of the Attacks you can clearly hear the “thumps” and “crashes” of those who jumped as they hit other buildings, cars, people or the streets below.

The exact number of “Jumpers” will never be known since both Towers fell on top of them afterwards.

24: Wheelchair

24: Wheelchair

 (Picture: John Cerqueira on the left and Michael Benfante on the right shortly after leaving the World Trade Center carrying Tina Hansen in a wheelchair from the 68th Floor and handing her over to the Paramedics. Moments later the Towers fell.)

24 years ago today (on September 11, 2001) 22 year old John Cerqueira and his Boss, Michael Benfante, went from the 81st Floor down to the 68th Floor of the North Towers of the World Trade Center after the planes hit the Towers.

On the 68th Floor they came across a Woman they had never met, Tina Hansen, in a mechanized wheelchair who needed help evacuating since the elevators weren’t working.

The 2 Men transferred Tina from her mechanized wheelchair to a nearby evacuation wheelchair and started carrying her down from the 68th Floor.

It took an hour for the 2 Men to carry the wheelchair and Tina from the 68th Floor to the outside (through thick smoke, fires and lots of people.)

They had made it down 20 Floors when the South Towers Collapsed rocking the North Towers.

They quickened their pace and made it down to the outside where a News Reporter took their picture (right after they handled Tina Hansen to Paramedics and moments before the North Tower fell.)

A year later John Cerqueira was at Michael Benfante’s Wedding as was Tina Hansen, in her new wheelchair.

24: 9-11

 

4: Kabul

Four Years since the Fall of Kabul (August 15, 2021.)

Here is a look at key dates since the Taliban returned to power four years ago, as United States and NATO forces withdrew from the country:

Aug. 15, 2021 — The Taliban march into Kabul as internationally backed President Ashraf Ghani flees the country.

Aug. 26, 2021 — Islamic State group suicide bombers and gunmen kill over 170 Afghans and 13 U.S. troops in an attack on the crowds trying to be evacuated at Kabul’s airport.

March 23, 2022 — On the day high schools are opening, the Taliban abruptly reverse a promise to allow girls above the sixth grade to attend school.

May 7, 2022 — The Taliban Virtue and Vice Ministry says women in public must wear all-encompassing robes and cover their faces except for their eyes. It advises them to stay home unless they have important work outside the house.

June 22, 2022 — A powerful earthquake hits a remote region of eastern Afghanistan, killing more than 1,100 people. The Taliban struggle with rescue efforts, underscoring a lack of resources and a reliance on aid groups.

July 31, 2022 — The U.S. kills al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri in a drone strike on a safe house in Kabul. American officials accuse the Taliban of sheltering him.

Sept. 30, 2022 — A suicide bomber strikes an education center in a Shiite area of the capital, killing dozens of people, including teenagers taking university entrance exams.

Nov. 10, 2022 — A nationwide ban on women using gyms and parks comes into force. The Taliban say they imposed the ban because women allegedly disobeyed gender segregation rules or didn’t cover themselves properly.

Nov. 20, 2022 — The Taliban lash 19 people, including alleged adulterers, in the first public flogging since their return to rule.

Dec. 8, 2022 — The Taliban execute a convicted killer before hundreds of spectators in the first public execution since the takeover.

Dec. 21, 2022 — The Taliban bar female students from attending university. Afghanistan is the only country in the world that bans female education.

Dec. 24, 2022 — The Taliban bar Afghan women from working with national and international nongovernmental groups.

July 4, 2023 — The Taliban order beauty salons to shut down for offering allegedly un-Islamic services like eyebrow shaping. The decision affects as many as 60,000 female entrepreneurs.

Sept. 13, 2023 — The Taliban hail China’s new ambassador with fanfare. Months later, the Taliban officially send their new ambassador to Beijing.

Oct. 4, 2023 — Pakistan announces a major crackdown on foreigners living in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans. The Taliban, the U.N. and rights groups condemn the policy.

Oct. 7, 2023 — A 6.3 magnitude earthquake in western Herat province kills thousands of people. More quakes follow, bringing further devastation to the area.

Nov. 15, 2023 - FlyDubai becomes the first international carrier to resume flights to Kabul after a two-year hiatus. AirArabia and Turkish Airlines follow suit.

Jan. 4, 2024 — The Taliban arrest women in Kabul for wearing “bad hijab,” the first official dress code crackdown since they returned to power.

Feb. 22, 2024 — The Taliban hold a double execution at a stadium in the country’s southeast while thousands of people watch.

May 11, 2024 — Flash floods in Afghanistan’s north from unusually heavy seasonal rains kill more than 300 people.

May 17, 2024 — Shooters open fire in central Bamiyan province killing six people, including three Spanish holidaymakers. It’s a blow to the Taliban’s plans to woo tourists. IS claims the attack.

June 4, 2024 — The Taliban publicly flog at least 60 people, including more than a dozen women, accused of crimes such as sodomy, theft and immoral relations.

June 4, 2024 — The leader of the United Arab Emirates meets a Taliban official with a U.S. bounty on his head over his involvement in an attack that killed an American citizen and other assaults. It highlights the growing divide on how to deal with the Taliban.

June 30, 2024 — The Taliban attend a U.N.-sponsored meeting in Qatar. Although it’s the third such gathering, it’s the first time the Taliban are attending. There’s backlash after Afghan women and civil society representatives are excluded.

July 30, 2024 — The Taliban say they no longer recognize Afghan diplomatic missions staffed by diplomats from the former Western-backed government.

In December 2024, the Taliban's Health Ministry banned women from being trained in Nursing and Midwifery.

July 4, 2005: Russia becomes the first Country to officially recognize the Taliban.

Four years on and life in Afghanistan remains horrible.

The Taliban continues to force Women out of Public Life.

The Taliban forces Girls as young as 8 to marry Taliban Soldiers.

The Taliban kills Homosexuals.

The Taliban continues to hunt down and kill the thousands of Afghans who worked with the US, the UK and any other Western Country from 2001-2021.

The US and other Countries continues to little to nothing to help those Afghans who helped the Americans and other Westerners.

The Taliban hunts down non-Muslims (mostly Christians) and forces them to convert to Islam or be killed.

The Taliban hunts down Muslims of other Sects and forces them to convert to their Sect of Islam or be killed.