Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on July 11, 2021

Growing up, the visual of an altar was normal in our household tall candles in different colors, burning sage, saints statues, and offerings on a plate that included coins and hard candy. This was a display intended to bring the energy of abundance into the home.

Personally, it was a slightly intimidating picture for a child that did not understand the meaning behind it. Although for others the holy practices that went along with the supernatural were full of blessings. The world of spirituality can sometimes scare those that consider the occult an unknown evil.

If you were raised in a Latino household or stroll along the string of mom and pop stores in Harlem, Washington Heights, Bronx or Brooklyn, or Little Havana in Florida, you would find a botanica.

The mystical shops are filled with amulets, candles, crucifixes, ointments, and incense that fill the air with sacred energy. Patrons visit in hopes of finding the magic fix that will bring a streak of good luck and fortune. Botanicas can be found all over in plenty of major cities. Some have been in business for decades, becoming part of the fabric of the local Hispanic communities all over the globe.

Botanicas are a place where believers go for answers. Generations have trusted their luck to the divine, but where does the hallowed ground come from?

A tale as old as time, the desire to find faith can force us to gravitate in unimaginable directions. Centuries of religions have been built on civilizations looking to hang on to their culture, traditions, and belief system while seeking solace during challenging times. The history of goods and services provided by botanicas is deep-rooted in the past of the Afro-Latino Diaspora. Although the flow of incoming captives into the United States decreased during the 19th century, it kept going in countries like Brazil and Cuba. This event influenced efforts to preserve the history of its people by creating a stronghold around the African culture in the Caribbean.

The Afro-Latino past served as the base for religious practices, including these well-known botanicas. The African culture was transported across Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico into the United States. The time of captivity was a period of great despair. However, nurturing these spiritual and religious customs has been part of community building that continues today. This critical point of connection transcends generations and promotes awareness of a population that has been powerless for years.

As a young girl, I recall a visit to a botanica with my mother. I will never forget the eerie feeling of walking into a place that felt alien to me. The fear of the unknown overwhelmed my senses and connected the dots between my mothers past and present. She shared stories about family, culture, and the beliefs instilled in her upbringing, which was useful to see why these and other rites were important to those in the community.

The most important thing you should know about the Afro-Latino Diaspora and its botanicas is what I learned during that afternoon visit with my mom. The history of the botanicas is much more about tradition. It brings people closer, conserves history, and ties in the old world with the new one. This is one of many customs helping fortify the foundation, encouraging understanding of where we come from, and motivating us to learn more. I believe these things inspire curiosity across generations, hopefully preventing the extinction of the culture and creating more opportunities for the population that follows us to learn about the diversity of past civilizations.

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Botanicas and the Afro-Latino Diaspora, a Pillar of History and Identity - BELatina

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Posted By admin on July 11, 2021

Australia was among the first countries I wanted to visit the moment I assumed the portfolio, Greeces Deputy Minister Konstantinos Vlassis told members of the Greek diaspora during a video call facilitated by Paul Nicolaou, of the Business Leaders Council of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Greek Consul General Christos Karras in Sydney.

Attended digitally by more than 100 people from around Australia, the representative for Greeks living abroad, said he couldnt imagine a better birthday present on the day of his 46th birthday on Wednesday, 7 July.

The real gift of course was to the diaspora, offering them a chance to ask questions (though these were vetted and approved by his department beforehand), and in a very regulated meeting, he outlined his three priorities: 1) to maintain the language and culture; 2) to digitise services; and 3) to strengthen bonds between Greeks abroad and Greece.

We want you to feel closer to the motherland, be politically aware and have a say in the national elections, he said, stating however that his governments ambition in 2019 was to enable Greeks abroad to (exercise their constitutional right to) vote from their place of residence without preconditions, however the conservative New Democracy party had failed to achieve this primary goal due to the reaction of opposition parties.

Instead, Bill 4648/2019 is a watered-down vision, which allows Greeks to exercise their constitutional voting rights from their host countries after registering on a platform, provided they can prove that they have lived continuously in Greece for two years in the last 35 years, have tax numbers in Greece and can travel the distance to polling booths in major cities, which, in places such as Australia, arent always easily accessible. He made no mention of how many have registered so far, however urged eligible Greeks to head to the Greek consulates for assistance.

Dr Vlasis said the time has come for Greece to cut the Gordian Knot of red tape and proceed to important changes in order to regain citizens trust. With use of new technology, the government is looking to reduce the time needed to access services. He gave the example of birth certificates which will soon be made accessible in a few hours rather than current waiting times which stand at a few months.

By the end of the year, all Greek missions abroad will be able to provide remote services via video conferences, he said, pointing to 42 missions which already use the myConsulLive platform, including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.

Round-the-clock services are already being offered in New York and London via a 24/7 virtual assistance chatbot which has been found to save time, as 70 per cent of phone calls made to Consuls refer to similar requests.

He also spoke of mobile passport units in the works with outreach visits to remote locations to help diaspora members living in regional Australia.

READ MORE:Opinion: Strengthening ties across the Greek Diaspora

Acknowledging that language and culture are what keeps us connected as Greeks, 9 February was set as World Greek Language Day. A celebration of Greek language learning, young students and Philhellenes were invited to upload short videos explaining the reasons they choose to learn Greek the result was moving and Dr Vlasis said he was thrilled to hear young students expressing their love of Greek language and culture in fluent Greek. No mention was made however, as to just how fluent the Greek is on a daily basis when it isnt rehearsed.

However, celebration of world days without substance is naught, and so teaming up with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Greek government contributed towards the setting up of the Staellenika platform, a digital tool for young people wishing to learn about Greek language and culture.

As Greek educators gathered at the Greek Centre of Melbourne to bid farewell to Manos Tzimpragos, the highly respected Education Officer and Principal of the Greek Community of Melbournes Language and Culture Schools, who is forced to leave after seven and a half years in the role due to being recalled to Greece, Dr Vlasis said that the Greek government is facilitating the appointment of educators and distribution of books. Unfortunately, there was no mention made of the quality of books where, in Australia at least, teenage students are not linguistically ready to tackle material created for their age and so resort to books for significantly younger pupils with topics and an approach that is not relatable to them.

A passing mention was made to the success of keeping Greek studies at La Trobe University, though no substantial address was made by Dr Vlasis regarding the consistent loss of languages in the Antipodes which has lead to the shrinkage of university programs. Without the contribution of the Diaspora, La Trobe would not have been saved, he said, adding that the standard cost of a chair of Hellenic Studies is huge millions of dollars he said. He avoided giving a specific amount funded by the Greek government for the promotion of Greece and Hellenic Studies as asked, but added that the Greek government seeks funding from the private sector.

At a more positive level, English speaking tertiary programmes are being created for diasporans to study in Greece even if they cant speak the language. There are currently 80 English-language programmes in operation. What better place to further ones education than the birthplace of philosophy? he asked.

READ MORE:The Greeks of Australia who are going back home

Dr Vlasis said the church is a pillar which is loyal to Hellenic heritage and an integral part of the multicultural Australian reality.

He praised the work of the late Archbishop Stylianos, a significant education and charismatic personality who contributed to bringing the church to the centre of Australian life.

The most impressive achievement of the Greek Orthodox Church has been the establishment of the St Andrews Greek Orthodox Theological College in Sydney in 1986. A vision shared by his predecessors, it was Archbishop Stylianos who successfully moved n 1981 for the realisation of the project, Dr Vlasis said in reference to the first theological college in the Southern Hemisphere.

He said that Archbishop Makarios, who took over in 2019, brings a new spirit to the church in Australia.

We look back to the glorious past but also look to our future, Dr Vlasis said, adding that a Diaspora Day will be set up and many submissions for a possible date have already been sent.

Greeks can boast of having ingenious ideas once again, he said, though no mention was made of how many submissions had been received and which dates are being considered.

Diaspora Days are great and it usually costs little to designate a date on a calendar to honour Greeks abroad, however Greeks in Australia have often been overlooked. For instance, when a group of 31 renowned Greeks and Philhellenes of the diaspora were selected to make up the Greece 2021 Committee, helping Greeces preparations to celebrate 200 years since the Greek Revolution of 1821 there was not one Greek Australian listed among them.

Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis once again highlighted the huge opportunity Greece has to harness the Greek Australian diaspora. A tireless advocate of closer ties, he reminded Mr Vlasis that an office is waiting for a Greek tourism officer to be sent by the Greek National Tourism Organisation. There was a sense of deja vu as the idea is not new, and always fervently welcomed by the Greek government though the office still sits empty. Mr Vlasis reminded Melburnians that they have a very active leader at the helm, always calling up, always advocating, but no commitments were made regarding a GNTO office similar to the offices Turkey has to promote its interests in Australia.

No mention was made by anyone, either, of the lack of Double Tax Agreement between Greece and Australia a barrier for many Greek Australians when it comes to contemplating working in Greece.

We want you back, Dr Vlasis said, borrowing from the words of Alex Patelis, the Chief Economic Advisor to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at this years Delphi Forum online event. In an effort to draw back a portion of the 500,000 people who moved abroad, efforts have been made to upgrade remote work and also offer 50 per cent tax exemptions for the next seven years but much more needs to be done.

Dr Vlasis said the pandemic constituted a chance rather than a sole challenge, an opportunity to change the image of Greece and make the brain drain a phenomenon of the past.

An orthopedic by profession, Dr Vlasis no doubt knows that image is just skin deep and change requires more than lip service, more than designated days it needs to strike at the bone of the matter.

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Konstantinos Vlasis, the man responsible for the diaspora, celebrates his birthday with Greek Australians and says, "We want you back" -...

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Posted By admin on July 11, 2021

An untitled artwork is an invitation to dream up your own story. Rather than dictate to or guide the viewer, an artwork without a name resists categorisation and encourages us to dig deep and think inwardly, without relying on contextual information. But its meaning also adapts over time. Good art should find ever-shifting significance in the past, present and future.

To be untitled is much like the diasporic experience belonging to many histories, stories, titles and categorisations. Untitled: Art on the Conditions of Our Time, a new exhibition at Kettles Yard at the University of Cambridge, focuses on 10 British-African artists from the diaspora and how both artwork and maker question and interrogate some of the most important cultural and political issues of our turbulent times.

The mixed-medium exhibition, where paintings and drawings sit in close company with performance, sound and video works, is a reminder to think beyond generalisations about black British identity. By not giving itself a name, it moves past the black art survey show and by putting the art first instead of the identity, we are encouraged to explore the grooves and ridges that score a multilayered experience of what it means to be human, and how art, culture and society intersect.

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New exhibition Untitled finally gives a forward-thinking display of diasporic art - The Independent

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Posted By admin on July 11, 2021

Father Stan Swamy dedicated his whole life defending the marginalized and the oppressed people.

WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian American diaspora on Tuesday, July 6, expressed grief over the death of Father Stan Swamy and described him as a social worker who dedicated his life to serving poor tribals in India. Eighty-four-year-old Swamy, who was arrested last year under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the Elgar Parishad case, died in detention on Monday, July 5. The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of NA (FIACONA), in a statement, said he was a brave man who tirelessly worked to protect and help tribals in India.

A simple and an unassuming man, Fr Swamy stood his ground against a system that is bent on exploiting the poor tribals and their sovereign rights to their resources, FIACONA said.

Swamy suffered from Parkinsons disease and several other ailments. During his custody, Swamy had also tested positive for COVID-19.

It is a dark day for democracy in India, and the national leadership and members of the judiciary should hang their heads in shame, said George Abraham, vice-chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, in another statement.

Father Swamys detention and treatment in prison that led to his death is a blot on the consciousness of the nation and a travesty of justice, said Abraham.

The INOC said it is also time to remember many other human rights warriors who are still in prison.

We can only hope the passing of Father Stan Swamy may reopen the mindset of those in power to release those on bail while awaiting charges, it added.

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Indian American Diaspora Saddened at death in detention of Stan Swamy The Indian Panorama - The Indian Panorama

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Posted By admin on July 11, 2021

The month of May can aptly be described as Diaspora month in Nigeria. This, apart from July 25, designated as National Diaspora Day by the Federal Government, was the month when the dream of most fundamentals of diaspora was birthed.

It was in May 19, 2019, the hitherto office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Affairs and the occupier, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa transmuted to Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) following the Senate approval and her confirmation as the Chairman/CEO of the new Commission.

It was indeed a dream nurtured when in May 2017 President Muhammadu Buhari signed the bill into law through the acting President then Prof Yemi Osinbajo following the eventual passage by the eighth National Assembly.

Similarly, it was also in the month of May that the Federal Executive Council ratified and approved the much-awaited and expected National Diaspora Policy, the first of its kind in Nigeria and a holistic policy geared towards engagement of Nigerians in the diaspora in policies, projects and in participation in the development of Nigeria.

So, the formation of NIDCOM through the Act of Parliament, the appointment of the first Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as the pioneer boss of the Commission, the ratification and final approval of National Diaspora Policy by the Federal Government all took place in the respective years in the month of May as well as the final public presentation and launch of the National Diaspora policy, also took place in the month of May 2021.

With the stage set for the commission to justify the need for its establishment, among which is the reduction in the massive exodus of Nigerian professionals abroad in search of greener pasture thus creating a brain drain in the system and efforts by the commission in stemming the tide and change the narrative to brain-gain through a constructive engagement with the Diasporas and tapping their potentials for national development. Not backing down due to daunting challenges starring at it in the face, the Commission has been able to live up and even beyond expectations in its two years of existence. It must be mentioned here that the Nigerian Diaspora is part and parcel of the population to bring about accelerated economic growth using their resources, intellect and global exposure. They are the real catalyst and asset for economic development of the country.

NIDCOM Activities/AchievementsSince the establishment of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, a lot of activities have been embarked upon to fulfil the mandates of the Commission. Within two years, the Commission has lived up to expectations and even beyond it despite daunting challenges.

Such activities include advocacy to states to key into the larger Diaspora movement with the inauguration of Diaspora focal point offices and officers in 33 out of the 36 states of the Federation including the FCT. In May 2021, the focal point officers coordinated by NIDCOM had a successful three-day Summit in Abuja, the third in the series since 2019.

NIDCOM also ensured the consolidation of the declaration of July 25 every year, by the Federal Government of Nigeria as `National Diaspora Day, a date set aside to recognise and appraise Nigerians in the Diaspora on their contributions to national development. This is to ensure networking, dialogue and constructive interface between Nigerian professionals and experts in the Diaspora and Nigerians at home on development challenges and opportunities. The third in the series will hold on Sunday July 25, 2021 via hybrid and webinar.

Similarly, by Nov. 2021, the Commission will be organising the third in the series of Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) in Abuja with other stakeholders from across the globe via webinar thus lubricating the Diasporas interest and participation in investing back home in any sector of their choice.It will be recalled that as a follow-up to the Summit, on 18th and 19th December, 2019, two young Nigerians resident in Saudi Arabia, put together the first Saudi Arabia/Nigeria Investment Forum, an offshoot of the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit in Abuja and it was also a great success.

As part of the Commissions collaborative efforts with other stakeholders, some 19,085 Nigerians were evacuated and brought back home from various countries due to reasons of deportation, human abuses and trafficking, voluntary returnees and effects of Covid-19 pandemic from June 2020 to March 2021.

Of course, with Nigerians in Diaspora contributing so much to the Nigerian Economy, estimated at over $25 billion US dollars in 2019, it is widely believe that they deserve to vote. So, the Commission already working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders like National Diaspora Voting Council, to hopefully make this a reality in Nigeria through amendment to the countrys Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

The Commission through its Chairman/CEO or her representatives had participated in many activities within and outside the country geared towards advancing the course of Nigerians in the Diaspora.Such activities include the participation of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa in the 25th anniversary of Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) wherein she was amazed at the quality of Nigerians doctors as the best brains in the Americas.

In line with President Muhammadu Buharis desire that the welfare and well-being of Nigerians anywhere in the world is top priority, the Commission paid swift intervention visits to many High Commissioners and Embassies in Abuja to put a stop to the indiscriminate xenophobic related killings of Nigerians, discrimination, inhuman treatment, illegal detention among others, insisting that it is highly reprehensible, condemnable and unacceptable.

The Commission was at the forefront for the release of Zainab Aliyu on death row by the Saudi Arabian government for alleged drug related offences as well as Ibrahim Ibrahim. The Commission intervened positively in rescuing other Nigerians in such dilemma in Malaysia, Oman, U.A.E., China, Brazil, Morocco, Singapore, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Qatar and Ethiopia.

One of the objectives of the Commission is to have adequate data of Nigerians living abroad for effective planning purposes and the flag off was done in partnership with National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) where the enrolment took the Commission to some parts of West Africa, Europe, Asia and Americas. This is a continuous exercise under the commission Diaspora Mapping policy.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa assisted by the Secretary of the Commission, Engr. Dr. Yakubu Sule Bassi and other top management of the Commission at various times do interact with stakeholders such as International Organization for Migration (IOM), National Youth Service Commission, EFCC, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), International Labour Organization and Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, NAPTIP, NDLEA, among several others to see how collaboration with the Commission will enhance better opportunities for the Nigerians abroad.

Inauguration of some NIDO Chapters: The Commission under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa also led some Commission staff to witness the inauguration of some of the NIDO Chapters wherein they were counselled to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

Securing a Nigeria passport abroad has been a recurring headache to many Nigerians in the Diaspora. To ease the process, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa took out time to engage with Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as well as the Comptroller General of Immigration Service. These efforts have paid off as backlog of the passports issuance occasioned by the lockdown of covid -19 in many countries have been eased out.

During the year under review, the Commission had its maiden Diaspora Quarterly Lecture with both Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Amb. Zubairu Dada and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of Interior Affairs. The duo engaged the Nigerians abroad on many issues of great concern with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa moderating for over four hours. It was indeed a fruitful engagement and mutually rewarding.

In exercising its over-sighting functions, various standing committees of the National Assembly do engage with NIDCOM Management from time to time to brief them on the activities of the Commission and solicit for more support especially in the areas of funding and necessary legislative interventions to ease the task of the two-year old Commission.

Media Engagements: From time to time as it may be required, NIDCOM issued various statements and interfaced with the media especially on issues as it affects the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora.It has also a 30-minute weekly package on NTA International called The Diaspora wherein the programmes and activities of the commission were being showcased.

Similarly, there is monthly Diaspora Newsletter being produced by the Commission where all the activities of the Commission within the month are well stated out.

Added to that is the new online global radio station being test run for the commission. It is expected to start full operation before the year runs out. All these are in addition to NIDCOM social media handles.

Diaspora Town Hall Meetings: NIDCOM boss in entourage of Mr. President on state visit do organise town hall meetings for Nigerians living abroad to meet and interact with Mr. President and discuss issues affecting their welfare while using the opportunity to also brief Nigerians in Diaspora on efforts being made by the administration to revamp the economy, tackle insecurity and fight corruption to a standstill in the country.

Petitions: On daily basis, NIDCOM treats petitions of Nigerians in the Diaspora received in its known mail addresses: ssa@diaspora.gov.ng and admin@nidcom.gov.ng, as it affects their welfare and get it resolved as soon as possible.

Enlightenment/Advocacy: NIDCOM Chairman or her representatives devote time to engage Nigerians both within and outside the country on advocacy and enlightenment on the mandate of the Commission by delivering lectures, goodwill messages and talks on various Diaspora related issues.

Diaspora Festival: The Commission in conjunction with some private sector NGOs held the third in the series of Diaspora Door of Return in Badagry in Lagos from October 15 to 20, 2019 where the Diasporas made a pilgrimage to the motherland, reminiscencing of the slaves trade of the 18th and 19th centuries. Due to Covid-19, the 2020/2021 editions of the festival could not hold as planned.

Intervention: Due to the efforts of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, some individuals and groups from the diaspora donated both medical equipment and services worth millions of Naira towards ameliorating the impacts of Covid19 pandemic in the country as a way of giving back to their fatherland.

Many more Nigerians were recognized for their wonderful contributions to their host country and Nigeria as a way of encouraging others and for them to do more. To this extent, the Commission is presenting to the public soon a compendium of great Nigeria achievers in the diaspora as a way of celebrating and encouraging them to do more.

COVID-19 AND NIDCOM: Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, the Commission remains active online as a necessary tool to link up with the Nigerians abroad. It was through this effort that the commission launched a portal wherein it coordinated the collation of data of Nigerians stranded abroad and facilitated the evacuation of over 9,000 stranded Nigerians back home in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies. Regrettably, Nigeria lost over 60 of her citizens to Covid-19 pandemic abroad. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace.

Welfare: Staff welfare is a top priority at the Commission. Apart from internal training, some of the staff across the departments and units were sent on capacity building training both within and outside the country to enhance their performance amidst other welfare packages by the management.

It is gratifying to note that owing to some of the modest achievements within two years of the existence, a lot of accolades, awards and recognition were bestowed on the Chairman/CEO and the Commission by various groups such as Business Day Award and Guardian Distinguished Award amongst several others in recognition of the contributions of NIDCOM to Diasporaaffairs in the country.

Also in May 2021, NIDCOM was listed among the 20 outstanding Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government adjudged as performing in the year 2021. This was disclosed by the CEO, Profiles & Biographies, Mr. Kammonke Abam, in a statement in Abuja, as an update on the firms research and compilation of the accomplishments of MDAs to mark the sixth anniversary of President Muhammadu Buharis administration. He said the assessment result is relative to the MDAs fulfilling their ministerial mandate in line with the administrations 9-point development agenda, and his firms evaluation benchmark.

Future plansUndoubtedly, it is a statement of fact that within 24 months of the Commission existence, it has really lived up to expectations and even surpassed it, though not yet uhuru, as Nigerians in the Diaspora is assured that their interest and welfare will continue to be adequately taken care of. In addition to the sustainability of the above achievements, the Commission intends in the years ahead to work with stakeholders to do DIASPORA MAPPING geared towards having a data of Nigerians living abroad for effective planning.

More important, the commission intends to re- launch DIASPORA BONDS in collaboration with Debt Management Office just as the $300 million Diaspora bonds was successfully launched in 2017.

In the years ahead, the Commission intends to have a regular DIASPORA CHAMPIONS and AWARDS to deserving Nigerians in the Diaspora as a way of encouraging them to be good ambassadors of the country.

Equally, the Commission will work with National Assembly relevant committees to ensure DIASPORA VOTING for Nigerians living abroad through amendments to some electoral laws. Talks are on with relevant government agencies to have a befitting Diaspora City in Abuja with over 17,000 housing units. This will be replicated in some states of the federation. CHALLENGES: Despite two major challenges facing the Commission, which is lack of office accommodation and paucity of funds, the Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has vowed not to be cowed by the challenges but to forge ahead and ensure that Nigerians in the Diaspora are not short changed in the scheme of things.

Writing on NIDCOM and the dilemmas of our diaspora Dr Abiodun Adeniyi of Baze University Abuja opined that NIDCOM is rich in ideas, but often unfortunately weak in execution. This weakness is no fault of theirs, nevertheless, for some reasons.

First is poor funding, and second, because of a subtly loud indifference for its mandate. Third is some suspected threat of a conflict of responsibility between it and the overarching foreign ministry. Fourth is the poor structural and facility support it presently has, plus a disinterest in helping them out, or even a concern for denying them of the little they have, Fifth is the hitherto inability to appreciate the full import of diasporic influence.

In spite of the above challenges, Adeniyi added that the progress in the public sphere of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has arguably been synonymous with diaspora issues, making her a factor in the description of Nigeria diaspora. Add her passion, media initiative, and a level of influence she covets, plus her stimulus and it would be tougher to deny the effect of her brand.

Overall, I imagine an empowered NIDCOM reconciling, or resolving these issues he said.

Above all, with the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, which has been a veritable link in many areas of human endeavours to ease the task of Nigerians in Diaspora in engaging with the Nigerian economy, it is expected that all Nigerians in the Diaspora will reciprocate the gesture by continuing to be good Ambassadors and project the good name of the country wherever they may find themselves. The Commission shall continue to celebrate her heroes and heroines in the Diaspora.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun is the Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NIDCOM, Abuja

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NIDCOM at two: Beyond expectations | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Opinion The Guardian Nigeria News Nigeria and World News -...

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Posted By admin on July 9, 2021

The Biden administration is actively working to foster diplomatic ties between Israel and additional Arab states, Foreign Minister Gabi said on Tuesday in a press briefing summing up his term as foreign minister.

The Biden administration fully adopted the Abraham Accords and are eager to expand them, Ashkenazi said.

Former US ambassador Dan Shapiro may be appointed by the Biden administration as a Middle East envoy to oversee the continuation of the Abraham Accords.

However, since the Biden administration does not use the term Abraham Accords, the new deals will be called normalization agreements.

Ashkenazi added that relations with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco are speeding along and have passed the test of endurance through Operation Guardian of the Walls the first Israeli-Palestinian conflict to occur following the establishment of the Abraham Accords. The relations with these countries are irreversible, Ashkenazi said.

Ashkenazi is one of the founders of the Abraham Accords Institute for Peace, established by former White House adviser Jared Kushner, and he said he will be active in the institutes activities after he leaves office.

(YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem)

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Posted By admin on July 9, 2021

Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi landed in Cairo on Sunday for high-level talks with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to the Arab state since 2008.

We will discuss establishing a permanent ceasefire with Hamas, a mechanism for providing humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza with a pivotal role played by the international community, Ashkenazi wrote on Twitter.

But in accordance with earlier reports that Israel is conditioning the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip on the advancement of the release of Israeli citizens held by Hamas, Ashkenazi also wrote: First and foremost, Israel is fully committed to returning our MIAs held by the Hamas.

Meanwhile, Egypts intelligence chief, Abbas Kamel, flew to Tel Aviv for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian officials in Ramallah, an Egyptian official said.

The official said Kamel would discuss with Netanyahu and the Palestinian Authority how to rebuild Gaza. Kamel is then expected to meet with Hamas leaders in Ramallah.

Egypt last week invited Israel, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority for separate talks in Cairo to consolidate the Cairo-mediated cease-fire and accelerate the reconstruction process in Gaza.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is expected to visit Cairo this week, according to the groups spokesman Abdelatif al-Qanou, who also said Hamas is open to discussing a prisoner swap with Israel.

(YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem & AP)

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Posted By admin on July 9, 2021

Published: 08 July 2021

View sculptures by local artists while taking in the scenery at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, at its outdoor sculpture exhibit, SOLIDITY 21. Opening reception is Saturday, July 10, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. featuring live music from the band All About the Blues; refreshments will be served courtesy of Art in the Park.

SOLIDITY 21 is Art in the Parks first exhibit since the pandemic and features 21 sculptures by local artists Ilan Ashkenazi, Micheal Ballou, Domenic Belli, Wendy Klemperer, Liza OConnor, Marcia Raff and Ron Spinazzola that are on sale and will remain on display through Sunday, October 31.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the countys largest park that features some of the most scenic landscapes. The Art in the Park exhibits that frequent the Reservation always add to the parks appeal for park-goers to enjoy.

Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy OConnor said: The Art in the Park exhibits always showcase unique artwork from local artists and with this exhibit sprawling the beautiful grounds of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, it makes for a seamless reintroduction to the art world.

Maps of the exhibit are available in the visitors center. Admission is free; parking is $5 with Park Pass, $10 without Park Pass, every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day; weekends only after Labor Day.

Art in the Park features various exhibits that always include a connection to nature. This is demonstrated through different vehicles of art like sculpture, photography, paintings and additional forms of artwork. The program is headquartered at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is located at the junction of Routes 35 and 121 South in Cross River.

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Art in the Park Solidity 21 Opening Reception at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation - westchestergov.com

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Posted By admin on July 9, 2021

Foreign MinisterYair Lapidis set to address a European Union forum of his peers Monday; the first such event in over 12 years.

EU Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell made the overture just one month into the tenure of Prime Minister Naftali Bennetts government when he asked Lapid to address the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

The Foreign Ministry on Thursday announced the upcoming visit.

As a sign of the troubled ties, the EU-Israel Association Council which is the main vehicle for joint ministerial dialogue, has not met since 2012.

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Netanyahu, however, did join an informal gathering of the council for breakfast in 2017. Former foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi attended a similar breakfast meeting in 2020.

But the last foreign minister to formally address the council was Tzipi Livni.

Upon taking office, Lapid had pledged to improve relations with the EU.

After their first phone call Borrell had tweeted that the two discussed the importance of strengthening the bilateral partnership & promoting security & peace in the region. Looking forward to working together & welcoming you soon in Brussels.

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For first time in over 12 years Israeli FM to address top EU body - The Jerusalem Post

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Posted By admin on July 9, 2021

Even by Israeli parliamentary standards, this week was one that ranged between the sublime and the ridiculous between the showtime of the 11th president being sworn in a festive ceremony on Wednesday (July 7) and the showdown of the failure of the so-called Citizenship Law the previous morning.

Isaac Herzog was ushered into office with more pomp and circumstance than I recall for previous presidents, including his late father, Chaim Herzog. The question of whether to call him President Herzog Jr. or President Herzog II seemed in place as he and incoming first lady Michal Herzog were escorted by a cavalcade of mounted police on motorbikes and horses and met by a military guard of honor and the IDF band which played the national anthem, Hatikvah.

Herzog pledged allegiance using the same Bible his father had used before him. The family heirloom, more than 100 years old, is a reminder that the Herzog name also belongs to the countrys first Ashkenazi chief rabbi, after whom the new president is named.

In an only-in-Israel touch, at the end of the ceremony he was hailed by blasts on shofars (rams horns), the Jewish predecessor of a trumpet fanfare.

No matter what his official title, Herzog is likely to continue to be called Bougie, the childhood nickname granted him by his mother, Aura, who was also at the Knesset ceremony to swell and kvell with pride.

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Outgoing-president Reuven Rivlin is so fond of his nickname, Ruvi, that his official correspondence includes it in his signature. Recently replaced prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, did all could to discourage the use of his childhood moniker feeling it detracted from his stature, but nonetheless Bibi stuck to him. It was often used to belittle him particularly in headlines.

This week, Netanyahu did not need a nickname to demean him, the behavior of the opposition he leads did that for him. If the presidential inauguration was a reminder that things can be done differently with respect and style the vote on the so-called Citizenship Law was a jarring sign of just how petty politics can get.

In his inaugural address, Herzog said all the right things. Healing the rifts? Check. Preventing polarization? Check. And, of course, there was the pledge to serve as president of all the countrys citizens.

Rivlin, whose ability to tear up with emotion is rather endearing, was clearly moved by the handover. He left a letter at the Presidents Residence, in which he told Herzog: The truth is I am a little envious of you. In a short time you will discover the tremendous privilege that has fallen to you among the tribes, in the shadow the controversies and rifts, you will find brave people who do not talk about the together, they just live it. Day to day and hour by hour. In their homes, those on the Right and the Left, Jews and Arabs, veterans and new immigrants, religious and traditional, young and old. People of all faiths, sectors and ethnicities. All of them, Israelis. Beautiful, enlightening and generous.

But there was no getting away from reminders of the politicization and polarization. Outside the Knesset, there was a small but noisy demonstration organized by the remnants of the Crime Minister movement. The protest surrounded Herzogs appointment of Naor Ihia as his spokesman even though Ihia had previously worked as Netanyahus media advisor. Some people are not content with hounding the former prime minister even after the start of his trial on charges of corruption; they also want the downfall of anyone who worked with him. The principle of innocent until proven guilty, out; the principle of guilty by association, in.

It takes more than speeches on the need for unity to overcome the current state of affairs.

THE CITIZENSHIP LAW was not the Knessets finest hour. This was not the end of democracy, but nothing marked the end of ideology more than what we witnessed when MKs from parties across the political spectrum voted in contradiction of their own stated policies and their own prior votes on the same law.

The sight of Arab MKs Ayman Odeh and Ahmad Tibi from the Joint List cheering and flashing V for victory signs alongside Likud and Religious Zionist Party MKs when the result of the 59-59 vote was announced was not only out of place in the parliamentary plenum, it was out of place altogether.

No less strange was MK Amichai Chikli, nominally still a member of Bennetts Yamina Party, voting against the legislation it presented, sealing his label as a renegade. At the same time, Meretz and members of Raam (United Arab List) voted in favor of a bill that limits family reunification between Arab-Israelis and their Palestinian spouses.

The legislation would have extended the regulation first instituted in 2003 at the height of the Second Intifada that denies automatic citizenship to Palestinians who marry Israelis. The law, which has been extended on an annual basis, was aimed at preventing Palestinians who entered the country under the framework of family unification from abusing the rights that come with it such as freedom of travel in order to carry out terror attacks. The law was based on painful experience. There have also been children of such couples, Israeli-born citizens, who have been involved in terrorism. In addition, the ordinance tackles, less openly, the demographic question as particularly on the Right there has been a fear that thousands of Palestinians could gain citizenship in this way.

In topsy-turvy thinking, Netanyahu led the Likud in the vote against a law that had previously been passed many times by his own government. This time he claimed it was more important to try to topple the government which bizarrely under the circumstances he accused of being created to advance an anti-Zionist agenda.

The political drama also showed a degree of political inexperience by the coalition, which turned the vote into a vote of confidence in the government, meaning that those opposed to the government would find it hard to support the bill whatever its contents.

Rivlin in his farewell address said: Dont take things for granted because of the simple fact that the State of Israel isnt to be taken for granted. It is a miracle, and miracles must be jealously guarded. It is a miracle, too, because we have turned every challenge into an opportunity. And I also want to say this to you: The Jewish state is not something to be taken for granted. A democratic state is not something to be taken for granted. And there will be no Israel if it is not democratic and Jewish, Jewish and democratic, in the same breath. We will prevail only if we know how to embrace complexity and to reject the simplicity that is always so tempting.

Herzog has made it clear that he will officially move into the Presidents Residence only after Tisha BeAv (this year on July 18), the date marking the destruction of the First and Second Temples, as it is not customary to move homes during the three-week mourning period leading up to the date. He also noted that the fall of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem is ascribed to baseless hatred.

The new president, like the government that was only recently sworn in, have their work cut out for them. Perhaps the last words should come from the Prayer for the State of Israel, written by the presidents paternal grandfather together with Israeli Nobel laureate for literature S.Y. Agnon, which Rivlin also quoted this week.

Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the first manifestation of the approach of our Redemption. Shield it with Your loving-kindness, envelop it in Your peace, and bestow Your light and truth upon its leaders, ministers, and advisers, and grace them with Your good counsel.

Amen.

liat@jpost.com

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My Word: Presidents and present-day politics - The Jerusalem Post

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