The Czech Republic witnessed an alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in 2023, reaching unprecedented levels, according to the Federation of Jewish Communities. Their annual report revealed a staggering 4,694 antisemitic cases, marking an 8.5% increase from the previous year’s 4,328 incidents. This surge was particularly pronounced following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which ignited the Gaza conflict and triggered a 90% spike in antisemitic reports. Petr Papousek, head of the Federation, emphasized that this wave of hatred is part of a global phenomenon, fueled by the demonization of Israel and amplified by far-right, far-left, Islamist, and disinformation media groups. Papousek noted that antisemitism has become socially acceptable, with public discourse increasingly dominated by anti-Israel narratives. Nearly 96% of incidents occurred online, primarily through social media platforms. However, the report also documented four physical attacks—a record high—all linked to the Middle East conflict. Additionally, cases of desecration of Jewish cemeteries and monuments doubled to 12. In one notable incident, five teenagers were arrested for attempting to set fire to a synagogue in Brno, radicalized by the Islamic State group. Despite these troubling developments, the report affirmed that the Czech Republic remains a safe country for its Jewish community.
分类: society
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Canadian man loses legal battle to reclaim million-dollar stash
A Canadian man’s 16-year legal struggle to recover over C$1.2 million seized from his home has come to an end after an Ontario appeals court upheld a prior ruling favoring the Canadian government. Marcel Breton, a resident of north-western Ontario, had the cash confiscated during a 2009 police search for an illegal firearm. Authorities discovered the money hidden in various locations, including under his garage and within heating ducts, alongside drugs and drug-related paraphernalia. Although Breton was initially convicted of multiple offenses, he was acquitted in a retrial after arguing the search was unlawful. However, the court ruled that the majority of the funds were unlawfully obtained, citing the unusual nature of the cash’s storage and its proximity to illegal substances. Notably, the court ordered the return of C$15,000 found in the heating vents, as its lawful origin could not be definitively disproven. Breton’s failure to report income between 2001 and 2008 further weakened his case. This ruling marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal saga, with the bulk of the seized money now allocated to the government.
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Indian fighter jet pilot killed in crash at Dubai airshow
A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Airshow 2025 when an Indian fighter jet, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s Tejas, crashed during a display, resulting in the death of the pilot. The crash occurred at approximately 14:10 local time (10:10 GMT) on the final day of the event, which had drawn over 148,000 attendees and exhibitors from 1,500 companies. The Indian Air Force (IAF) expressed deep regret over the loss of life and extended their support to the bereaved family. A court of inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident. Dubai’s Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defence reported that emergency services responded swiftly to manage the situation on-site. The Dubai Airshow, which began on Monday, concluded on a somber note with this unfortunate event.
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UAE weather: Temperatures to drop slightly; fog expected
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing a significant drop in temperatures, with the mercury plunging to a chilly 7.8°C on Thursday, November 20, marking the coldest day of the winter season so far. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Friday, November 21, will bring partly cloudy and dusty conditions, with low clouds forming westward over the sea and islands. Coastal areas are expected to see a slight temperature dip, accompanied by fog that has triggered red and yellow alerts, reducing visibility until 10:30 AM. Authorities in Abu Dhabi have issued emergency alerts and implemented speed reductions on key roads to ensure safety. Humidity is likely to increase by night and into Saturday morning, with fog or mist expected in coastal and internal regions. Winds will blow lightly to moderately from the northeast to northwest, reaching speeds of 10-25 km/hr, and up to 40 km/h westward. Sea conditions will be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea. Temperatures are forecasted to drop to 15ºC in Sharjah, 19ºC in Dubai, and 21ºC in Abu Dhabi. The recent dense fog has already caused significant disruptions, with landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab obscured and severe traffic delays reported. Air travel has also been impacted, with Dubai diverting 19 flights and Sharjah experiencing multiple delays and cancellations.
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China’s top court highlights domestic violence cases to raise awareness
In a decisive move to combat domestic violence, China’s Supreme People’s Court has publicized eight significant cases, underscoring a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy toward such offenses. This initiative, announced on Friday, aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, reinforcing the court’s stance that domestic violence transcends mere family disputes. The court emphasized that psychological harm, including continuous humiliation and character degradation, is a critical component of domestic violence. The Supreme People’s Court articulated that domestic violence is an illegal act infringing on personal rights, whether it occurs within or outside the home, and should not evade legal consequences. The court also highlighted the importance of expert testimony in understanding the psychology and behavior of both defendants and victims, particularly in cases involving minors. Furthermore, Chinese courts have been urged to strengthen mechanisms against violence, decisively combat all forms of violence against women, and ensure public perception of fairness and justice in every judicial proceeding.
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Indian fighter jet crashes during a demo flight at Dubai Air Show, killing the pilot
A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show on Friday when an Indian HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight, resulting in the death of the pilot. The Indian Air Force confirmed the accident, which occurred around 2:10 p.m. local time at Al Maktoum International Airport. Witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to lose control and plunged directly into the ground within the airfield premises. Emergency teams responded swiftly, and black smoke was seen rising from the crash site as sirens blared. The Indian Air Force expressed deep regret over the loss of life and extended condolences to the pilot’s family. A court of inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the crash. The Dubai Air Show, a biennial event, resumed flight demonstrations approximately an hour and a half later, with the Russian Knights performing overhead. The Tejas, India’s domestically produced fighter jet, is a key component of the nation’s efforts to modernize its air force amid regional tensions, particularly with China and Pakistan. Recent contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 Tejas jets highlight its strategic importance, though delays in deliveries due to engine shortages have posed challenges. The incident marks the second crash involving a Tejas jet in recent years, following a 2022 accident in Rajasthan where the pilot ejected safely.
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Long queues, cool weather, great food: Ras Al Khaimah’s new night market is a hit
Ras Al Khaimah’s newest weekend attraction, the RAK Night Market, has quickly become a local favorite, drawing crowds with its vibrant mix of food, crafts, and family-friendly entertainment. Launched on November 14, 2025, the market is set up on the plaza of the Ras Al Khaimah Exhibition Center and operates every weekend from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm. During its opening weekend, over 10,000 visitors, including residents and tourists, flocked to explore the more than 80 stalls offering handmade crafts, diverse street food, and classic sweets. Families enjoyed hot meals together, while kids were thrilled by the treats and activities. The market also provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity and businesses. Katrina Alvarez, a Filipino resident, praised the event for its reasonable prices and diverse food options, including flavors from her home country. Two Emirati cousins, Mariam Jassem and Mariam Rashid Al Shemeili, stood out with their brands Kunst and Pastel Vibe, respectively, inspiring visitors with their entrepreneurial spirit. Jamal Rashid Hamdoun, owner of Raghuh Honey, captivated crowds with his unique honey products and interactive hive displays. Mohamed Ali Musabbeh Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the RAK Chamber of Commerce & Industry, highlighted the market’s role in supporting small businesses and fostering community connections.
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Exhibition celebrates millennial civilizations
A groundbreaking exhibition highlighting the millennia-old cultural connections between China and Cambodia was inaugurated in Phnom Penh on November 19, 2025. Organized by the National Museum of Cambodia in partnership with the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, the event marked the first of its kind, showcasing a rich collection of Chinese artifacts, including bronze statues, ceramics, coins, and representations in Angkorian art. The exhibition also emphasized China’s contributions to the conservation and restoration of Cambodian heritage, particularly in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin presided over the opening ceremony. Sackona highlighted the enduring cultural exchanges between the two nations, spanning trade, diplomacy, religion, and art. She expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing efforts in preserving Cambodia’s cultural treasures. The exhibition aims to celebrate the shared history and friendship between the two countries, while inspiring future research into Chinese material culture in Cambodia. Chhay Visoth, director of the National Museum of Cambodia, noted that the event would attract both national and international visitors, offering a unique opportunity to explore the ancient ties between the two civilizations. Visitors, including Ros Kunthy, praised the exhibition for its fascinating display of centuries-old artifacts, underscoring the deep-rooted connections between Cambodia and China.
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Hospital appointment scalping ring busted
A highly organized hospital appointment scalping ring in Shenyang, China, has been dismantled by local police, revealing a sophisticated operation that exploited both technology and insider knowledge. The syndicate, which had been active for six months, allegedly stole over 7,500 appointments and amassed illegal profits exceeding 510,000 yuan. The group targeted desperate patients struggling to secure slots at top hospitals in the Liaoning provincial capital, where online appointments vanished within seconds and offline queues were interminable. The crackdown began in August when Shenyang police detected unusual activity in hospital registration systems. A month-long investigation uncovered a criminal network involving nine scalper gangs and 75 individuals operating a three-step scheme: snatch, hoard, and resell appointments. The gang’s methods were particularly insidious, with over 20 core members being former patients or caregivers who knew precisely when new appointments went live. To amplify their gains, the scalpers hired software developers to create plug-ins that hacked into hospital registration systems, allowing them to preset patient information and automatically snatch slots. These illegal tools were sold for tens of thousands of yuan, enabling some scalpers to earn between 10,000 to 20,000 yuan monthly. The gang operated like a well-oiled machine, with members specializing in various roles, from buying software to actively prowling hospitals for customers. Non-local patients, desperate to avoid delays, were hit with the highest markups, sometimes paying several thousand yuan extra. In September, a cross-region manhunt led to the arrest of all 75 suspects in cities including Guangzhou, Yantai, and Huludao. Ten suspects face charges of destroying computer information systems, while 65 others received administrative penalties. Following the bust, Shenyang police urged hospitals to upgrade their registration systems and monitor for abnormal traffic. Authorities are also using video patrols to spot scalpers early and have collaborated with internet firms to remove scalper ads, effectively cutting off their ability to find customers.
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Hangzhou offers free entry to popular site
Hangzhou, a city renowned for its cultural heritage and scenic beauty, has announced that the Lingyin Feilaifeng Scenic Area will offer free admission to all visitors starting December 1, 2025. This decision underscores the city’s commitment to making its historical and cultural treasures accessible to everyone, reflecting a broader vision of cultural confidence and public welfare. The Lingyin Temple, a 1,700-year-old Buddhist site within the scenic area, is one of China’s most revered ancient temples, attracting millions of visitors annually. The move eliminates the 45 yuan ($6.32) entrance fee and the 30 yuan incense voucher, replacing them with a real-name reservation system to manage visitor flow. Experts view this as a significant shift from a ‘ticket-based economy’ to a ‘comprehensive economy,’ echoing the 2002 decision to make West Lake free to the public. This policy is expected to boost tourism-related industries, including dining, retail, and cultural products, while enhancing Hangzhou’s global reputation. Visitors have welcomed the news, with many expressing enthusiasm for the cost savings and increased accessibility. The decision also aligns with Hangzhou’s successful track record of leveraging free admission to drive economic growth, as seen with West Lake’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.
