In a heartwarming moment at Expo 2020 Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paused to engage with a group of enthusiastic school children. As Sheikh Mohammed approached, the children burst into cheers and eagerly waved at him, their excitement palpable. Seizing the opportunity, he graciously stopped for a quick photo with the young admirers, creating a memorable experience for them. This spontaneous interaction highlighted Sheikh Mohammed’s approachable demeanor and his commitment to fostering connections with the younger generation. The incident, captured on video, quickly garnered attention, showcasing the warmth and accessibility of the UAE’s leadership during the global event.
分类： society
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London hospital removed Gaza children’s artwork following legal threat
A London healthcare institution has become the center of an international cultural dispute after removing artwork created by Palestinian schoolchildren from Gaza following legal pressure from a pro-Israel advocacy organization. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital eliminated the “Crossing Borders – A Festival Of Plates” exhibition from its children’s outpatient department after UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) threatened legal action against the hospital trust.
The artwork, displayed since 2012, featured ceramic plates transferring designs by Palestinian students depicting scenes of daily life in Gaza, including fishing, olive harvesting, and traditional baking. The hospital trust confirmed the removal resulted from UKLFI’s letter alleging that certain elements caused offense to some Jewish patients who felt “vulnerable and victimized.”
Particular controversy centered on three plates featuring the Palestinian flag, including one positioned atop a structure resembling an Israeli military watchtower and another flying near the Dome of the Rock mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. UKLFI argued these representations implied Jewish holy sites would fall under Palestinian sovereignty, claiming this constituted religious offense.
The artwork originated from an educational partnership between Chelsea Community Hospital School—which serves medically vulnerable children—and UNRWA-operated schools in Gaza. Students with special needs had transferred the Palestinian children’s designs onto plates as part of cultural exchange programs that previously earned the hospital school the British Council’s International School Award.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Hussam Zomlot condemned the removal as “racist and discriminatory bullying,” demanding reinstatement of the exhibition. He emphasized that East Jerusalem remains occupied Palestinian territory under international law.
The hospital trust expressed regret that the artwork’s removal offended some communities while its content offended others, stating they would review next steps in consultation with relevant parties while considering their obligations under the Equalities Act 2010.
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Tight bight, small city: Virus sidelines ship, creates buzz
The small coastal town of Eastport, Maine, with a population of just 1,300, has become the temporary home to the Oceania Riviera, a massive cruise ship that towers over the community. The ship’s arrival highlights the challenges cruise companies face in finding docking locations during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has halted global cruise operations since mid-March. Chris Gardner, director of the Port of Eastport, likened the situation to a game of musical chairs, questioning where these ships can go when the music stops. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has banned cruises in U.S. waters until July 24, leaving thousands of crew members stranded at sea. While some Eastport residents initially feared the ship’s crew might introduce the virus to the area, these concerns were alleviated as crew members are not permitted to disembark. The Oceania Riviera, nearly 800 feet long and accompanied by a crew of 131, is being kept in a “warm layup” state, meaning it remains operational but without passengers. Eastport’s maritime facility, rebuilt in 2017 after its Breakwater Pier collapsed, is uniquely suited to host such a large vessel. The town, once known as the nation’s sardine capital, is now embracing the ship’s presence. Local businesses, including a waterfront restaurant that sold out of fish due to increased visitors, are benefiting from the unexpected influx of attention. Kevin Raye, president of the local chamber of commerce, described the ship as “magnificent” and a potential lifeline for struggling small businesses. While some residents are less enthusiastic, many local leaders hope this visit will pave the way for future cruise ship tourism, generating goodwill and revenue for the town.