分类： society

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world, its influence continues to ripple through various aspects of life, including travel. Among the most notable trends is the emergence of ‘art holidays,’ a luxurious and exclusive form of travel that combines cultural immersion with opulent experiences. Catering to the ultra-wealthy, these getaways offer unparalleled access to private art collections, after-hours museum tours, and intimate encounters with renowned artists.

A fifth member of the proscribed direct action group Palestine Action has initiated a hunger strike, protesting her detention conditions and the UK government’s ban on the organization. T Hoxha, a 29-year-old activist, joins four other prisoners in a rolling hunger strike that began on November 2, 2024, citing ‘systematic abuse’ by prison authorities. Hoxha, part of the ‘Filton 24′ group arrested on terrorism charges, is currently held at HMP Peterborough awaiting trial in April 2026. The charges stem from an August 2024 incident where activists drove a modified van into the UK facility of Israeli arms company Elbit Systems in Filton, Bristol. This marks Hoxha’s second hunger strike in three months, following a three-week protest in August over worsening treatment after the group’s ban under terrorism legislation in July. The campaign group Prisoners for Palestine (PFP) announced the strike after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood failed to respond to their demands, which include immediate bail, an end to interference with personal communications, and the de-proscription of Palestine Action. The prisoners have garnered widespread support from pro-Palestine activists, including former Lebanese political prisoner Georges Abdallah and US activist Jakhi McCray, who has pledged to join the strike in solidarity. PFP reports that the government has yet to respond to their letter or address the strikers’ grievances. ‘T’s resilience is astounding,’ said PFP’s Audrey Corno, highlighting Hoxha’s determination to persevere despite the challenges.

The Eduscan Institute, a pioneer in holistic education and empowerment for children of determination, is set to host a transformative event titled ‘Inner Peace, Outer Health: The Path to Healing’ on November 8 and 9, 2025, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, respectively. The event, held at the Iranian Club in Dubai and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, will feature a Walk of Confidence, symbolizing inclusion, courage, and collaboration. Students from Eduscan Institute will walk alongside peers from Amity University, Symbiosis University, and other institutions, showcasing a united spirit of empowerment.

The event will also honor 12 Cancer Victors, women who have triumphed over cancer and now inspire others with their resilience. A highlight will be a soulful dance performance, ‘Healing Through Movement,’ by Vishaka Verma and her troupe, blending art and rhythm to emphasize the restorative power of music and movement. Ruby Ahluwalia, a senior Indian bureaucrat and founder of Sanjeevani… Life Beyond Cancer, will deliver a keynote address. Ahluwalia, a Stage 3 metastatic breast cancer survivor, has impacted millions through her organization, providing free holistic care to over 1.3 million underprivileged cancer patients.

Dr. Alka Kalra, founder and director of Eduscan Institute, emphasized the event’s broader purpose: ‘This is about rediscovering the strength within every individual. Our students, cancer victors, and the community embody resilience, compassion, and unity—the true spirit of the UAE Year of Community.’ Established in 1994, Eduscan Institute has empowered over 30,000 children through education, emotional development, and leadership training, guided by Dr. Kalra’s philosophy, ‘Leaders are not born, but made.’

In celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, Dubai’s toll operator, Salik, has introduced an exciting weekly contest offering participants the chance to win recharge cards. From now until December 2, 2025, Salik will pose a question each week, with five lucky winners awarded two recharge cards worth Dh400 each. The initiative is part of Dubai’s broader National Month campaign, which runs from Flag Day on November 3 to Eid Al Etihad on December 2, 2025. This campaign aims to honor national occasions, foster pride in the nation’s journey, and engage all segments of society through a variety of national, community, and cultural events. Salik has encouraged residents to participate in the contest via a post on X, though details about the weekly questions remain undisclosed. This initiative not only celebrates the UAE’s unity but also provides an opportunity for residents to engage in a fun and rewarding activity during the festive period.

A fourth individual detained in the UK in connection with alleged activities linked to Palestine Action has initiated a hunger strike, protesting their detention conditions and the government’s decision to proscribe the direct action group. Jon Cink, remanded at Bronzefield prison, joins Qesser Zurah, Amu Gibb, and Heba Muraisi in an open-ended hunger strike, citing “systematic abuse” by prison authorities. Cink’s detention stems from a June 2025 raid on RAF Brize Norton, where activists allegedly targeted military planes with paint and crowbars, claiming they were used in operations in Gaza and the Middle East. This incident prompted then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to ban Palestine Action in July 2025, equating it in British law to groups like ISIS or al-Qaeda. Supporting or belonging to the group now carries a potential 14-year prison sentence. The campaign group Prisoners for Palestine (PFP) announced the hunger strike after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood failed to address their demands, including immediate bail, an end to communication interference, and the de-proscription of Palestine Action. More prisoners are expected to join the strike, potentially making it the largest coordinated hunger strike since the 1981 Irish republican protest led by Bobby Sands. PFP representative Audrey Corno highlighted disparities in treatment, noting that Zurah, Gibb, and Muraisi’s requests for medical attention and electrolytes were denied. Zurah was told her consumption of a fruit drink and noodle broth invalidated her hunger strike, despite her reported physical suffering. The Ministry of Justice declined to comment on individual cases or clinical management of hunger-striking prisoners. HMP policies mandate regular health assessments for prisoners refusing food, but details on clinical management remain unclear. Earlier in August, another Palestine Action-linked prisoner, T Hoxha, launched a hunger strike over deteriorating conditions, including suspended recreational activities and withheld mail. Corno also pointed to racial disparities in treatment, with Zurah allegedly manhandled by guards and placed on restricted status, while Cink was ignored. Zurah and Gibb suspect they are under a non-association order, limiting their interactions. Sodexo, which operates HMP Bronzefield, did not respond to requests for comment.

China has officially commenced the construction of a groundbreaking water diversion project aimed at addressing the acute water shortages in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. The project, launched on Friday, will channel water from the Dadu River into the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been pivotal in the region’s agricultural prosperity for over 2,000 years. The initiative will leverage a natural elevation drop to transport water through an extensive network of over 260 kilometers of tunnels and pipelines to the Chengdu Plain, supplementing the existing water supply from the Minjiang River. Scheduled for completion in eight years, the project is expected to transfer 1.39 billion cubic meters of water annually by 2040, increasing to 1.52 billion cubic meters by 2050. This ambitious endeavor will benefit 34.13 million people across 43 county-level areas in eight cities, while also supporting vast tracts of farmland. The project, which has been in the planning stages since the 1950s, represents a critical component of China’s national water network, integrating urban and rural water supply, irrigation, ecological water replenishment, and emergency water sourcing. As rapid socio-economic development in western China continues to strain water resources, this project marks a significant step in ensuring sustainable water management for the region’s future growth.

Manfred Goldberg, a distinguished Holocaust survivor and advocate for Holocaust education, has died at the age of 95. Born in Germany in 1930, Goldberg endured the horrors of Nazi concentration camps during World War II before settling in the UK in 1946. Earlier this year, he was honored with the Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal by King Charles for his lifelong dedication to educating others about the Holocaust. Goldberg began sharing his harrowing experiences publicly only in his 70s, becoming a prominent figure in the Jewish community and a frequent speaker at schools and memorial events. He also participated in innovative educational projects like Testimony 360, which uses virtual reality and AI to preserve survivors’ stories. In January 2024, Goldberg expressed his heartbreak over Israel’s war on Gaza, particularly after a British soldier fighting for Israel used a Holocaust survivor’s prayer shawl in a controversial social media post. Goldberg, who had a close friendship with fellow survivor Zigi Shipper, believed Shipper would have been equally devastated by the conflict. Dr. Agnes Kory, another Holocaust survivor, lamented Goldberg’s passing, emphasizing the growing challenge of preserving the memory of the Holocaust as survivors pass away. Goldberg’s life was marked by resilience and a commitment to peace, as he and Shipper often urged others to reject hatred. His legacy continues to inspire future generations.