In a significant address during his Wednesday general audience, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the misunderstandings and conflicts that have arisen between Catholics and Jews amid Israel’s war in Gaza. However, he firmly reiterated the Catholic Church’s unwavering condemnation of antisemitism and its commitment to combating it, rooted in the Gospel-mandated friendship with the Jewish people. The Pope’s remarks coincided with the 60th anniversary of the landmark Vatican document “Nostra Aetate,” which revolutionized the Church’s relationship with Judaism. The declaration, Latin for “In Our Time,” denounced antisemitism in all forms and repudiated the centuries-old “deicide” charge that blamed Jews collectively for Christ’s death. This historic document marked a turning point in the Church’s reckoning with its role in perpetuating antisemitism, particularly in the context of the Holocaust. Speaking to a diverse audience that included Jewish leaders and representatives of other faiths, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue despite current challenges. He noted that while political circumstances and injustices have strained relations, the Church remains steadfast in its friendship with the Jewish people. The anniversary comes amid a surge in antisemitism globally, particularly in the wake of Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. In the United States alone, the Anti-Defamation League reported a record high of 9,354 antisemitic incidents last year, with 58% linked to Israel. The war has also tested the Vatican’s relationship with the Jewish community, with Pope Francis facing criticism for comments perceived as equating Hamas’s actions with Israel’s military response. While Francis called for the release of hostages and condemned violence, his remarks on Israel’s conduct sparked controversy. Pope Leo, however, has sought to bridge divides, meeting with Jewish leaders during his installation in May and reaffirming the Church’s commitment to dialogue. Rabbi Noam Marans of the American Jewish Committee praised the Pope’s acknowledgment of the challenges, calling it a significant step forward. He urged the Vatican to leverage its moral authority to combat antisemitism more vigorously, emphasizing the critical need for solidarity in these turbulent times.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Rescue operations underway after 7-story building collapses in northwest Turkey
A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday in Gebze, a northwestern city in Turkey, when a seven-story apartment building collapsed, leaving five members of a single family trapped beneath the debris. Gebze Governor İlhami Aktas confirmed the identities of those trapped, though the status of their survival remains uncertain. Rescue operations are currently underway, led by teams from the Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD). The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, with no definitive answers yet. However, Gebze Mayor Zinnur Büyükgöz speculated that ongoing metro construction in the vicinity might have contributed to the disaster. Gebze, situated along the north Anatolian fault line, has a history of seismic activity, most notably during the devastating 1999 earthquake that claimed approximately 18,000 lives. The incident has raised concerns about building safety and urban development practices in the region.
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Imprisoned Bahrain activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja starts hunger strike over his detention
Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, a prominent Bahraini activist imprisoned since the 2011 Arab Spring protests, has initiated an open-ended hunger strike to draw attention to his internationally condemned detention. Al-Khawaja, who also holds Danish citizenship, began the strike on Wednesday while held at the Jaw Rehabilitation and Reform Center in Bahrain. This marks his second hunger strike; his first, in 2012, lasted 110 days. Medical professionals, including Dr. Damian McCormack, have warned that al-Khawaja’s health is precarious, citing his 10-kilogram (22-pound) underweight status and a pre-existing heart condition. McCormack emphasized that any duration of hunger strike poses a high risk of death for the 64-year-old activist. Bahraini authorities have not directly addressed the hunger strike but maintain that prisoners receive fair trials, full rights, and prompt medical care. Al-Khawaja’s detention has been widely criticized by human rights groups and UN experts, who describe it as arbitrary following a life sentence imposed by a military tribunal on terrorism charges. His hunger strike aims to pressure Denmark and the European Union to negotiate his release. The timing coincides with Bahrain’s annual Manama Dialogue, a security summit attracting global leaders. Al-Khawaja, a founder of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, has long advocated for democratic reforms in the Shiite-majority nation governed by a Sunni ruling family. His activism has made him a symbol of the ongoing struggle for human rights in Bahrain, where unrest persists despite the violent suppression of the 2011 protests.
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German scents exhibition combines 1,000 years of fragrances with art and history
DÜSSELDORF, Germany — Have you ever imagined the scent of war, the aroma of love, or the pungent odor of medieval Paris? A groundbreaking exhibition in Germany is inviting visitors to embark on a sensory journey through history by exploring 81 distinct fragrances across 37 galleries. Titled ‘The Secret Power of Scents,’ the exhibition, which opened on Wednesday at the Kunstpalast museum in Düsseldorf, seamlessly blends art and olfactory experiences to traverse over 1,000 years of cultural history.
Curated as an experimental exploration, the exhibition encourages visitors to engage with history through their sense of smell. ‘This is an invitation to discover the history of scents with your nose,’ said Felix Krämer, the museum’s director general. The exhibition is organized chronologically, from medieval religious artifacts to contemporary 21st-century art. Each gallery is equipped with scent steles, atomizers, and diffusers to evoke the aromas of specific time periods or cultural contexts.
One gallery immerses visitors in the sacred fragrance of myrrh, used in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam for prayer and purification. In contrast, a World War I-themed gallery releases a jarring blend of gunpowder, blood, and sulfur, eliciting visceral reactions from visitors. ‘Anyone who has experienced war will recognize its brutality in this scent,’ said curator Robert Müller-Grünow, a leading expert in scent technology.
The exhibition also explores the romantic side of history, with a gallery dedicated to Peter Paul Rubens’ 1610 painting ‘Venus and Adonis,’ diffusing the scents of roses and civet, once considered erotic in the 17th century. Meanwhile, the stench of medieval Paris—a mix of canalization, mold, and unwashed bodies—offers a stark contrast.
The 1920s are celebrated with the uplifting aroma of tobacco, vanilla, and leather, accompanying Gert Wollheim’s 1924 painting ‘Farewell from Düsseldorf,’ which symbolizes the liberation of women. Modern art is represented through scents reminiscent of global brands like Coca-Cola and Eurowings, alongside contemporary fragrances like ‘Iso E Super,’ a velvety, cedarwood-like scent designed to enhance attractiveness.
Running through March 8, the exhibition has captivated visitors like Kirsten Gnoth, who described the experience as ‘completely new and exciting.’ By combining art with scents, the exhibition offers a unique and immersive way to explore history.
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Angry Spaniards still demand answers a year after Valencia’s deadly floods
On 29 October 2024, eastern Spain was struck by catastrophic floods, known as the Dana, which claimed the lives of 237 people across the Valencia region and neighboring areas. The disaster, the worst of its kind in decades, left an indelible mark on communities such as Benetússer and Paiporta, where entire families were swept away by the torrential waters. Toñi García, a resident of Benetússer, tragically lost her husband, Miguel, and their 24-year-old daughter, Sara, when floodwaters engulfed their home’s basement. ‘They didn’t reach the garage door,’ she recalls, ‘because it was so much water, so many metres deep.’ A year later, the region continues to grieve, with a state memorial service attended by King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The emotional scars remain, particularly among children, with nearly a third still experiencing fear of rain and loud noises, according to Save the Children. Despite significant progress in reconstruction, questions linger about the handling of the crisis. The regional government’s delayed emergency alarm, issued after 20:00 on the day of the floods, has drawn widespread criticism. Regional President Carlos Mazón’s actions during the disaster, including a lengthy lunch with a journalist, have fueled public outrage. Tens of thousands protested in Valencia, demanding his resignation. Mazón, supported by the far-right Vox party, has defied calls to step down, blaming the central government for insufficient support. A judicial inquiry into possible negligence is ongoing, with Mazón set to face a parliamentary commission later this month. As Valencia rebuilds, the threat of future weather events looms large, prompting calls for improved preparedness and resilience.
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Tight race in Dutch election as anti-Islam populist Wilders’ hope of power declines
The Netherlands is on the brink of a pivotal election as Geert Wilders’ anti-Islam Freedom Party (PVV) faces a fierce challenge from left-leader Frans Timmermans and liberal Rob Jetten. Despite Wilders’ victory in the 2023 elections, his prospects of forming a government appear slim this time around. Opinion polls indicate a decline in his support, with Dutch voters grappling with pressing issues such as a chronic housing shortage, rising living costs, and overcrowded asylum centers. Unlike the previous election, Wilders’ rivals are refusing to collaborate with him after he dissolved his own coalition government in June 2024. The election, which commenced at 07:30 local time on Wednesday, is marked by uncertainty, with over a third of voters undecided. Analysts suggest that the second-place finisher could play a decisive role in forming the next government, likely from the center-left or center-right. Wilders’ controversial stance on immigration and Islam, coupled with internal party issues, has alienated both radical and moderate voters. Meanwhile, Timmermans and Jetten have prioritized addressing the housing crisis, with promises of significant construction projects. Unemployment, though low by European standards, has risen to 4%, the highest in four years, fueling voter anxiety. As the Dutch electorate seeks stability, the election outcome could signal a shift away from populism towards more traditional governance.
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A defiant mother seeks justice for Serbian train station collapse that killed her son and 15 others
BELGRADE, Serbia — Dijana Hrka’s life was irrevocably altered on November 1 last year when a catastrophic partial building collapse at a train station in Serbia’s northern city of Novi Sad claimed the life of her 27-year-old son, Stefan, along with 15 others. The tragedy, which also left one woman severely injured, has since ignited widespread anti-government protests across the country, challenging the autocratic rule of President Aleksandar Vucic. Hrka, 47, has emerged as a vocal advocate for justice, joining tens of thousands of protesters demanding accountability for the lives lost and an end to systemic corruption in construction and governance. The protests, which have rattled Vucic’s administration, are set to intensify on the first anniversary of the disaster. Authorities have yet to address the underlying grievances, with discontent simmering over the government’s crackdown on dissent, including detentions and job losses. Hrka, who has faced threats for her activism, remains resolute, drawing strength from the youth-led movement. “Once you lose what is dearest to your heart, you lose fear,” she said. The anniversary protest aims to pressure Vucic to call for early parliamentary elections and ensure those responsible for the collapse face justice. While prosecutors have charged 13 individuals, including engineers and officials, skepticism remains about the transparency of the judicial process. The protest, though intended as a peaceful commemoration, carries the risk of violence, given previous clashes between police and demonstrators. Amid the tension, university students have embarked on a cross-country trek to Novi Sad, symbolizing unity and resilience. Hrka’s unwavering determination and the youth’s activism continue to challenge the status quo, keeping the memory of the victims alive and demanding systemic change.
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Germany to give more than $1 billion for Holocaust survivors’ home care in 2026
In a landmark decision, Germany has pledged an additional $1.076 billion (923.9 million euros) to fund home care for Holocaust survivors globally in the coming year. This significant allocation, negotiated with Germany’s finance ministry, marks the largest budget ever dedicated to supporting frail and vulnerable Holocaust survivors through the New York-based Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, also known as the Claims Conference. Gideon Taylor, the organization’s president, emphasized that the funding addresses the increasingly complex needs of aging survivors, many of whom are now in their late 80s and facing severe health challenges. The average age of survivors receiving care has risen from 86 in 2018 to 88.5 in 2024, with a notable increase in disabilities such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia. Additionally, the Hardship Fund Supplemental payments, which provide €1,450 annually to eligible survivors, have been extended through 2028, benefiting over 127,000 individuals globally. The Claims Conference also announced that non-Jewish rescuers who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust will now be eligible for similar home care services, ensuring they can live their final years with dignity. Colette Avital, a Holocaust survivor and member of the Claims Conference delegation, praised Germany’s continued commitment to survivors and rescuers, stating that it reflects a profound sense of responsibility. Furthermore, Holocaust education funding has been extended through 2029, with €175 million allocated to initiatives such as teacher training, academic research, and innovative mediums like film, gaming, and virtual reality. Greg Schneider, the Claims Conference’s executive vice president, stressed the urgency of investing in Holocaust education while survivors are still alive to share their testimonies, calling it a moral obligation to both survivors and the six million who perished.
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Dutch voters head to polls in a knife-edge election focused on housing and Wilders
The Netherlands is witnessing a pivotal moment as voters cast their ballots in a tightly contested general election on Wednesday. The campaign has been dominated by pressing issues such as migration, a housing crisis, and the potential collaboration with Geert Wilders, the controversial anti-Islam lawmaker whose Party for Freedom (PVV) secured a surprising victory two years ago. This election unfolds against a backdrop of heightened polarization and recent violence, including clashes at anti-immigration rallies and protests against new asylum-seeker centers across the country. Polls indicate that Wilders’ PVV, advocating for a complete halt to asylum-seekers entering the Netherlands, remains a frontrunner. However, moderate parties are gaining ground, and pollsters warn that many voters may decide their choice at the last minute. Voting stations, ranging from city halls to historic landmarks like the Anne Frank House, opened at 7:30 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m., with exit polls expected shortly after. The election’s outcome will shape the formation of a coalition government, as the Dutch proportional representation system ensures no single party can govern alone. Mainstream parties have largely ruled out working with Wilders, citing his role in destabilizing the previous coalition over migration policies. Leaders like Rob Jetten of the center-left D66 and Frans Timmermans of the Labor-Green bloc have criticized Wilders’ divisive rhetoric, emphasizing the need for constructive solutions to migration challenges. Wilders, meanwhile, defends his record, blaming other parties for obstructing his agenda. The election could also mark the decline of the New Social Contract party, which faces potential obliteration after joining the outgoing coalition with Wilders and losing its popular leader, Pieter Omtzigt, earlier this year.
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Trump’s decision to send aircraft carrier to South America will leave Mideast and Europe with none
In a significant strategic move, President Donald Trump has redirected the USS Gerald R. Ford, the nation’s most advanced aircraft carrier, from the Mediterranean Sea to South America as part of an intensified campaign against drug cartels. This decision comes at a critical juncture, as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza faces renewed threats. The redeployment leaves the U.S. with only one active carrier deployed globally, marking a stark shift from recent military engagements, including joint strikes with Israel on Iran and intense combat operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Aircraft carriers, long symbols of U.S. military power, have been a cornerstone of American foreign policy, with five deployments to the Middle East since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. The Ford’s new mission underscores the Trump administration’s heightened focus on the Western Hemisphere, escalating firepower in a region already saturated with warships, aircraft, and troops. Trump, speaking from the USS George Washington in Japan, emphasized the U.S. commitment to halting drug trafficking, both at sea and on land. However, experts like Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies question the sustainability of this deployment, given the limited availability of U.S. carriers. Meanwhile, the U.S. military’s growing presence near Venezuela, coupled with 13 fatal strikes on alleged drug boats, has raised concerns about potential regime change efforts against President Nicolás Maduro, who faces U.S. narcoterrorism charges. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the operations as counterdrug efforts, while Maduro accused the U.S. of fabricating a war narrative. Analysts warn of potential instability in Venezuela, with some fearing a Libya-style meltdown if Maduro is ousted. The Ford strike group, accompanied by five destroyers, adds to an unprecedented U.S. military buildup in the region, including submarines, fighter jets, and bombers. Trump’s declaration of drug cartels as unlawful combatants has drawn bipartisan scrutiny, with some lawmakers questioning the lack of congressional approval for these operations. Despite concerns, allies like Sen. Lindsey Graham support the president’s actions, suggesting land strikes in Venezuela are a real possibility.