The President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, has donated $400,000 to the Dr. Sapir Hospital, which is the only Jewish hospital located in Iran.
The act itself was performed by the president’s brother, Hossein Fereydoon, but sent from the Rouhani administration. Fereydoon has said of the offer, “Our government intends to unite all ethnic groups and religions, so we decided to assist you.”
This is undoubtedly light years from the previous administration as former president, Mahmooud Ahmadinejad, was not quiet about his discontent towards the Jewish community. This is not an exclusive view for some Arab countries, as the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict has generated negative sentiments towards Israelis.
President Rouhani took office in August of 2013, and ever since has put thoughtful efforts into separating himself from his predecessor. Former President Ahmadinejad had denied that the Holocaust ever occurred, and formally slandered the Jewish society on multiple occasions. Rouhani’s administration is detached from this sort of behavior, as they also took to social media to wish the Jewish community a happy Rosh Hashanah last September.
Iran is home to the most Jews in the Middle Eastern region besides Israel itself. Census reports usually record about 20,000-25,000 Jews in Iran, although certain government census reports from 2011 have cited the number has dropped to 9,000.
This diminishing tally can mainly be attributed to the Khomeini Revolution of 1979, which was heavily influenced by Islam, along with unwelcoming regimes after that. Prior to the revolution, there were about 100,000 Iranian Jews, but many chose to flee from their homes as they felt threatened by the new leadership.
Rouhani’s actions not only benefit the Jewish community, as the Dr. Sapir Hospital actually employs and cares for more Muslims than Jews. For over 50 years the hospital has been open and accepting people of all religions. It is also situated across from the Imam Reza Seminary School in Tehran, which is a prominent Shiite Muslim academy, adding to the intermingling of both religions.
In fact, about 96% of the hospital’s patients are Muslim. The hospital appears to genuinely focus on the medicine, rather than the politics, with an ambiance that is inclusive of all identities. President Rouhani’s recognition and support of this hospital is imperative for the future of these two religions, in hopes that they will coexist peacefully, especially in Iran.
One of the doctors at the Dr. Sapir Hospital, Dr. Mosadegh, was not as shocked about President Rouhani’s kind actions as outsiders, as he proclaimed, “We Jews are a part of Iran’s history. What is important is that Mr. Rouhani makes big news out of supporting us. He is showing that we, as a religious minority, are part of this country, too.”
The implications from this sort of action are tremendous; not only for the sake of humanity, but also for the relationships that Iran has with other countries. Rouhani’s caring approach may undo some of the damage caused by Ahmadinejad, which could lead to lesser sanctions and the possibility of new allies.
Rouhani’s acceptance of the Jewish community may also attract more Israelis to return to Iran, thus reaffirming the importance of Persian Jews to the history of Iran, and its future as well.
– Danielle Warren
Sources: National Geographic, New York Times Middle East, New York Times
Photo: Asia Society
Facts About U.S. Aid to Israel
Since 1997, Israel has received $3.1 billion annually in foreign aid from the United States. The agreement began almost two decades ago, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke before a join session of congress to establish a goal for economic independence.
“Israel’s gross domestic product is at about $250 billion a year, and its per capita income is about $33,000 a year.”
Considering the nation’s level of economic development, the aid could be much more beneficial in other areas. The United Nations Human Development Index currently ranks Israel at 16th in the world and life expectancy at birth is at 81 years—two years higher than the United States itself. Israel has also been the top recipient of United States foreign aid for over the past 30 years.
The question therefore arises, how does a developed nation with per capita gross domestic product on the same level as the European Union average, receive the most amount of aid from the United States?
The answer is riddled with politics and is primarily concerned with influence in the Middle East region. The vast majority of U.S. aid to Israel actually goes to supporting Israel’s military.
The U.S. presently funds about one quarter of Israel’s defense budget.
Much of this aid ends up going to the Israel’s weapons industries. Accordingly, it is not the people of Israel who receive the majority of the aid. In fact, “replacing all American aid would cost Israelis about 1 percent of their income per year,” which is a modest figure considering that the funds could be going to developing nations.
Recent polls show that when asked about the U.S. federal budget, U.S. citizens believe that 28 percent of the budget goes to foreign aid and that the percentage ought to be reduced to 10%. In actuality, less than 1 percent of the U.S. budget goes to foreign aid.Tweet this fact
Considering that much of that 1 percent goes to the economically stable nation of Israel, other programs or nations could use the money much more efficiently.
The U.S. and Israel have had a longstanding alliance, which has contributed to their agreement in military funding. However, considering the purpose of foreign aid, contemporary third world nations facing popular suffering and instability have a far greater need for the help.
– Jugal Patel
Sources: Economonitor, Le Monde
Photo: IMEMC
Why Edward Norton is Fighting for Global Development
Edward Norton has had some intense roles during his career. He garnered an Academy Award nomination for his role as reformed Neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard in 1998’s “American History X.” The following year, Norton starred in the critically acclaimed film version of Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club. However, Norton may be seen at his most intense when he is fighting to promote global development.
Norton comes from a long line of charitable voices. Norton’s father, Edward Mower Norton, was an environmental lawyer and proponent of conservationism. The elder Edward Norton co-founded Enterprise Community Partners. Enterprise is an organization that seeks to fund and provide housing for low-income communities. The younger Edward Norton is now a key member of Enterprise’s Board of Directors and is responsible for helping the organization invest an eye-popping $9 billion total for affordable housing.
A key tenant of Norton’s advocacy is environmental consciousness. Norton is the president of the American chapter of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. The Trust works to preserve the ecosystems and landscape of East Africa, which in turn provides essential resources for the Maasai people.
To garner larger support for his cause, Norton founded an online fundraising platform called CrowdRise. To date, Norton has raised close to $70,000 for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust while creating an innovative social media site for various charitable causes.
In 2010, the United Nations nominated Norton as a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity. In this capacity, Norton spoke at the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2012.
“I think that it really is true that local efforts are critical,” said Norton in an interview with the U.N. News Centre. “At the end of the day, no big national agency, no huge NGO, for all the good they do…they cannot do all the work in a specific community.” Norton’s words and his incredible charitable background are a testament to the power an individual advocate can hold.
– Taylor Diamond
Sources: United Nations, Fast Company, Maasai Wilderness Conservation, Crowdrise
Photo: Hot Secretz
Amy Poehler Delivers Hope and Laughter
Saturday Night Live (SNL) alumna and comedienne Amy Poehler has a knack for keeping audiences on their toes. Alongside Tina Fey’s portrayal of Sarah Palin, She delivered one of the greatest moments in SNL history with her spot-on impersonation of Hilary Clinton during the 2008 presidential election. Poehler also served as a co-anchor for SNL’s “Weekend Update” for four years.
Now most well known for her starring role on NBC comedy “Parks and Recreation,” Poehler is considered to be female comedic royalty. However, Poehler is creating a legacy of charity to rival her acting resume.
Poehler serves as the Ambassador of Arts for the Worldwide Orphans Foundation (WWO.) The WWO is dedicated to supporting orphaned children and assisting at-risk children in becoming healthy and successful world citizens. Poehler has been a crucial propent of WWO since 2010. During this time, Poehler has hosted numerous fundraising events for the organization, including auctioning off a tour of the Parks and Recreation set; all proceeds went to the WWO.
In 2012, Poehler traveled to Haiti with WWO founder Dr. Jane Aronson to help at-risk children in the rural community of Kenscoff. While in Haiti, Poehler helped to build new soccer and recreation fields, implement a library of toys for children in the community, and promote a youth training program to prepare young people of the community for future opportunities.
During the 2013 Emmy Awards, Poehler hosted a “Losers Party” for those passed over for an award at the ceremony. Hosting the event alongside Mad Men star Jon Hamm, Poehler raised $20,000 for the WWO.
In addition to her constant advocacy for children across the globe, Poehler also runs her own non-profit organization, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls. Smart Girls encourages women to achieve self-acceptance and empowerment by making charity and kindness a cornerstone in their lives.
“Giving to charity is good for your skin, and it makes your butt smaller,” Poehler teased at Variety’s Power of Women Banquet in 2013. Touching on a more emotional note, Poehler stated, “There are so many children living in the world who have nothing. Who are we to be in this room and be living this life without helping them?” Her words are a striking example of Poehler’s unparalleled ability to inspire through both laughter and charity.
– Taylor Diamond
Sources: Bustle, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls
Photo: UPI
Russia’s LGBT Community Fighting for Equality
Russia has been in the spotlight recently for its part in playing host to the Winter Olympics. Hosting the games is an opportunity in which a country can reap the benefits of great publicity and a surge in business from all the people that flock there for the historic event. Russia, however, has had more negative press than positive because of its blatant disregard for ethical treatment of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, causing recent uproar among many.
Many are quick to point fingers and blame President Vladimir Putin for not implementing laws to protect them. While Putin deserves some of the blame, Russia has had a long history of homophobia.
Homophobic laws have been enacted as early as the 17th century, with Peter the Great’s punishing homosexuals by flogging or by male rape. As the years progressed, the law extended to punish any adult man that voluntarily participated in sodomy-like behavior.
In 1835, Tsar Nicholas made sure that ban was still being withheld against homosexuals with them being stripped of their Russian citizenship and exiled to Siberia.
Of all the Tsars and rulers, Joseph Stalin was the most intolerant of the LGBT community. Homosexuals were sentenced to hard labor prison camps for 4 years to 5 years under his reign and made-up propaganda had run rampant. Stalin was a huge proprietor and believer that homosexuals were pedophiles who were constantly lurking for young boys. His paranoia that homosexuals were praying on children and that they had “politically demoralized various social layers of young men, including young workers, and even attempted to penetrate the army and navy” compelled him to have his secret police spy and arrest anyone that was perceived to be gay.
Violence against Russia’s LGBT community has only worsened. Putin endorses violence against the community not only because he sees them as “foreign agents” or as a danger to the well-being of children, but as a political tactic as well. Milene Larson, a United Kingdom-based journalist, states, “Putin is looking for enemies. In Russia, homosexuals and gay rights activists are labeled as foreign agents… You have such a vast majority of people who are Orthodox who potentially feel this way, those are his voters…he is not going to step back and say ‘actually gay people are ok.’”
For anti-gay groups like Occupy Paedophilia, Putin’s views on the LGBT community are green light for vicious mob attacks to try and “cure” them. These mobs upload their videos using WhatsApp (a YouTube like clip-sharing application) to humiliate their victims even further. These groups will pose as a homosexual on an Internet dating site or go to gay clubs where they can find someone that falls under the impression that the perpetrator is interested; the victim is then ambushed or kidnapped.
One horrifying account was of a teenage student from Uzbekistan who was lured by the mob group, kidnapped, beaten, stripped and raped. All of these atrocious acts were being filmed while they were being done, with the group telling the victim that they were punishing him for his own good. Another account tells the story of a 23-year-old man who was killed for coming out to his friends while they were drinking.
Russia’s LGBT community faces physical and verbal harassment every single day. For such a large and diverse country, the LGBT community has few allies. With a leader that will not speak out and condemn these attacks, they have nobody to whom they can turn. They cannot turn to the police for help because police officers often commit the crimes and do not report the issues. While the fight rages on for activists to achieve equal rights for the LGBT community, this is going to be an uphill battle for a long time to come.
– Kenneth W. Kliesner
Sources: The Moscow Times, The Star, Human Rights Watch, Russia Today
Photo: Peter T. Atchell Foundation
U.N. Security Council Proposes Rules Against Syria
The continuing conflict in Syria between the Bashar al-Assad’s regime and opposition forces, the National Coalition, has led to a grave population in crisis where basic humanitarian needs are not being met.
But despite the push for nationwide access to United Nations relief aid, the Syrian government is determined to keep the course with restrictions. Thus, western powers of the U.N. Security Council have opined for sanctions against Syria.
Russia, however, has continued to veto such proposals.
United States President Barack Obama, alongside French President Francois Hollande, are adamant that save for Russia, the Security Council is completely in favor of aiding the undernourished population. Obama levies criticisms towards Russia in obstructing the Security Council.
The Syrian city of Homs, previously blockaded, recently received food aid under a ceasefire. While its war-torn population, ravaged by famine and in dire need of medical supplies, obtained aid; an estimated 200 individuals were evacuated. The two-year siege was broken with the delivery of a month’s worth of food.
Though the success of the recent ceasefire in Homs prevailed, the conflict is far from over.
The National Coalition also has put pressure on Russia. With peace talks currently underway in Switzerland, the Syrian opposition has expressed that the Russians should push the Syrian government towards a resolution.
In addition, the opposition proposes a transitional government that will maintain a ceasefire throughout the nation; the U.N. would run the proposed government.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has also agreed on the need for a transitional government where Assad is not connected.
With discussions at a standstill and a divided U.N. Security Council, progress is slow towards rebuilding a nation where thousands of its civilians have been harmed by violence and hunger with displacement even increasing the numbers negatively afflicted by the conflict.
– Miles Abadilla
Sources: Al Jazeera, Cleveland.com, New York Times, New York Times
Photo: CS Monitor
Best Solution for Poverty: Investing in Children
Across the world, almost one billion children live in poverty. They live without access to proper nutrition, healthcare and especially, adequate education. Children are the future of the world and need to be nurtured to become successful. When children grow up with skills to join the labor force, they can help pull their countries out of poverty by making changes in the political system and economy. As educated citizens, they will be less likely to engage in unethical behavior and more likely to have fewer children. As a result, both mortality and overpopulation rates decline.
By ignoring children’s education, developing countries are also unaware of talented children.
Talented children are more likely to achieve higher degrees and may go into professions such as being educators, business leaders and scientific researchers. These children have the capacity to make huge contributions to society in various fields that will support economic growth in developing countries.
Therefore, nurturing talent, both physically and psychologically is a crucial to reducing global poverty in the long run.
From a physical perspective, children need to have a good nutritional diet so that they can be healthy both physically and mentally. Lacking necessary nutrition can cause children to develop slower and not be able to absorb education properly.
From a psychological point of view, education systems and societal support are the keys to unlock the full potential for young talents. Good education gives children the chance to prove themselves as well as the basic knowledge to pursue their dreams. At the same time, support from society gives them the motivation to overcome challenges in their daily life and strive to become a better citizen of the world.
– Phong Pham
Sources: Spring: Gifted Children, Spring, UNICEF
Photo: Borgen Project
10 Quotes About Seizing the Moment and Moving On
It is important to know your history. When it comes to promoting global development however, one should not focus on the past.
The very word “promoting” conveys a commitment to acting in the present moment and building for the future. With this in mind, here are 10 quotes about seizing the moment and moving on:
“Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” – Lyndon B. Johnson
“Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” – Conrad Hilton
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“Forgiving does not erase the bitter past. A healed memory is not a deleted memory. Instead, forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future.” – Lewis B. Smedes
“Blessed are the hearts that can bend; they shall never be broken.” – Albert Camus
“It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” – Johnny Cash
“Love one another and help others rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy.” – Sai Baba
“To be bitter is to attribute intent and personality to the formless, infinite, unchanging, and unchangeable void. We drift on a chartless, resistless sea. Let us sing when we can and forget the rest.” – H.P. Lovecraft
“Forget the Past.” – Nelson Mandela
Thinking solely about the past prevents our ability to solve our current and future problems. Be proactive, seize the moment and continue to move forward.
– Taylor Diamond
Sources: Brainy Quote, Sources of Insight, Good Reads
Photo: Montreal Times
President Rouhani Donates $400K to Jewish Hospital in Iran
The President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, has donated $400,000 to the Dr. Sapir Hospital, which is the only Jewish hospital located in Iran.
The act itself was performed by the president’s brother, Hossein Fereydoon, but sent from the Rouhani administration. Fereydoon has said of the offer, “Our government intends to unite all ethnic groups and religions, so we decided to assist you.”
This is undoubtedly light years from the previous administration as former president, Mahmooud Ahmadinejad, was not quiet about his discontent towards the Jewish community. This is not an exclusive view for some Arab countries, as the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict has generated negative sentiments towards Israelis.
President Rouhani took office in August of 2013, and ever since has put thoughtful efforts into separating himself from his predecessor. Former President Ahmadinejad had denied that the Holocaust ever occurred, and formally slandered the Jewish society on multiple occasions. Rouhani’s administration is detached from this sort of behavior, as they also took to social media to wish the Jewish community a happy Rosh Hashanah last September.
Iran is home to the most Jews in the Middle Eastern region besides Israel itself. Census reports usually record about 20,000-25,000 Jews in Iran, although certain government census reports from 2011 have cited the number has dropped to 9,000.
This diminishing tally can mainly be attributed to the Khomeini Revolution of 1979, which was heavily influenced by Islam, along with unwelcoming regimes after that. Prior to the revolution, there were about 100,000 Iranian Jews, but many chose to flee from their homes as they felt threatened by the new leadership.
Rouhani’s actions not only benefit the Jewish community, as the Dr. Sapir Hospital actually employs and cares for more Muslims than Jews. For over 50 years the hospital has been open and accepting people of all religions. It is also situated across from the Imam Reza Seminary School in Tehran, which is a prominent Shiite Muslim academy, adding to the intermingling of both religions.
In fact, about 96% of the hospital’s patients are Muslim. The hospital appears to genuinely focus on the medicine, rather than the politics, with an ambiance that is inclusive of all identities. President Rouhani’s recognition and support of this hospital is imperative for the future of these two religions, in hopes that they will coexist peacefully, especially in Iran.
One of the doctors at the Dr. Sapir Hospital, Dr. Mosadegh, was not as shocked about President Rouhani’s kind actions as outsiders, as he proclaimed, “We Jews are a part of Iran’s history. What is important is that Mr. Rouhani makes big news out of supporting us. He is showing that we, as a religious minority, are part of this country, too.”
The implications from this sort of action are tremendous; not only for the sake of humanity, but also for the relationships that Iran has with other countries. Rouhani’s caring approach may undo some of the damage caused by Ahmadinejad, which could lead to lesser sanctions and the possibility of new allies.
Rouhani’s acceptance of the Jewish community may also attract more Israelis to return to Iran, thus reaffirming the importance of Persian Jews to the history of Iran, and its future as well.
– Danielle Warren
Sources: National Geographic, New York Times Middle East, New York Times
Photo: Asia Society
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Iraqi Prisons Illegally Detain Women
Thousands of women in Iraq are being illegally detained and abused, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). Many of these women, held by Iraqi security forces for months or sometimes even years without access to a judge, are often questioned about the crimes and activities of their male relatives and not about the crimes they are supposed to have committed.
Violence in Iraq is presently at its highest level since 2008, with more than 1,000 people dead in Iraq just in January. Human rights groups and diplomats are increasingly vocalizing the various cases of mistreatment within the country, yet to little avail. As stated by the HRW report, over 4,500 women are currently being detained in Iraqi prisons. While a majority of these women are Sunni, people of all sects and classes are affected, causing dire unrest among the masses.
One woman interviewed by HRW had suffered beatings, electric shocks and rape, abuses not uncommon among Iraq’s female prisoners. She was later executed, regardless of the medical report that had been filed in her favor. An employee at a women’s prison facility contributed to concern for sexual abuse, stating that employees assume police rape prisoners en route to the prison.
This tragic situation has indubitably angered Iraqis, adding to the frustrations long protested by Sunni Arabs. Breaches in civil and human rights of this sort only serve to exacerbate the sectarian divide within Iraq. Although most Sunnis are not thought to support militant jihadist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS,) the abuses make them far less likely to support the efforts of the authorities working to rid the country of those groups.
A lack of trust between the groups and communities living within Iraq’s borders is cause for concern both regionally and globally. If Iraqi authorities desire cooperation, perhaps it would benefit to treat all members of the country’s makeup with the equal and adequate rights necessary to maintain a sustained peace.
– Jaclyn Stutz
Sources: Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera, BBC
Photo: The Brussells Tribunal