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Scotsman
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Why Palestinians in Gaza are protesting with photos of Israeli children killed by Hamas
Gaza Youth Committee founder Rami Aman says many people in Gaza do not support Hamas, only want peace and mourn for the Israeli children who have been killed, as well as their own Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... We in Gaza love life and want to see an end to this war. We love others living their lives too and most people in Gaza do not support Hamas, despite its claims that it has the backing of the people and that it constitutes the majority. This is the wrong image. People have been demonstrating against Hamas's rule for many years. We also appreciate receiving Scotland's love and support for the Palestinians, some of whom are football fans who follow the derby matches between Glasgow Rangers and Celtic. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For years, the Israeli army has been killing thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, saying this is necessary to eliminate Hamas. However, there have been credible claims – from people like the former European Union foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell – that Benjamin Netanyahu's government actually provided funding for Hamas, helping to build its headquarters and offices and purchasing everything necessary to ensure its rule. Netanyahu needed Hamas to win the support of Israeli voters under the pretext of protecting them from danger. His government is always trying to show the people in Gaza as criminals who dream all the time of killing Jews and teach our children nothing but hatred. This is not true. Hatred is born of wars and killing only creates killing. Two men in Gaza hold photographs of two-year-old Omer Siman Tov and nine-month-old Kfir Bibas, who both died as a result of the October 7 attack on Israeli by Hamas | Picture courtesy of Gaza Youth Committee Solidarity with all Israelis The Hamas movement knows very well that, in the event of elections in Gaza, only a few thousand people would vote for it. Hamas began to lose the sympathy of the people in Gaza years ago, but the media does not show that. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Israeli army has now killed more than 60,000 people in Gaza, wounded hundreds of thousands, and destroyed our future, but it will not be able to eliminate our humanity and our rights. Amid the ongoing devastation in Gaza, the Gaza Youth Committee launched a courageous and compassionate campaign called 'We Live Together, We Die Together', signalling a bold departure from entrenched narratives of division. This initiative extends heartfelt messages of solidarity to all Israelis, regardless of faith or background. We mourn with every Jewish, Christian, and Muslim family that has lost a child in this war. Our pain does not blind us to the suffering of others, and we are against the killing of children, whether Palestinian or Israeli. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite living under siege, enduring hunger, death, and displacement, the youth of Gaza remain steadfast in their belief in peace. We have not turned away from our responsibility to speak for peace, even when the world turns away from us. We at the Gaza Youth Committee appreciate everyone who carries pictures of our children and commemorates them and does not consider them to be just numbers. We saw many Israelis holding photographs of Palestinian children killed in the war. So we decided to tell them that we are also with you, that we want to end the war and stand in solidarity with every family that lost a child by protesting in Gaza with pictures of Israeli children, like Ariel Bibas, four, and his nine-month-old brother, Kfir, killed by Hamas. Palestinian children line up to receive a hot meal at a food distribution point in Nuseirat in the Gaza Strip on June 30 (Picture: Eyad Baba) | AFP via Getty Images Not superheroes, not terrorists This campaign is in keeping with the legacy of earlier efforts. In May 2018, 50 of our committee members gathered at Gaza's eastern border and released 150 white doves, each carrying a message of peace for Israelis. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One key organizer, who participated in that event, has since lost three children and eight family members in an Israeli airstrike. Still, he has not lost faith in the transformative power of reconciliation and human dignity. We at the Gaza Youth Committee have always been trying to network school students in Gaza with others in European schools so that people there know the truth about their lives. Some people believe we are superheroes, others that we are terrorists. The majority do not seem to believe we are ordinary people. We always try to convey Gaza's true message and call on people in other countries not to believe those in the Israeli media who want to make us appear as terrorists. We held many meetings between the Palestinians in Gaza and the Israelis, to the point that the Hamas government arrested me more than once. In 2020, I was jailed for six-and-a-half months after holding a meeting between more than 300 Israelis and ten people from Gaza. It is important that these messages come out of Gaza, carried by brave young men who declare their commitment to peace on behalf of the large number of Palestinians who completely reject all the killing because they are the people who suffer most through the loss of their dearest children. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Smoke rises after Israeli attacks on areas east of the Tuffah neighbourhood in Gaza City on June 18 (Picture: Bashar Taleb) | AFP via Getty Images Partners for peace This war must stop for the sake of the lives of the innocent victims who have died since October 7, and the whole world must know that all the residents of Gaza want an end to the war, the release of the hostages, and the opening of the Rafah crossing to allow people to receive medical treatment. People who want to leave in search of a new life and those stranded outside Gaza who want to return to what remains of their homes should be allowed to do so. We also need new Palestinian elections. We in the Gaza Youth Committee consider ourselves partners with every person who wants to end the war, release the hostages, and open a political path to peace in all Palestinian territories. We do not want anyone to be the next victim; we want everyone to be the next hope.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Homey targets 10,000 beds by 2027 with focus on inclusive co-living
Co-living startup Homey plans to operate over 10,000 beds by 2027 as it aims to add 5000 beds in the current financial year and another 5000 planned in FY27. With a primary focus on hybrid holistic living and value-based education, Homey currently operates over 1000 beds, with 120 more underway in East Delhi's Laxmi Nagar . An additional 2000 beds are set to be launched within the next six months. Company's business follow 70–30 model, which ensures inclusivity as 30% of beds are offered free to underprivileged tenants. In Delhi, Homey has entered into a partnership with Iskcon Dwarka for leasing rooms and setting up beds. 'Our aim is to create conscious co-living communities where young minds feel safe, supported, and inspired. As we expand into new cities and cross the 10,000-bed milestone, our focus remains clear: to make high-quality, affordable living easy and meaningful, especially for those who need it the most,' Homey CEO Madhukant Prabhu said. Alongside ISKCON, Homey has partnered with JIMS, Delhi University, APJ School of Management and multiple aviation institutes to provide community-based housing solutions. Through Iskcon Dwarka's network, Homey aims to reach out to migrant populations aged 18 and above, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, to provide accessible accommodation options. In a global context, initiatives like Common in the USA, The Collective in the UK, WeLive in the USA, and Quarters in Germany have paved the way for innovative co-living solutions. These companies offer shared housing options with a focus on community-building, affordability, and convenience for young professionals and students. Homey will debut in Ahmedabad within six months with 500 beds, followed by Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru later this year. Its future plans include entering Kota and other key educational hubs in the next 12–18 months.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
The Preloved Co. is a store in Bengaluru where you can thrift for a cause
Co-founded by Bengaluru-based Mariam Begg and Meghna Khanna, the Preloved Co is a clothing thrift store at Halasuru, Bengaluru, that raises funds for different NGOs and social organisations. The Preloved Co. also aims for sustainability by taking in used clothes in good condition from local donors and selling them at affordable prices. 'All the proceeds from our sales, after covering our expenses, go to different NGOs working for social causes such as WeLive, Ulsoor Canine Squad, Home of Hope and other organisations that support the slums, transgenders and sex workers,' says Meghna. The store which opened in December 2023 has a varied collection ranging from Indian and Western wear, as well as casuals and formals from brands such as Christian Dior, Zara, H&M as well as home grown labels and local brands such as Nicobar, The Summer House and FabIndia. The clothing store also collaborates regularly with exhibitions in the city — Sunday Soul Sante, Namu Recommends Vegan Market, Hundred Hands, apart from partnering with corporates, apartment complexes and spaces like GoodEarth Malar, the Brigade Group, the Bangalore International Centre and the Bangalore Creative Circus. 'Luckily, we have many volunteers who come in to help us at the store as well during such exhibitions. We also offer them an opportunity to intern with us,' says Meghna. Vanshika Singh, a college student who regularly volunteers at the Preloved Co, recently completed an internship there and says, 'There are a lot of ways in which a volunteer can help. I aided with sales and marketing which included interacting with the customers, sorting clothes before the event and billing during different exhibitions.' Thirft culture still new to the city Meghana mentions that people sometimes misinterpret the term 'preloved' to mean a donations store. 'Most of the time people reach out to us with used clothes which we don't accept. We don't donate our clothes directly to charity — we sell them and it is the amount we raise through their sales that is donated to charity. That is why we only accept garments that are saleable, and not worn out clothing.' Vanshika says, 'Thrift culture is still new to Bengaluru. Not a lot of people are open to wearing used clothes but thrifting is slowly getting a lot of attention because it is also directly linked with sustainability.' Meghana explains, 'If people were aware of how many thousands of litres of water are required to make one t-shirt or a pair of jeans, perhaps they would want to try reusing clothes. But now since fast fashion is the trend, a garment which was earlier worn 20 to 30 times, is either thrown away or never worn after four or five outings.' 'When you donate your clothes, someone else gets to wear them and when you buy from a store, you are contributing to a social cause. This is how we want to function, where people can consider thrifting as a way of life.' 'In the future, we would like to expand, reach out to more people, and even collaborate with more colleges,' says Meghna. Prices start at ₹100. The Preloved Co is at Halasuru, and also provides online shopping options via their Instagram handle. For pick up or drops, call 916361866517.
The Independent
18-04-2025
- The Independent
How to pick the best travel insurance
Many of us may be eager to book a last-minute spring holiday deal or plan a week-long summer getaway, but recent research indicates that a significant number of people are hesitant to fork out for the additional cost of travel insurance. Aviva's latest How We Live report, conducted by Censuswide between November 8 and 15, 2024, surveyed 4,000 individuals aged 16 and over across the UK. The findings revealed that despite the average cost of a cancelled trip exceeding £900, 11% of travellers choose not to purchase travel insurance at all. Commenting on these statistics, Carolyn Scott, head of home and travel underwriting at Aviva said: 'The number who continue to forgo this remains worryingly high. Travelling without insurance can leave people not knowing how to get assistance, and potentially facing significant medical bills in the event of illness or injury while overseas. 'Even before a trip starts, our figures show the average cost of cancelling a holiday is more than £900 if something unforeseen happens in the lead up. To ensure travellers are properly protected, insurance should be purchased as soon as a trip is booked.' So, why is travel insurance essential, and how can you ensure you choose the best coverage for your needs? What is travel insurance, and what does it typically cover? 'Travel insurance provides financial protection against unforeseen circumstances while you are abroad,' explains Grant Winter, compliance expert at Good to go travel insurance. 'It ensures that you have access to emergency medical treatment to avoid any unexpected costs, whether it's travel insurance for medical conditions, for minor injuries, or serious emergencies. 'It also typically provides repatriation back to the UK by air ambulance if necessary, and emergency accommodation for a travel companion to stay with you while you are in hospital.' What types of travel insurance policies are available? The two main types of travel insurance are single-trip and annual multi-trip. 'A single-trip policy covers you for one holiday, ending when you come home,' says Winter. 'Whereas, annual travel insurance covers you for a full year from the date the policy starts. 'If you travel more than twice a year, whether for long holidays or short weekend breaks, a yearly travel insurance policy could save you time and money.' Also, if you travel at short notice, having an annual travel insurance policy could give you the peace of mind of knowing you're covered, he adds. Why is travel insurance important, even for short or domestic trips? 'Experiencing health issues on holiday that require medical treatment can be an extremely stressful time,' highlights Winter. 'However, the situation can only be made worse if you suddenly find out you're not covered by your insurer, potentially leaving you with a bill for hundreds or even thousands of pounds.' How much medical coverage should a traveller ideally have when going abroad? 'Travel insurance covers medical expenses and emergency treatment while you are away; we would generally recommend having at least £2 million in medical coverage if you are travelling to Europe, and at least £5 million for other destinations worldwide,' says Winter. When is the best time to purchase travel insurance in relation to booking a trip? 'I recommend purchasing your travel insurance as soon as you know the dates for your trip so that cancellation cover starts straight away,' advises Winter. What are some red flags to watch out for when comparing travel insurance policies? 'It can sometimes be confusing to know what you do and don't need to declare on your travel insurance, especially when it comes to past medical conditions, or ongoing diagnoses,' recognises Winter. What your insurance does and does not cover can vary significantly depending on how comprehensive your policy is, so it's important to choose a policy that is right for you. 'Most policies will exclude cover for pre-existing medical conditions, unless they have been declared to the insurer, this highlights the importance of declaring your medical history accurately.' explains Winter. 'Some providers can decline cover altogether to people with certain medical conditions or over a certain age, meaning people over 65 or those living with medical conditions can find it difficult to find cover.' Are more expensive policies always better, or can you get solid coverage for less? 'The cost of travel insurance can vary significantly, and it is typically based on your age and medical history, as well as the duration and destination of your trip,' notes Winter. 'Travel insurance can be more expensive depending on what you need covering. 'For example, protection for dangerous sports and hazardous activities, like skiing and scuba diving, can increase the price of your travel insurance. Choosing a more affordable plan is fine if you aren't taking part in these activities while you are away.'
Leaders
23-03-2025
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Urges Pilgrims to Save Water during Ramadan
Saudi Arabia has launched a high-profile campaign to encourage pilgrims visiting during Ramadan to conserve water. This initiative, titled 'We Live by Water, and We Are Rewarded by Preserving It,' is led by the National Centre for Water Efficiency and Conservation. It collaborates with government agencies and non-profit organizations to raise awareness about water conservation. Awareness Efforts in Makkah and Medina Awareness materials will be displayed on mobile and fixed screens in Makkah and Madinah. These materials highlight conservation solutions and optimal water usage. Additionally, information kits will be distributed at hospitality facilities. Social media campaigns will also encourage pilgrims to reduce water waste. The Holy month of Ramadan, ending on March 2025, marks the peak season for Umrah at the Grand Mosque. Saudi authorities have urged worshippers to follow guidelines for using the sacred Zamzam water. They advise limiting its use to drinking only. Guidelines for Zamzam Water Usage The authorities have advised visitors to adhere to designated facilities for drinking Zamzam. The Kingdom equipped the Grand Mosque with well-maintained ablution areas and 20,000 Zamzam water containers. These facilities meet the needs of pilgrims during Ramadan. Authorities urged worshippers to dispose of plastic cups properly and avoid uncovering water containers. They should refrain from spilling water and not use Zamzam for ablution. The authority has ensured the strategic distribution of ablution facilities for easy access across the Grand Mosque. Saudi officials urge pilgrims to follow guidelines, stressing that conservation aligns with Islamic values. The campaign underscores national efforts to protect scarce resources amid rising visitor numbers. Short link : Post Views: 21 Related Stories
