am writing to express my outrage regarding the recent Israeli terror attack in Gaza, where six international aid workers from Chef José Andrés's World Central Kitchen (WCK) and a Palestinian driver lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike. This appalling attack not only resulted in the loss of innocent lives but also underscores the urgent need for accountability. -more-

A Congresswoman Pleads for Humanity:
A Congressman Calls for Nuclear Attack
Last week, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stood before a microphone in the House Chamber and gave an impassioned presentation that has been called "one of the greatest speeches of her career." Here's a link to the video:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/vXRRwFNYgSQ

Meanwhile, another video has been going viral. The video captured US Rep. (and Christian pastor) Tim Walberg (R-Michigan), proposing that the US drop nuclear bombs on Gaza to, in Walberg's words: "Get it over quick." Listen in at this link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/RX8SfNYOeE8

Power of Israeli Bombings on Gaza Has Already Surpassed Hiroshima

https://www.youtube.com/embed/QOAjbkrcxSE

Mind-numbing Memes
Two news items I can't get out of my head:
"Israel has killed more than 13,000 children."
"A starving child doesn't have the strength to cry."

BDS the US: Disarm the US War Machine
The Boycott-Divest-Sanctions 9BDS) movement was effective in moving South Africa from a brutal apartheid state to an inclusive and functioning democracy. The global BDS strategy has more recently been applied against the political leaders of Israel. And now there's a new cry: "BDS the US." -more-

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent destruction of Gaza's hospitals, particularly Al-Shifa Hospital, and the devastating impact this has had on the health sector in Gaza. The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Al-Shifa Hospital after a two-week raid has left the medical complex in ruins, with a significant loss of life and destruction of vital infrastructure.

Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah, a British Palestinian reconstructive surgeon who worked tirelessly at Al-Shifa and Al-Ahli Baptist hospitals, highlights the dire situation on the ground. He emphasizes the critical role of Al-Shifa in Gaza's health system, constituting 30% of its capacity. The wanton destruction of this hospital is part of Israel's plan to render Gaza uninhabitable, ensuring it lacks a functioning health system for years to come.

Dr. Abu-Sittah also condemns the complicity of Western journalists who perpetuated narratives that militarized hospitals, making them targets for Israeli attacks. The tragic death of Dr. Ahmad Maqadmeh underscores the consequences of such narratives, as hospitals become casualties of war.

The destruction of Al-Shifa and other hospitals has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with thousands dead and many more wounded. Children, in particular, have borne the brunt of this violence, with thousands left with life-altering disabilities. The international community must recognize the gravity of this situation and take immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

Furthermore, the recent authorization of arms transfers to Israel by the Biden administration raises serious concerns about complicity in war crimes. Dr. Abu-Sittah's election as rector of the University of Glasgow, on a platform advocating for divestment from the arms trade, highlights the urgent need for accountability and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

In light of the International Court of Justice's interim ruling on of genocide in Gaza, it is imperative that governments and institutions reassess their relationships with arms manufacturers and take concrete steps to prevent further complicity in human rights violations -more-

Government is a disaster in the U.S. But let's refrain from saying the Democrats are horrible, the Republicans are horrible--or refer to any particular politician. The net result is the same: The basic needs of people with mental disabilities are not being met, and really, it is worse than that. -more-

This month I have six mystery/thriller novels to recommend and one to avoid. -more-

On Sunday afternoon, March 24, Japanese pianist Mitsuko Uchida, currently Artist in Residence at Cal Performances, performed two Mozart Piano Concertos at Zellerbach Hall. The concertos were No. 17 in G Major, K. 453, and No. 22 in E flat Major, K. 482. Mitsuko Uchida conducted the Mahler Chamber Orchestra from the piano. -more-

Worth Noting:

City Council is on recess through May 6 with the next City Council meeting scheduled for May 7, 2024

Check the City website for late announcements and meetings posted on short notice at: https://berkeleyca.gov/

• MONDAY, April 1:
  • At 4 pm is Part 2 of the recreation activity “Design a Medicine Bag”.
  • At 7 pm the Personnel Board meets in person
• WEDNESDAY, April 3:
  • At 6 pm the Planning Commission meets in person and holds a public hearing on the Middle Housing Map.
  • At 6:30 pm the Board of Library Trustees meets in person on the FY 2025-2026 budget.
• THURSDAY, April 4:
  • At 7 pm the Housing Advisory Commission (HAC) meets in person on block grants.
  • The LPC is cancelled.
• SATURDAY, April 6: At 9:15 am is the Tree Planting at Aquatic Park.