CSM Where kindness meets crisis: This police unit put away its riot gear. Now it walks and talks with protesters.

Dialogue unit officers talk with people gathered at a rally in support of the Palestinian cause, in Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 24, 2024. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

"At a pro-Palestinian street protest in Columbus, Ohio, last fall, demonstrators march to the rhythm of liberation chants, punctuated by occasional horns from passing cars. “Free, free Palestine,” they cry, waving flags and banners.

But mingling among the demonstrators are four uniformed police officers wearing powder-blue police vests emblazoned with “Columbus Police Dialogue.” One of them is Sgt. Steve Dyer, the team leader of a special unit that talks with protesters rather than confronting them with riot gear.

“Their goal is to have their voices heard,” Sergeant Dyer says. “We will walk and work with those who are there to peacefully protest.” By walking with and talking to protesters, police hope to build legitimacy – a bridge of communication that could deescalate potential conflicts.... "  READ MORE   https://www.csmonitor.com/Daily/2025/20250113?cmpid=ema:bundle:20250113:1191533:toc&sfmc_sub=272001716#1191533

 [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes or watch videos) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]

Tasneem, the daughter of journalist Ayman Al-Amraiti, was killed by Israel this morning [January 14, 2025]

Tasneem, the daughter of journalist Ayman Al-Amraiti, was killed by Israel this morning

 

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International Committee of the Red Cross

The rules of war, also known as international humanitarian law: Recognize the right of civilians to be protected from the dangers of war and receive the help they need. Every possible care must be taken to avoid harming them or their houses, or destroying their means of survival, such as water sources, crops, livestock, etc.

The rules of war are universal. The Geneva Conventions (which are the core element of IHL) have been ratified by all 196 states. Very few international treaties have this level of support.

For more:

• Even wars have rules
• 10 things the rules of war do
• Frequently asked questions on the rules of war
  

Hospitals in Gaza registered 4500 amputation cases in the past 15 months. Of them were 805 children and 541 ladies.

Gaza 2025

The New Yorker Dispatch

March 2024 in The New Yorker:  The Children Who Lost Limbs in Gaza

More than a thousand children who were injured in the war are now amputees. What do their futures hold?

https://www.newyorker.com/news/dispatch/the-children-who-lost-limbs-in-gaza

 [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes or watch videos) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]

From Ground Zero is a collection of 22 short films made in Gaza. Initiated by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, the project was born to give a voice to 22 Gazan filmmakers to tell the untold stories of the current war on film.

Official submission of Palestine for the 'Best International Feature Film' category of the 97th Academy Awards in 2025.

 

Unnamed child featured in the film.: Our mother wrote our names on our limbs so that we can be identified by the pieces after the bombs come.

 

Storyline

From Ground Zero is a compelling project that brings together 22 short films created by talented filmmakers from Gaza. Launched by Rashid Masharawi, a renowned Palestinian filmmaker, the initiative was born against the backdrop of conflict and aims to provide a platform for young artists to express themselves through their craft. Each film, ranging in length from 3 to 6 minutes, presents a unique perspective on the current reality in Gaza. The project captures the diverse experiences of life in the Palestinian enclave, including the challenges, tragedies and moments of resilience faced by its people. Using a mix of genres including fiction, documentary, docu-fiction, animation and experimental cinema, From Ground Zero presents a rich diversity of stories that reflect the sorrow, joy and hope inherent in Gazan life. Despite the harsh filming conditions, Gaza's vibrant artistic scene shines through this collection, offering an intimate and powerful portrait of daily life and the enduring spirit of its people.

 

From Ground Zero Trailer #1 (2024)

https://youtu.be/Dail2Hc_4lU?si=8NquIH7fWP8ImSn1