Timeline of the Israeli - Palestinian Conflict
ERWIN ESTUARA, STAFF WRITER
POSTED ON: June 4, 2021
Today’s clashes stem from a cycle of bloody wars and bitter disputes stretching back decades…
The intense fighting now raging between Israelis and Palestinians – in an area not much larger than New Jersey – may be the worst since 2014, but it's part of a complex, bitter conflict that reaches back to the first world war. The dispute is rooted in pre-biblical times. Though its borders have shifted over the years, Palestine used to be what is now Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. Both Israeli Jews’ and Palestinian Arabs’ history, culture and identity are linked to Palestine and to the ancient city of Jerusalem, “one of the most bitterly contested cities on earth,” according to The Associated Press. The Ottoman Empire controlled Palestine for about 400 years before its defeat, along with Germany, in World War I. Britain was given control of Palestine by the League of Nations in 1920, under an order called the British Mandate. In 1917, the British government signaled its support for the establishment of a Jewish state in Israel with the Balfour Declaration. While the declaration stated support, it also said that “nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.” Jewish migration from eastern and central Europe surged from 1922 to 1947 as Jews fled persecution and the destruction of their communities during the interwar period and during World War II. By the end of the Holocaust, more than 6 million European Jews had been murdered, and many survivors were left stateless. As the number of Jewish immigrants increased, many Palestinians were displaced. They began pushing back and violence resulted. In 1929, 67 Jews were killed in the Hebron massacre, part of Palestinian riots against Jewish immigration in Palestine.
Disputed Territory.
Gaza: Also known as the Gaza Strip, it’s the home to about 2 million Palestinians, many of them displaced after leaving or being driven from Israel during the War of Independence. West Bank: Smaller than Delaware, the West Bank is east of Israel. About 3 million Palestinians live there, most of them Muslim Arabs. The West Bank contains a number of Jewish holy sites, which are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. East Jerusalem: Jerusalem itself is a divided, disputed city. It was cut in two after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Israel controlled the western portion and Jordan controlled the east. Israel captured the entire city in the 1967 Six-Day War. Attempts by Jewish settlers to evict Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem helped spark the current conflict, USA TODAY has reported. Though Jerusalem's ownership is disputed, Israeli officials claim it as the undivided capital of Israel. In 2017, the Trump administration moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, a formal recognition of Jerusalem as the capital. However, most nations do not acknowledge Jerusalem as belonging to either Israelis or Palestinians.
Who’s fighting?
Hamas:
Hamas is the largest Palestinian militant group and has fired rockets from Gaza at Israeli cities in the fighting. It was founded in 1987 during the first Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank and has controlled Gaza since winning elections in 2007. It's committed to the destruction of Israel and is considered a terrorist group by the U.S., the U.K. and other nations.
Israeli Defense Forces:
The IDF is the combined armed forces of Israel, including army, navy and air force. It was established in 1948, two weeks after Israel declared itself a state.
International community tries, fails to bring peace…
1947: The U.N. votes to divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states and make Jerusalem an international city. Arabs reject the plan, which is later dropped.
1948: After the British Mandate expires on May 14, the Jewish People's Council meets in Tel Aviv and establishes the State of Israel. The U.S. officially recognizes the new nation later that day; the USSR acknowledges it three days later.
1949: The Armistice Agreements is a U.N.-mediated attempt to bring peace to Palestine. Israel signs agreements with Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon to reach a formal peace treaty within six months, but the effort ultimately fails.
1956: Egypt nationalizes the Suez Canal and bars Israeli ships from using it and the Straits of Tiran, another shipping route. Israel, aided by Britain and France, invades Egypt. The Soviet Union, an ally of Egypt, threatens nuclear retaliation, and the U.S. pressures British, French and Israeli forces to withdraw. The U.N. deploys a peacekeeping force.
1964: The Palestine Liberation Organization, a group with the goal of uniting Arab groups and liberating the Palestinian territories through armed struggle, is formed in Egypt.
1967: The Six-Day War grows out of the Suez Canal conflict. Egypt orders the U.N. force to leave, closes the Straits of Tiran to Israel again, and plans a secret attack against Israel.
In a preemptive strike, Israel attacks Egypt and later Jordan and Syria, capturing Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula.
1973: The Yom Kippur War starts with Egypt and Syria attacking Israel on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year. The war is an attempt to reverse the defeat of the 1967 war.
Caught unaware, the Israelis counterattack and win. The U.S. helps secure disengagement agreements from combatants, laying groundwork for future peace efforts.
1979: The Camp David Accords, an Israeli-Egyptian peace deal, is set up by President Jimmy Carter and signed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
1979: Israel begins gradual withdrawal from the Sinai.
1987: Palestinians stage the first of two uprisings, or intifadas, in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank, using mass boycotts, civil disobedience and attacks on Israelis. More than 50 Israeli civilians are killed. The intifada lasts more than five years, ending in September 1993.
The Israeli military kills 1,070 Palestinians, including 237 children, according to B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization. Jewish settlers kill 54 Palestinians. The U.S. and the U.N. criticize Israel's use of lethal force.
1991: In response to the intifada, the Madrid Conference, a historical gathering of all participants in the Arab-Israeli conflict, is chaired by the U.S. and Russia.
1993: Oslo I, known as the Declaration of Principles, is signed by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. It establishes a timetable for a Middle East peace process.
1995: Oslo II is signed, a second agreement in which the Palestine Liberation Organization recognizes the state of Israel and Israel allows Palestinians limited self-government in Gaza.
2000: President Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat gather at the Camp David summit, a meeting intended to end hostilities. It ends without an agreement.
Palestinians, frustrated over failures to create a Palestinian state, begin the second intifada in September, which lasts until February 2005. B'Tselem estimates more than 3,100 Palestinians and nearly 1,000 Israelis are killed.
2005: Israel withdraws from Gaza but retains control.
2007: Hamas, the militant Palestinian group, wins elections in Gaza.
2008: Israel launches a major military campaign against Hamas in Gaza after increased rocket fire from militants. The fighting ends on Jan. 18, 2009, with 1,440 Palestinians and 13 Israelis killed.
2012: Israeli forces kill Ahmed Jabari, a Hamas military chief, in a missile strike. The strike is part of an Israeli operation to eliminate weapons and militants in Gaza. Hamas says the killing has "opened the gates of hell."
2014: Hamas kidnaps and kills three Israeli teens in the West Bank, igniting the Gaza War, in which rocket attacks and airstrikes kill 2,251 Palestinians and 73 Israelis. A senior Hamas leader praises the kidnapping and says it was intended to spark a new Palestinian uprising.
The war lasts 50 days and ends with a truce. A U.N. report says both sides may have committed war crimes, which Israel and Hamas dispute.
2017: The Trump administration says it will move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, in effect an official U.S. recognition of Israel's claim to the city. The embassy is relocated in 2018.
2018: Protests break out on the Gaza-Israeli border as the U.S. Embassy is relocated. Demonstrators throw explosives and rocks across barrier fences and are met with gunfire and tear gas. At least 58 Palestinians are killed, the Gaza health ministry says.
2021: Fighting erupts again as Israeli police raid the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on April 13, the first night of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and disconnect speakers broadcasting prayers as Reuven Rivlin, the Israeli president, is speaking at the Western Wall, a site sacred to the Jewish people.
Police then close a nearby plaza, a popular gathering place. Palestinians and Jews begin attacking one another, and Israeli police raid the mosque on May 7.
The raid, on what's considered a holy Muslim site on one of the holiest nights of Ramadan, is viewed by Muslims as an insult.
Hamas and other militants fire rockets into Israel from Gaza on May 10. Israel counterattacks with airstrikes. Despite international pressure for peace, the fighting continues.
The intense fighting now raging between Israelis and Palestinians – in an area not much larger than New Jersey – may be the worst since 2014, but it's part of a complex, bitter conflict that reaches back to the first world war. The dispute is rooted in pre-biblical times. Though its borders have shifted over the years, Palestine used to be what is now Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. Both Israeli Jews’ and Palestinian Arabs’ history, culture and identity are linked to Palestine and to the ancient city of Jerusalem, “one of the most bitterly contested cities on earth,” according to The Associated Press. The Ottoman Empire controlled Palestine for about 400 years before its defeat, along with Germany, in World War I. Britain was given control of Palestine by the League of Nations in 1920, under an order called the British Mandate. In 1917, the British government signaled its support for the establishment of a Jewish state in Israel with the Balfour Declaration. While the declaration stated support, it also said that “nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.” Jewish migration from eastern and central Europe surged from 1922 to 1947 as Jews fled persecution and the destruction of their communities during the interwar period and during World War II. By the end of the Holocaust, more than 6 million European Jews had been murdered, and many survivors were left stateless. As the number of Jewish immigrants increased, many Palestinians were displaced. They began pushing back and violence resulted. In 1929, 67 Jews were killed in the Hebron massacre, part of Palestinian riots against Jewish immigration in Palestine.
Disputed Territory.
Gaza: Also known as the Gaza Strip, it’s the home to about 2 million Palestinians, many of them displaced after leaving or being driven from Israel during the War of Independence. West Bank: Smaller than Delaware, the West Bank is east of Israel. About 3 million Palestinians live there, most of them Muslim Arabs. The West Bank contains a number of Jewish holy sites, which are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. East Jerusalem: Jerusalem itself is a divided, disputed city. It was cut in two after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Israel controlled the western portion and Jordan controlled the east. Israel captured the entire city in the 1967 Six-Day War. Attempts by Jewish settlers to evict Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem helped spark the current conflict, USA TODAY has reported. Though Jerusalem's ownership is disputed, Israeli officials claim it as the undivided capital of Israel. In 2017, the Trump administration moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, a formal recognition of Jerusalem as the capital. However, most nations do not acknowledge Jerusalem as belonging to either Israelis or Palestinians.
Who’s fighting?
Hamas:
Hamas is the largest Palestinian militant group and has fired rockets from Gaza at Israeli cities in the fighting. It was founded in 1987 during the first Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank and has controlled Gaza since winning elections in 2007. It's committed to the destruction of Israel and is considered a terrorist group by the U.S., the U.K. and other nations.
Israeli Defense Forces:
The IDF is the combined armed forces of Israel, including army, navy and air force. It was established in 1948, two weeks after Israel declared itself a state.
International community tries, fails to bring peace…
1947: The U.N. votes to divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states and make Jerusalem an international city. Arabs reject the plan, which is later dropped.
1948: After the British Mandate expires on May 14, the Jewish People's Council meets in Tel Aviv and establishes the State of Israel. The U.S. officially recognizes the new nation later that day; the USSR acknowledges it three days later.
1949: The Armistice Agreements is a U.N.-mediated attempt to bring peace to Palestine. Israel signs agreements with Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon to reach a formal peace treaty within six months, but the effort ultimately fails.
1956: Egypt nationalizes the Suez Canal and bars Israeli ships from using it and the Straits of Tiran, another shipping route. Israel, aided by Britain and France, invades Egypt. The Soviet Union, an ally of Egypt, threatens nuclear retaliation, and the U.S. pressures British, French and Israeli forces to withdraw. The U.N. deploys a peacekeeping force.
1964: The Palestine Liberation Organization, a group with the goal of uniting Arab groups and liberating the Palestinian territories through armed struggle, is formed in Egypt.
1967: The Six-Day War grows out of the Suez Canal conflict. Egypt orders the U.N. force to leave, closes the Straits of Tiran to Israel again, and plans a secret attack against Israel.
In a preemptive strike, Israel attacks Egypt and later Jordan and Syria, capturing Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula.
1973: The Yom Kippur War starts with Egypt and Syria attacking Israel on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year. The war is an attempt to reverse the defeat of the 1967 war.
Caught unaware, the Israelis counterattack and win. The U.S. helps secure disengagement agreements from combatants, laying groundwork for future peace efforts.
1979: The Camp David Accords, an Israeli-Egyptian peace deal, is set up by President Jimmy Carter and signed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
1979: Israel begins gradual withdrawal from the Sinai.
1987: Palestinians stage the first of two uprisings, or intifadas, in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank, using mass boycotts, civil disobedience and attacks on Israelis. More than 50 Israeli civilians are killed. The intifada lasts more than five years, ending in September 1993.
The Israeli military kills 1,070 Palestinians, including 237 children, according to B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization. Jewish settlers kill 54 Palestinians. The U.S. and the U.N. criticize Israel's use of lethal force.
1991: In response to the intifada, the Madrid Conference, a historical gathering of all participants in the Arab-Israeli conflict, is chaired by the U.S. and Russia.
1993: Oslo I, known as the Declaration of Principles, is signed by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. It establishes a timetable for a Middle East peace process.
1995: Oslo II is signed, a second agreement in which the Palestine Liberation Organization recognizes the state of Israel and Israel allows Palestinians limited self-government in Gaza.
2000: President Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat gather at the Camp David summit, a meeting intended to end hostilities. It ends without an agreement.
Palestinians, frustrated over failures to create a Palestinian state, begin the second intifada in September, which lasts until February 2005. B'Tselem estimates more than 3,100 Palestinians and nearly 1,000 Israelis are killed.
2005: Israel withdraws from Gaza but retains control.
2007: Hamas, the militant Palestinian group, wins elections in Gaza.
2008: Israel launches a major military campaign against Hamas in Gaza after increased rocket fire from militants. The fighting ends on Jan. 18, 2009, with 1,440 Palestinians and 13 Israelis killed.
2012: Israeli forces kill Ahmed Jabari, a Hamas military chief, in a missile strike. The strike is part of an Israeli operation to eliminate weapons and militants in Gaza. Hamas says the killing has "opened the gates of hell."
2014: Hamas kidnaps and kills three Israeli teens in the West Bank, igniting the Gaza War, in which rocket attacks and airstrikes kill 2,251 Palestinians and 73 Israelis. A senior Hamas leader praises the kidnapping and says it was intended to spark a new Palestinian uprising.
The war lasts 50 days and ends with a truce. A U.N. report says both sides may have committed war crimes, which Israel and Hamas dispute.
2017: The Trump administration says it will move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, in effect an official U.S. recognition of Israel's claim to the city. The embassy is relocated in 2018.
2018: Protests break out on the Gaza-Israeli border as the U.S. Embassy is relocated. Demonstrators throw explosives and rocks across barrier fences and are met with gunfire and tear gas. At least 58 Palestinians are killed, the Gaza health ministry says.
2021: Fighting erupts again as Israeli police raid the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on April 13, the first night of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and disconnect speakers broadcasting prayers as Reuven Rivlin, the Israeli president, is speaking at the Western Wall, a site sacred to the Jewish people.
Police then close a nearby plaza, a popular gathering place. Palestinians and Jews begin attacking one another, and Israeli police raid the mosque on May 7.
The raid, on what's considered a holy Muslim site on one of the holiest nights of Ramadan, is viewed by Muslims as an insult.
Hamas and other militants fire rockets into Israel from Gaza on May 10. Israel counterattacks with airstrikes. Despite international pressure for peace, the fighting continues.
School during the pandemic
Erwin Estuara, Staff Writer
Posted on: May 22, 2021
Last September, the start of the school year seemed more overwhelming than ever before. One could observe the mixed
feelings of excitement, joy, and confusion among students, parents, and teachers alike.
Now that schools are beginning to open, every morning students wake up early just to go to school. While it is not mandatory
for students to wear masks, many of them - especially the youngest among them - would voluntarily cover their faces. This was
not done for the sole purpose of hygienic protection, but also to demonstrate students’ awareness about COVID-19. After many weeks of distance learning, which was challenging for children, parents, and teachers alike, the willingness to go back to normal learning processes is now demonstrably high; everyone displays a readiness to comply with the new safety regulations set by the government.
All the standard safety procedures are observed as students enter the school: they pass through a Health attestation platform
to confirm they are eligible to come to school in person, make their way towards class, and sanitize their hands as well as their
seats. For some students, these procedures can cause delays to enter classrooms, so students have to be at school early ensuring timely arrival for their first lessons. Although hand sanitizers are installed throughout the buildings, teachers tend to encourage students - especially the younger ones - to go to the restroom and wash their hands after each lesson.
The first day back to school was unusual and emotional for both students and teachers. Wearing a mask, which is mandatory
for teachers, makes their jobs physically harder due to the strained breathing. Masks also cover their emotional expressions,
requiring students to focus harder to equally understand the information teachers are conveying. The first lesson for all
students was dedicated to sharing information about COVID-19 and safety regulations. They were also introduced to their daily school schedules.
The first to go back to school in person was the Kindergarten kids and the first graders. All were overwhelmed on their first day
back in school, however, those feelings would have been present with or without COVID-19. The second was the middle school
students, who had mixed emotions about being back in school for the first time, especially if it’s a new environment. And the
third was the high school students, who emphasize how important it is to be physically present in the classroom, to interact
with friends, and to share opinions about different subjects with each other and with their teachers. Here are three students
from Lynnwood High School who shared their experiences of being back in school: Fiona Peters, a Junior in Lynnwood High School said: "I am very glad I chose to go back into in-person learning because it has kept me busy and productive. It is very different, but it’s nice to see other people. I can get the help that I need and it's more helpful than it was before. I also think our school is pretty nice. Adrian Seeber, also a junior in Lynnwood High School said: "I actually learn better when I’m in person learning. And I’m happy to be back in school because I feel more motivated. For me, school has been good. I feel like I have more of an opportunity to learn things. Another reason is that I’m able to get the help I need. The school system is fine, I just don’t like that 1st lunch at 10am, but it is what it is.” Alyss Ramos, another junior in Lynnwood High School said: "I chose to do in person learning so I can get back into social life and get out of the house. Now that I’m back in school, I feel good and less overwhelmed since the hallways aren’t so crowded. So far, in-person learning is good and it seems to be a good fit here. It’s very organized. I’m able to get the help I need face to face with my teachers. The school system is good, it’s just that lunch starts way too early, it’s still around breakfast time and the
dots still seem too close.”
It would seem that another reason most students are excited, mainly high school and middle school students, is that vaccines
are now available for ages 12 and up. Vaccine centers are being distributed all over Washington State and are giving free
vaccination shots to adults and teens. And because things are getting back to normal again, the readiness and enthusiasm of
parents, students, and teachers to adapt to the new set of in-school rules make the safe management of the learning process
possible during this shared COVID-19 reality.
feelings of excitement, joy, and confusion among students, parents, and teachers alike.
Now that schools are beginning to open, every morning students wake up early just to go to school. While it is not mandatory
for students to wear masks, many of them - especially the youngest among them - would voluntarily cover their faces. This was
not done for the sole purpose of hygienic protection, but also to demonstrate students’ awareness about COVID-19. After many weeks of distance learning, which was challenging for children, parents, and teachers alike, the willingness to go back to normal learning processes is now demonstrably high; everyone displays a readiness to comply with the new safety regulations set by the government.
All the standard safety procedures are observed as students enter the school: they pass through a Health attestation platform
to confirm they are eligible to come to school in person, make their way towards class, and sanitize their hands as well as their
seats. For some students, these procedures can cause delays to enter classrooms, so students have to be at school early ensuring timely arrival for their first lessons. Although hand sanitizers are installed throughout the buildings, teachers tend to encourage students - especially the younger ones - to go to the restroom and wash their hands after each lesson.
The first day back to school was unusual and emotional for both students and teachers. Wearing a mask, which is mandatory
for teachers, makes their jobs physically harder due to the strained breathing. Masks also cover their emotional expressions,
requiring students to focus harder to equally understand the information teachers are conveying. The first lesson for all
students was dedicated to sharing information about COVID-19 and safety regulations. They were also introduced to their daily school schedules.
The first to go back to school in person was the Kindergarten kids and the first graders. All were overwhelmed on their first day
back in school, however, those feelings would have been present with or without COVID-19. The second was the middle school
students, who had mixed emotions about being back in school for the first time, especially if it’s a new environment. And the
third was the high school students, who emphasize how important it is to be physically present in the classroom, to interact
with friends, and to share opinions about different subjects with each other and with their teachers. Here are three students
from Lynnwood High School who shared their experiences of being back in school: Fiona Peters, a Junior in Lynnwood High School said: "I am very glad I chose to go back into in-person learning because it has kept me busy and productive. It is very different, but it’s nice to see other people. I can get the help that I need and it's more helpful than it was before. I also think our school is pretty nice. Adrian Seeber, also a junior in Lynnwood High School said: "I actually learn better when I’m in person learning. And I’m happy to be back in school because I feel more motivated. For me, school has been good. I feel like I have more of an opportunity to learn things. Another reason is that I’m able to get the help I need. The school system is fine, I just don’t like that 1st lunch at 10am, but it is what it is.” Alyss Ramos, another junior in Lynnwood High School said: "I chose to do in person learning so I can get back into social life and get out of the house. Now that I’m back in school, I feel good and less overwhelmed since the hallways aren’t so crowded. So far, in-person learning is good and it seems to be a good fit here. It’s very organized. I’m able to get the help I need face to face with my teachers. The school system is good, it’s just that lunch starts way too early, it’s still around breakfast time and the
dots still seem too close.”
It would seem that another reason most students are excited, mainly high school and middle school students, is that vaccines
are now available for ages 12 and up. Vaccine centers are being distributed all over Washington State and are giving free
vaccination shots to adults and teens. And because things are getting back to normal again, the readiness and enthusiasm of
parents, students, and teachers to adapt to the new set of in-school rules make the safe management of the learning process
possible during this shared COVID-19 reality.
Same-sex marriage ban ruled UNCONSTITUTIONAL in japan
Annie sawyer, Digital Media
Posted: April 27, 2021
Since 1880, same-sex marriage has been illega in Japan and other parts of the world but throughout the last few decades different countries are making same-sex marriage legal.As of 2021 Japan was the only G7 nation where same-sex marriage was illegal but on March 17th 2021 a Japanese court ruled that having same-sex marriage illegal was “unconstitutional”. This doesn’t make it legal in Japan yet but it is a step in the right direction. Even though Japan is the world's 3rd largest economy they have kept the LGBTQ+ community invisible for a while. When asked what her thoughts were on this decision LHS senior, Mea Zanders said “I believe that it is unconstitutional as it does take away people’s rights and freedom to be a human being in a world where we should be allowed to love who we want to love and be who we want to be without fear or discrimination.” When the ruling was first made public many LGBTQ activists said it was life-changing and lawyers said it was “revolutionary”. The ruling stated that “Sexual orientation cannot be changed or selected by a person’s will. It is discriminatory treatment that they cannot receive some of the same legal benefits that heterosexuals do.” It was reported that as the ruling was being delivered the judge and many plaintiffs cried one even told the media “I was in tears hearing her clearly say it was unconstitutional.” After the ruling many lawyers and supporters stood outside Sapporo District court in Sapporo, Japan holding pride flags and a banner that said “unconstitutional judgment”.
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Asian Community reacts to Atlanta Shootings
Erwin Estaura, Staff Writer
Posted: April 27, 2021
While police have not said if the Atlanta shooter was specifically targeting Asian-Americans, with six of the victims being Asian women, the shooting is traumatizing for many communities already on edge, including here in Snohomish County. Local activists and community members in Seattle’s Chinatown-International district have dealt with an increase in Asian-American hate crimes since the pandemic started. News of Tuesday’s shootings in Atlanta adds to the devastation. “It makes me really angry, mad and sad and all these complex emotions all at once after everything that’s been happening these last couple weeks,” says Tanya Wang, a resident of Snohomish and was a student who graduated here in Lynwood High School. Tanya is now a member of Chinatown International District’s community group watch. She says the area has spas similar to those targeted in Atlanta. “To hear that something like this could be possible to businesses in our community is just so terrifying and I cannot imagine how people feel about that, who actually work in that business,” Tanya said that it was not lost on her that the shooter targeted businesses where employees are predominantly Asian women. “Maybe this won’t be classified as a hate crime, but I feel he was targeting Asian women based on what is in the news, and that really fills me with anger and sadness.” With more rallies planned this week to bring awareness of the racism and violence so many Asian-Americans deal with every day, Tanya says she hopes this tragedy can help spark important and long overdue dialogue. “I saw a woman come to our rally today and she said she’s been sad all morning but she needed to do something about it and that’s why she came.” Currently, Tanya is helping plan rallies that could help prevent more Asian-American hate crimes here in Washington, and everywhere else for that matter. And she won’t be alone. “These types of crimes are not limited just to the people directly affected by it,” says Seattle Police Detective Patrick Michaud. He is responsible for keeping Asian-Americans in the district safe from any possible harm that might befall them. As of right now, the Seattle Police Department says their biggest concern is people in the Chinatown-International feeling unsafe. They say they’ve begun sending community police officers to interact with business owners and residents to ask what they can do as a department to make them feel comfortable in their neighborhood. “When someone gets assaulted there’s a physical injury, but that heals. Injuries of a biased crime can be lifelong.” There are talks of more rallies scheduled this week to fight racism against Asian Americans. Local organizations are also holding a virtual vigil on Saturday for the victims of the Atlanta shooting.
How Covid-19 will change classes this year
Erwin estuara, Staff Writer
Posted: March 8, 2021
S i n c e t h e s t a r t o f t h e C O V I D - 1 9
p a n d e m i c , m o s t o f t h e w o r l d ’ s 1 . 5 b i l l i o n
s t u d e n t s h a v e b e e n a f f e c t e d b y s c h o o l
c l o s u r e s . W i t h c l a s s e s r e s u m i n g o n c e
a g a i n , m a n y p e o p l e a r e n o w w o n d e r i n g
w h e t h e r i t i s s a f e f o r s t u d e n t s a n d
t e a c h e r s t o r e t u r n t o s c h o o l . C l o s i n g
s c h o o l s e n t i r e l y i s n ’ t a g o o d i d e a .
W i t h o u t t h e m , s t u d e n t s m i s s o u t o n
l e a r n i n g m a t h , s c i e n c e , l a n g u a g e a r t s ,
a n d m o r e . S c h o o l s t e a c h v a l u a b l e l i f e
s k i l l s , s u c h a s h o w t o a c t a r o u n d o t h e r s .
K i d s a n d t e e n s b e n e f i t f r o m t h e f r i e n d s
t h e y m e e t u p w i t h a t s c h o o l . B e c a u s e o f
t h a t , m a n y g r o u p s s a y i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t
n o w t h a t s t u d e n t s c a n r e t u r n t o s c h o o l
i n p e r s o n . T h o s e g r o u p s i n c l u d e t h e
C e n t e r s f o r D i s e a s e C o n t r o l a n d
P r e v e n t i o n , t h e N a t i o n a l A c a d e m y o f
S c i e n c e s , a n d t h e A m e r i c a n A c a d e m y o f
P e d i a t r i c s . T h e d e c i s i o n t o o p e n a
s c h o o l t o i n - p e r s o n l e a r n i n g i s n ’ t a n
e a s y o n e . S c h o o l s y s t e m s a r o u n d t h e
U n i t e d S t a t e s a r e t r y i n g t o f i g u r e o u t
w h a t i s b e s t f o r k i d s a n d t h e i r t e a c h e r s .
S o m e s c h o o l s a r e c o n t i n u i n g v i r t u a l
l e a r n i n g t h a t w a s l a u n c h e d l a s t s p r i n g ,
l i k e o u r s c h o o l : L y n w o o d H i g h S c h o o l .
O t h e r s a r e s c h o o l s t h a t a r e b e g i n n i n g t o
s t a r t w i t h v i r t u a l l e a r n i n g a n d h o p e t o
h a v e s t u d e n t s w a l k t h e h a l l s b y l a t e f a l l .
S t i l l , o t h e r s a r e l e t t i n g s t u d e n t s i n , a n d
t h e p a r e n t s c a n c h o o s e w h e t h e r t o s e n d
t h e i r c h i l d r e n t o s c h o o l o r n o t . I n e v e r y
c a s e , t h e s c h o o l w i l l b e d i f f e r e n t t h i s
y e a r . C r o w d e d h a l l w a y s a n d c a f e t e r i a s
a r e t h i n g s o f t h e p a s t a n d m a n y
s t u d e n t s a r e n o t e a g e r t o r e t u r n a n y
t i m e s o o n u n t i l t h i s p a n d e m i c i s o v e r .
Most of them are waiting for more information
on whether or not they will return to school in
person, others are saying that they will wait until
they can get the vaccine for COVID. But the
vaccine can take a while because it is still in the
early stages of distributing it across the country.
For now, only people in the medical field, first
responders, firemen, police officers, delivery men,
and those who have to go to work physically are
the first ones to receive the vaccine. Students are
instructed to wait to receive the vaccine, and here
are a few explaining how long they think it will
take for kids and teens to get the vaccine: Jacob
Mcoy, grade 11 - “Maybe a year from now, not really
sure, we are like the last group that’s gonna get it.”
Christian - “Once we reach the front of the line,
and right now, we’re in the very back. Not saying
that’s a bad thing though because there are many
people that need it before us.” And lastly,
Alexandra Vazquez, grade 11 - “Probably next year
is when we’ll get it.” So there you have it.
According to these three students, it is most likely
that it will probably take a long time before
students can receive the vaccine. In the meantime,
students and everyone else is required to follow
these rules: Always wear a mask, stay at least 6
feet apart, don’t attend public gatherings, and stay
at home if possible. And schools are still
continuing with virtual classes until further notice.
Vanessa Bryant's memorial speech
kenzie odell
On February 24th Kobe Bryant's wife, Vanessa Bryant, gave a speech honoring her daughter Gianna Bryant and her husband Kobe Bryant. On January 26th of 2020 Kobe and his daughter were in a deadly plane crash killing everyone on the plane. Almost a month later Vanessa Bryant spoke out publicly for the first time about the tragedy. The speech touched many people's hearts and gave them closure about the situation. Nicole Spengler Sophomore at Lynnwood High School says ¨I couldn't even watch the whole speech because it was so sad, I wasn't a big fan but hearing Vanessa talk about her daughter made my heart hurt.¨ Kobe Bryant was an icon to everyone whether you are into sports or not. Jasmine Carlson freshman at Lynnwood High School says ¨The speech was really heart warming it even made my guy best friend cry, the whole world was just surprised by this no one expected it.¨ Things like this happen so suddenly and it's tragic. Kris Smith freshman at Lynnwood High School says ¨I was a fan of Kobe for so long this s*** really hurt me, the speech did give me some closure, my heart goes out to their family.¨ This disaster struck many close to home and it will take a long time for the world to heal. Rest in peace Kobe, and Gianna Bryant.
US trade wars with china
haylee davis
Over the past year, the United States and China have been in an economic conflict. The two nations have raised or created tariffs or other trade barriers against each other. This means that tariffs have been placed on billions of dollars of imports and exports. The justification for these tariffs is about retaliation against intellectual property theft. The United States President, Donald Trump, also has imposed tariffs on China due to their unfair trading practices. These practices are said to prevent United State companies from competing on a similar level. Companies struggle to find success when China has swindled companies of their ideas and inventions.
However, despite the main reasons for the tariffs, some have speculated that the U.S. is trying to curb China’s economic rise. The consequence of punishing China for its unfair trading policies or economic motives is damage to the United States economy. As China’s economy slowly begins to decline the United States does as well. So far, the U.S. has foisted more than $360 billion on Chinese goods. In contrast, China has responded with tariffs on more than $110 billion on U.S. products. Lynnwood High School, Government, and Politics teacher, Henry Shaw says the economic ramifications are vindicated, “It's important to leverage trade with money and tariffs to encourage the Chinese to comply with international copyright law.” Having a copyright law agreement would allow for a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution that is granted by law for original works of authorship. Until there is compliancy the uncertainty is hurting businesses in both counties and is weighing down the global economy. Ultimately it’s important to remember that the people who end up paying for the tariffs are the consumers.
The stock of companies like Boeing has cratered because of worries that tariffs will cause China to shift purchases to Airbus. Freight shipments and metals used in Coca Cola bottles have increased in price because of the tariffs. The trade war, overall, has contributed to recent stock market volatility.
On the contrary, although companies have had an increase in material costs and a decrease in fiscal security, there have been companies who have also been hurt by the lack of government attention. 1 in 5 corporations say China has stolen their Intellectual Property (IP) within the last year, according to a CNBC conducted CFO survey. Cases of IP theft are from companies such as APPLE, IBM, and GE. $100’s of millions of dollars have been taken from the American economy, because of China's trading practices.
One of the reasons for the president's anger is because China can devalue its currency. This allows China to strategically lower the purchasing power of their nation's currency and to gain a competitive edge in global trade and reduce sovereign debt burdens.
The United States and China are the two largest economies in the world and negotiations are ongoing. Enforcing a new trade deal and lowering tariff induced subsidies has been difficult. Investment companies that do America no harm have to abide by the same rules, however, companies who have hurt potential American economic growth shouldn’t be left without consequence. Lynnwood High School student, Hannah Tang, says, “Unless it’s fair on both sides we are still going to be in a trade war.” Another Lynnwood School student, Jimmy Huynh, agrees with Hannah and says, “The trade war is about who loses faster, although it’s true that China's economy is declining faster than America’s, it still puts the United States at risk.” One of these risks is the impact on agriculture.
A large portion of American exports that go to China are food-based. However, when China devalues its currency it raises the value of its imports, this means they are more selective with their purchase orders. This has greatly impacted American farmers. The farmers do receive government subsidies but are still financially unstable. Regardless, Frank Morris, an NPR reporter says, “Farmers are sticking by Trump even as the trade war bites.”
Overall, the trade war has increased economic conflict, increased stock market volatility, and has impacted the lives of American farmers. In contrast, the trade war has also impacted China’s economic stability, raised awareness for their unfair trading practices, and has recognized the IP theft China has stolen.
However, despite the main reasons for the tariffs, some have speculated that the U.S. is trying to curb China’s economic rise. The consequence of punishing China for its unfair trading policies or economic motives is damage to the United States economy. As China’s economy slowly begins to decline the United States does as well. So far, the U.S. has foisted more than $360 billion on Chinese goods. In contrast, China has responded with tariffs on more than $110 billion on U.S. products. Lynnwood High School, Government, and Politics teacher, Henry Shaw says the economic ramifications are vindicated, “It's important to leverage trade with money and tariffs to encourage the Chinese to comply with international copyright law.” Having a copyright law agreement would allow for a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution that is granted by law for original works of authorship. Until there is compliancy the uncertainty is hurting businesses in both counties and is weighing down the global economy. Ultimately it’s important to remember that the people who end up paying for the tariffs are the consumers.
The stock of companies like Boeing has cratered because of worries that tariffs will cause China to shift purchases to Airbus. Freight shipments and metals used in Coca Cola bottles have increased in price because of the tariffs. The trade war, overall, has contributed to recent stock market volatility.
On the contrary, although companies have had an increase in material costs and a decrease in fiscal security, there have been companies who have also been hurt by the lack of government attention. 1 in 5 corporations say China has stolen their Intellectual Property (IP) within the last year, according to a CNBC conducted CFO survey. Cases of IP theft are from companies such as APPLE, IBM, and GE. $100’s of millions of dollars have been taken from the American economy, because of China's trading practices.
One of the reasons for the president's anger is because China can devalue its currency. This allows China to strategically lower the purchasing power of their nation's currency and to gain a competitive edge in global trade and reduce sovereign debt burdens.
The United States and China are the two largest economies in the world and negotiations are ongoing. Enforcing a new trade deal and lowering tariff induced subsidies has been difficult. Investment companies that do America no harm have to abide by the same rules, however, companies who have hurt potential American economic growth shouldn’t be left without consequence. Lynnwood High School student, Hannah Tang, says, “Unless it’s fair on both sides we are still going to be in a trade war.” Another Lynnwood School student, Jimmy Huynh, agrees with Hannah and says, “The trade war is about who loses faster, although it’s true that China's economy is declining faster than America’s, it still puts the United States at risk.” One of these risks is the impact on agriculture.
A large portion of American exports that go to China are food-based. However, when China devalues its currency it raises the value of its imports, this means they are more selective with their purchase orders. This has greatly impacted American farmers. The farmers do receive government subsidies but are still financially unstable. Regardless, Frank Morris, an NPR reporter says, “Farmers are sticking by Trump even as the trade war bites.”
Overall, the trade war has increased economic conflict, increased stock market volatility, and has impacted the lives of American farmers. In contrast, the trade war has also impacted China’s economic stability, raised awareness for their unfair trading practices, and has recognized the IP theft China has stolen.