Latest news with #MarkGreen
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SCOOP: Top congressional committees launch probe into Nashville mayor accused of blocking ICE
FIRST ON FOX: Two powerful committees in the House of Representatives are opening an investigation into another Democratic official accused of blocking federal immigration authorities. House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green, R-Tenn., is leading a probe into Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell alongside Nashville-area Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn, Fox News Digital learned Friday. Ogles had been petitioning leaders for weeks to look into O'Connell after the Democratic leader publicly denounced Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in his city and signed an executive order aimed at tracking ICE movements in the area. He sent a letter earlier this month accusing O'Connell of "obstructing federal law enforcement." The probe is being supported by the House Judiciary Committee, which is led by Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., chair of the subcommittee for immigration enforcement. Scoop: House Gop Memo Highlights Republican Wins In Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' "The Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security of the U.S. House of Representatives are conducting oversight of state and local jurisdictions that endanger American communities through efforts aimed at thwarting the work of federal immigration officials," the four leaders wrote in a letter to O'Connell. Read On The Fox News App "While the state of Tennessee has outlawed sanctuary policies, recent actions from your office threaten to chill immigration enforcement in the City of Nashville and Davidson County. Accordingly, we write to request information about how your recent actions, including a directive to Nashville and Davidson County employees to disclose their communications with federal immigration officials, affects the robust enforcement of immigration law." The lawmakers said O'Connell's executive order, which mandated that government employees report interactions with federal immigration authorities, "could have a chilling effect on the ability of local law enforcement to communicate freely and candidly with federal immigration employees." "In fact, your chief lawyer recently admitted that it was an 'open question' whether an individual could legally 'announce in advance that there's an impending enforcement activity,'" they wrote. Mike Johnson, Donald Trump Get 'Big, Beautiful' Win As Budget Passes House "This statement, when viewed in context of your order requiring all Metro law-enforcement officers to report about communications with ICE personnel, raises the prospect that Metro employees may use nonpublic information to warn criminal aliens of planned ICE enforcement operations. In other words, there is the real potential that your Executive Order could have the effect of diminishing ICE enforcement operations." It comes after ICE agents working with the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested nearly 200 people the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said were illegal immigrants – many of them criminals with gang affiliations or other sordid pasts. The DHS news release targeted O'Connell by name over comments he made in early May. "What's clear today is that people who do not share our values of safety and community have the authority to cause deep community harm." Mccaul Touts Money In Trump Tax Bill To Pay Texas Back For Fighting Biden Border Policies After the arrests, O'Connell signed an executive order aimed at tracking peoples' interactions with federal immigration authorities, according to WSMV4. He said of ICE's work in his city, "It's important for us to get this right, and it's very frustrating to see a failure in the process." O'Connell also helped launch the Nashville government's nonprofit, "The Belonging Fund," to help illegal immigrants pay for urgent care needs. The fund's website states that "donations to the fund are made possible solely by individual donors and private organizations - no government dollars are included. That means no taxpayer dollars are being used in the administration or distribution of this fund." Republicans, however, have questioned whether that is true. "The recipients of these funds are untraceable, and the purpose seems crystal clear: help illegal foreigners evade the law," Ogles told Fox News Digital. "I refuse to sit back while our communities are overrun — while our neighborhoods are destroyed and our daughters are assaulted. And I doubly refuse to stay silent while blue city mayors aid and abet this invasion." O'Connell is now one of several Democratic leaders locked in an immigration fight with the Trump administration. House Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., was charged by the Justice Department with assaulting an officer after she and two other House Democrats forced their way into a Newark ICE detention center, charges McIver has dismissed as political. Fox News Digital reached out to the Nashville mayor's office for comment on the article source: SCOOP: Top congressional committees launch probe into Nashville mayor accused of blocking ICE
Fox News
3 days ago
- General
- Fox News
SCOOP: Top congressional committees launch probe into Nashville mayor accused of blocking ICE
FIRST ON FOX: Two powerful committees in the House of Representatives are opening an investigation into another Democratic official accused of blocking federal immigration authorities. House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green, R-Tenn., is leading a probe into Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell alongside Nashville-area Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn, Fox News Digital learned Friday. Ogles had been petitioning leaders for weeks to look into O'Connell after the Democratic leader publicly denounced Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in his city and signed an executive order aimed at tracking ICE movements in the area. The probe is being supported by the House Judiciary Committee, which is led by Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., chair of the subcommittee for immigration enforcement. "The Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security of the U.S. House of Representatives are conducting oversight of state and local jurisdictions that endanger American communities through efforts aimed at thwarting the work of federal immigration officials," the four leaders wrote in a letter to O'Connell. "While the state of Tennessee has outlawed sanctuary policies, recent actions from your office threaten to chill immigration enforcement in the City of Nashville and Davidson County. Accordingly, we write to request information about how your recent actions, including a directive to Nashville and Davidson County employees to disclose their communications with federal immigration officials, affects the robust enforcement of immigration law." The lawmakers said O'Connell's executive order, which mandated that government employees report interactions with federal immigration authorities, "could have a chilling effect on the ability of local law enforcement to communicate freely and candidly with federal immigration employees." "In fact, your chief lawyer recently admitted that it was an 'open question' whether an individual could legally 'announce in advance that there's an impending enforcement activity,'" they wrote. "This statement, when viewed in context of your order requiring all Metro law-enforcement officers to report about communications with ICE personnel, raises the prospect that Metro employees may use nonpublic information to warn criminal aliens of planned ICE enforcement operations. In other words, there is the real potential that your Executive Order could have the effect of diminishing ICE enforcement operations." It comes after ICE agents working with the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested nearly 200 people the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said were illegal immigrants – many of them criminals with gang affiliations or other sordid pasts. The DHS news release targeted O'Connell by name over comments he made in early May. "What's clear today is that people who do not share our values of safety and community have the authority to cause deep community harm." After the arrests, O'Connell signed an executive order aimed at tracking peoples' interactions with federal immigration authorities, according to WSMV4. He said of ICE's work in his city, "It's important for us to get this right, and it's very frustrating to see a failure in the process." O'Connell also helped launch the Nashville government's nonprofit, "The Belonging Fund," to help illegal immigrants pay for urgent care needs. The fund's website states that "donations to the fund are made possible solely by individual donors and private organizations - no government dollars are included. That means no taxpayer dollars are being used in the administration or distribution of this fund." Republicans, however, have questioned whether that is true. "The recipients of these funds are untraceable, and the purpose seems crystal clear: help illegal foreigners evade the law," Ogles told Fox News Digital. "I refuse to sit back while our communities are overrun — while our neighborhoods are destroyed and our daughters are assaulted. And I doubly refuse to stay silent while blue city mayors aid and abet this invasion." O'Connell is now one of several Democratic leaders locked in an immigration fight with the Trump administration. House Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., was charged by the Justice Department with assaulting an officer after she and two other House Democrats forced their way into a Newark ICE detention center, charges McIver has dismissed as political. Fox News Digital reached out to the Nashville mayor's office for comment on the letter.
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Republicans seek to cement Trump's immigration legacy in sweeping bill
WASHINGTON, May 29 (Reuters) - A sweeping tax and spending bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would devote an estimated $150 billion to immigration enforcement, an unprecedented sum that seeks to deliver President Donald Trump's goal of mass deportations and lock down the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill would provide funding for 10,000 new immigration enforcement officers and $46.5 billion for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border while placing new fees on applications for asylum and other humanitarian protections. The legislation amounts to super-funding immigration enforcement and could equip the administration with tools to ramp up arrests and deportations. Mark Green, chairman of the U.S. House homeland security committee, touted the legislation after its passage, saying it could "secure our nation's borders for generations to come.' The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate where Republicans, who control the chamber by a 53-47 margin, hope to pass it by July 4. The measure is estimated to increase the federal deficit by trillions, which has raised alarms among some fiscal hawks, while other Republicans have worries about cutting Medicaid, a low-income health program, which offsets some of the massive enforcement spending. The number of migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border hit record lows after Trump took office in January, which could undercut the rationale for more border barriers. Senator Rand Paul, the top Republican on the Senate homeland committee and a fiscal conservative, told Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a hearing last week that $46.5 billion for a border wall was too much. 'You're controlling 95% of the border without a wall right now,' Paul said. 'So that's an argument that maybe you don't need a wall. You need willpower.' In an interview this week, Trump's border czar Tom Homan said the administration had deported around 200,000 people over four months. The total still appears to lag deportations during a similar period under former President Joe Biden, whose Democratic administration had 257,000 deportations from February-May 2024, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security statistics. Biden-era deportations included more recent border crossers due to high levels of illegal immigration. Homan said the administration needs more funding to deliver the historic levels of deportations that Trump promised on the campaign trail. 'I hope Congress comes together and funds what the American people demanded,' he said. The House bill imposes new fees that target immigrants in the U.S. illegally, including asylum seekers. A new fee on asylum applications would cost at least $1,000 with another $550 for a six-month work authorization. The American Immigration Council, a pro-immigration advocacy group, estimates asylum seekers could pay nearly $6,500 over five years. Parents and other family members who attempt to take custody of unaccompanied migrant children would be required to pay a $3,500 fee along with another $5,000 deposit to ensure the child attends immigration court hearings, totaling $8,500. Nayna Gupta, policy director with the American Immigration Council, said the high fees for asylum and other humanitarian statuses 'effectively put those legal pathways out of reach for thousands of people who would otherwise legally qualify.' During Trump's first term in 2020, his administration tried to impose a fee on asylum applications but was blocked by a federal judge. Ken Cuccinelli, who served as a top homeland official at the time, said the fees are needed to deter economic migrants. Without fees on asylum applications, other legal immigration applicants shoulder the cost of processing asylum seekers, he said. 'If asylum seekers aren't paying these fees, then other visa requestors are paying them," he said. The bill overall would increase the federal deficit by $3.8 trillion over a decade, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, largely due to tax cuts. The White House contested the analysis and said the legislation would not increase the deficit. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson said the bill would support Trump's efforts to combat illegal immigration "and make this progress permanent." In an effort to provide some revenue, Republicans included a 5% tax on remittances to other countries for non-citizens. However, remittances could decline due to the tax and senders could seek ways to avoid it, according to a report by the Center for Global Development, a nonpartisan think tank. 'Even if the tax works as intended, it will only bring in a small fraction of the roughly $150 billion in funding included in the measure for border security and immigration enforcement,' the report said. The bill will be subject to review by the Senate Parliamentarian, who advises on the chamber's rules, to determine whether any parts exceed the bounds of this specific budget process. One provision that could be scrutinized would limit the ability of federal judges to penalize U.S. officials for contempt if they fail to abide by a judge's order. The Trump administration has clashed with federal judges in various standoffs over immigration enforcement. Democratic U.S. Representative Joe Neguse at a hearing last week called the provision 'a deep deviation from existing federal law.'
Malaysian Reserve
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Congressional Prayer Breakfast: Faith, Freedom, and Peacebuilding Unite Global Leaders on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a world facing rising geopolitical tensions and deepening moral crises, the Congressional Prayer Breakfast: Peace and Cooperation brought together leaders from across the U.S. Congress, foreign governments, religious institutions, business, and civil society. Co-hosted by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, and the Institute for Democracy and Development 'PolitA,' the event focused on how to address today's political challenges through moral clarity, faith-based diplomacy, and unified action. Congressman Mark Green, Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee and a decorated combat veteran, physician, and statesman, served as the event's honorary host. Known for his outspoken commitment to democratic values and national security, Congressman Green opened the event with a message that resonated across political and international lines: 'At a time when democracies face existential threats from authoritarian regimes, gatherings like the Congressional Prayer Breakfast remind us of the power of faith to unite people across borders. Our commitment to liberty, to moral leadership, and to standing with our allies—like Israel and Ukraine—is rooted not only in policy, but in principle.' Kateryna Odarchenko, head of the Institute for Democracy and Development 'PolitA', expanded on the necessity of moral clarity in public life: 'In my remarks, I spoke about the Mishkan—the sanctuary built from humble materials—because it teaches us that purpose sanctifies effort. It's not about the grandeur of institutions, but the integrity of what they are built for. At PolitA, we support democratic institutions, advise civil society, and advocate for value-driven leadership across Eastern Europe. Today's crises—from war to corruption to moral fatigue—cannot be solved by strategies alone. They demand a return to ethical foundations, to shared meaning. That's why gatherings like this are not ceremonial—they are essential.' Ambassador Oksana Markarova of Ukraine offered heartfelt reflections on the power of spiritual solidarity: 'No one wants peace more than Ukrainians… Like Israel, we are an ancient people on our historic land, yet constantly defending our right to exist. That is why we pray together—not only for peace, but for statehood, dignity, and freedom.' Following this, Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, called for moral consistency in international alliances: 'Peace begins with common sense—pasekh seykhl. When we advocate to politicians, especially regarding votes at the UN, we must demand accountability and consistency. If you claim to share our democratic and moral values, do not vote against us. We feel betrayed when allies take actions that contradict those values. This applies equally to Israel, Ukraine, Korea, and beyond.' Three panels explored the intersection of faith, governance, and humanitarian recovery. The first examined the moral dimensions of peacebuilding in Israel and Eastern Europe. The second panel addressed the role of religious institutions in responding to humanitarian crises and preserving family and national identity. The third addressed long-term visions for rebuilding post-war societies—with a focus on justice, economic renewal, and democratic partnerships. Vadym Melnyk, legal expert in economic security and administrative law, remarked during the third panel: 'True peace is impossible without justice and a functioning economy. Rule of law, faith in institutions, and moral leadership are the cornerstones of secure nations. If we fail to defend these principles during wartime, we risk losing them in peacetime as well. This is not just a matter of politics—it is a question of identity, dignity, and survival.' Roman Palchykov, Chairman of the Charitable Foundation 'The First Fund for the Restoration of Ukraine', reinforced the importance of cultural and spiritual dimensions in recovery—especially in regions scarred by war and landmines: 'Rebuilding must begin with safety. Demining is not just a technical task—it's a moral imperative. Every cleared field, every safe road, is a step toward restoring not only our land, but the dignity and future of our people.' Business and tech leaders also emphasized shared values. Citix, a leading American-Kazakh technology company renowned for its cutting-edge smart urban gadgets, took part in the prestigious Congressional Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. A pioneer in digitizing urban infrastructure, Citix is one of the largest Smart City and AdTech companies, actively expanding its presence in Türkiye and the MENA region. The company is transforming cities through a unique ecosystem of urban technologies and integrated advertising solutions. Citix's participation in the Prayer Breakfast not only highlights its entry into the American market but also underscores its commitment to building international partnerships and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Representing Citix at the event was Aidana Mukhtarkyzy, Co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer, who emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and international cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions. 'In a time of growing uncertainty, platforms like the Congressional Prayer Breakfast remind us of the power of unity, understanding, and shared values across borders,' said Ms. Mukhtarkyzy. Representatives of civil society added crucial perspectives on long-term security, identity, and the environment. As discussions shifted to another pressing global risk—security threats related to natural disasters—Maryna Ovtsynova, President of Allatra International Public Movement (IPM) and an expert in climate diplomacy, addressed the audience. She highlighted the urgent and growing problem of micro- and nanoplastic pollution, which now poses a serious threat to all of humanity. 'Humanity is confronted with grave problems—from armed conflicts to environmental crises—that require all nations and people to unite their efforts. Now, more than ever, it is essential to combine scientific expertise with active civic participation. The nanoplastics crisis is not a challenge of tomorrow—it is a crisis of today and demands a global response.' Following call for global unity in addressing environmental crises, John Herbst, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and Senior Director of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, reinforced the need for moral alliances to confront geopolitical threats from authoritarian regimes: 'The security challenges we face—from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea—are shared across the democratic world. But we also share the strength of alliances, of resilient nations like Ukraine and Israel. The U.S., with smart strategy and committed partners, can still lead a moral global order.' Public figure Uriel Shtern presented a mezuzah—a symbol of the Jewish people, crafted with the artistry of Ukrainian masters and adorned with authentic Ukrainian amber—as a powerful gesture of spiritual and cultural unity. His presentation underscored the shared values of resilience, faith, and identity that link diverse nations and communities. This message echoed throughout the day, as discussions repeatedly returned to how cultural heritage and moral conviction must guide the work of recovery and reconciliation in times of crisis. Throughout the day, spirited discussions emerged about truth, accountability, compassion, and conviction—and how these values must once again anchor both domestic and foreign policy. As many noted, faith is not a soft force—it is the spine of resistance to tyranny, confusion, and division. Participants from business, diplomacy, civil society, and the faith community echoed a central theme: values must return to the center of public life. Truth, justice, forgiveness, and moral courage were not discussed abstractly—but as active tools for diplomacy, development, and rebuilding. While many came to advocate for their nations or communities, they left having participated in something deeper—a spiritual and civic covenant. As one organizer reflected, 'You felt it in the room: a hunger not just for answers, but for wisdom.' The Prayer Breakfast concluded with a powerful call for moral courage—not only in policy, but in personal leadership. As one guest remarked: 'Democracy begins with character. That's the lesson here.' Distinguished guests included: Peter Huessy (president, GeoStrategic Analysis), Paolo von Schirach (president, Global Policy Institute; professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bay Atlantic University), Dina Shaikhislam (seasoned political and government relations consultant), H.E. Ambassador Dr. Tiffany Lancaster (UN Ambassador Special Envoy for Public Affairs), Shelby Magid (Deputy Director, Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center), Matt London (Researcher, Georgetown University's Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies), Ezra Friedlander (CEO, The Friedlander Group), Adam W. Schindler (Chief Digital Officer, America First Policy Institute), Anna Yabluchanska (Medical Aid Program Director, United Help Ukraine), and Yanina Volosna (attorney at law, LL.M, MBA). Organizers and Partners: Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce – International consulting firms specializing in political consulting, political technologies, public relations, GR, and anti-crisis communications. The company has a proven record of success, with over 30 election victories, 50 successful anti-crisis projects, and 100 PR campaigns and projects in the USA, EU, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. Institute for Democracy and Development 'PolitA' – A Washington-based think tank that conducts educational, analytical, and policymaking projects in the fields of democracy development, awareness campaigns and advocacy for meaningful social changes. SIC Group – International consulting firms specializing in political consulting, political technologies, public relations, GR, and anti-crisis communications. Photos and video can be found here: Technical Assistance: Pavlo DumanskyiDuvi@
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Congressional Prayer Breakfast: Faith, Freedom, and Peacebuilding Unite Global Leaders on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world facing rising geopolitical tensions and deepening moral crises, the Congressional Prayer Breakfast: Peace and Cooperation brought together leaders from across the U.S. Congress, foreign governments, religious institutions, business, and civil society. Co-hosted by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, and the Institute for Democracy and Development "PolitA," the event focused on how to address today's political challenges through moral clarity, faith-based diplomacy, and unified action. Congressman Mark Green, Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee and a decorated combat veteran, physician, and statesman, served as the event's honorary host. Known for his outspoken commitment to democratic values and national security, Congressman Green opened the event with a message that resonated across political and international lines: "At a time when democracies face existential threats from authoritarian regimes, gatherings like the Congressional Prayer Breakfast remind us of the power of faith to unite people across borders. Our commitment to liberty, to moral leadership, and to standing with our allies—like Israel and Ukraine—is rooted not only in policy, but in principle." Kateryna Odarchenko, head of the Institute for Democracy and Development "PolitA", expanded on the necessity of moral clarity in public life: "In my remarks, I spoke about the Mishkan—the sanctuary built from humble materials—because it teaches us that purpose sanctifies effort. It's not about the grandeur of institutions, but the integrity of what they are built for. At PolitA, we support democratic institutions, advise civil society, and advocate for value-driven leadership across Eastern Europe. Today's crises—from war to corruption to moral fatigue—cannot be solved by strategies alone. They demand a return to ethical foundations, to shared meaning. That's why gatherings like this are not ceremonial—they are essential." Ambassador Oksana Markarova of Ukraine offered heartfelt reflections on the power of spiritual solidarity: "No one wants peace more than Ukrainians... Like Israel, we are an ancient people on our historic land, yet constantly defending our right to exist. That is why we pray together—not only for peace, but for statehood, dignity, and freedom." Following this, Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, called for moral consistency in international alliances: "Peace begins with common sense—pasekh seykhl. When we advocate to politicians, especially regarding votes at the UN, we must demand accountability and consistency. If you claim to share our democratic and moral values, do not vote against us. We feel betrayed when allies take actions that contradict those values. This applies equally to Israel, Ukraine, Korea, and beyond." Three panels explored the intersection of faith, governance, and humanitarian recovery. The first examined the moral dimensions of peacebuilding in Israel and Eastern Europe. The second panel addressed the role of religious institutions in responding to humanitarian crises and preserving family and national identity. The third addressed long-term visions for rebuilding post-war societies—with a focus on justice, economic renewal, and democratic partnerships. Vadym Melnyk, legal expert in economic security and administrative law, remarked during the third panel: "True peace is impossible without justice and a functioning economy. Rule of law, faith in institutions, and moral leadership are the cornerstones of secure nations. If we fail to defend these principles during wartime, we risk losing them in peacetime as well. This is not just a matter of politics—it is a question of identity, dignity, and survival." Roman Palchykov, Chairman of the Charitable Foundation "The First Fund for the Restoration of Ukraine", reinforced the importance of cultural and spiritual dimensions in recovery—especially in regions scarred by war and landmines: "Rebuilding must begin with safety. Demining is not just a technical task—it's a moral imperative. Every cleared field, every safe road, is a step toward restoring not only our land, but the dignity and future of our people." Business and tech leaders also emphasized shared values. Citix, a leading American-Kazakh technology company renowned for its cutting-edge smart urban gadgets, took part in the prestigious Congressional Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. A pioneer in digitizing urban infrastructure, Citix is one of the largest Smart City and AdTech companies, actively expanding its presence in Türkiye and the MENA region. The company is transforming cities through a unique ecosystem of urban technologies and integrated advertising solutions. Citix's participation in the Prayer Breakfast not only highlights its entry into the American market but also underscores its commitment to building international partnerships and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Representing Citix at the event was Aidana Mukhtarkyzy, Co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer, who emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and international cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions. "In a time of growing uncertainty, platforms like the Congressional Prayer Breakfast remind us of the power of unity, understanding, and shared values across borders," said Ms. Mukhtarkyzy. Representatives of civil society added crucial perspectives on long-term security, identity, and the environment. As discussions shifted to another pressing global risk—security threats related to natural disasters—Maryna Ovtsynova, President of Allatra International Public Movement (IPM) and an expert in climate diplomacy, addressed the audience. She highlighted the urgent and growing problem of micro- and nanoplastic pollution, which now poses a serious threat to all of humanity. "Humanity is confronted with grave problems—from armed conflicts to environmental crises—that require all nations and people to unite their efforts. Now, more than ever, it is essential to combine scientific expertise with active civic participation. The nanoplastics crisis is not a challenge of tomorrow—it is a crisis of today and demands a global response." Following call for global unity in addressing environmental crises, John Herbst, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and Senior Director of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, reinforced the need for moral alliances to confront geopolitical threats from authoritarian regimes: "The security challenges we face—from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea—are shared across the democratic world. But we also share the strength of alliances, of resilient nations like Ukraine and Israel. The U.S., with smart strategy and committed partners, can still lead a moral global order." Public figure Uriel Shtern presented a mezuzah—a symbol of the Jewish people, crafted with the artistry of Ukrainian masters and adorned with authentic Ukrainian amber—as a powerful gesture of spiritual and cultural unity. His presentation underscored the shared values of resilience, faith, and identity that link diverse nations and communities. This message echoed throughout the day, as discussions repeatedly returned to how cultural heritage and moral conviction must guide the work of recovery and reconciliation in times of crisis. Throughout the day, spirited discussions emerged about truth, accountability, compassion, and conviction—and how these values must once again anchor both domestic and foreign policy. As many noted, faith is not a soft force—it is the spine of resistance to tyranny, confusion, and division. Participants from business, diplomacy, civil society, and the faith community echoed a central theme: values must return to the center of public life. Truth, justice, forgiveness, and moral courage were not discussed abstractly—but as active tools for diplomacy, development, and rebuilding. While many came to advocate for their nations or communities, they left having participated in something deeper—a spiritual and civic covenant. As one organizer reflected, "You felt it in the room: a hunger not just for answers, but for wisdom." The Prayer Breakfast concluded with a powerful call for moral courage—not only in policy, but in personal leadership. As one guest remarked: "Democracy begins with character. That's the lesson here." Distinguished guests included: Peter Huessy (president, GeoStrategic Analysis), Paolo von Schirach (president, Global Policy Institute; professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bay Atlantic University), Dina Shaikhislam (seasoned political and government relations consultant), H.E. Ambassador Dr. Tiffany Lancaster (UN Ambassador Special Envoy for Public Affairs), Shelby Magid (Deputy Director, Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center), Matt London (Researcher, Georgetown University's Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies), Ezra Friedlander (CEO, The Friedlander Group), Adam W. Schindler (Chief Digital Officer, America First Policy Institute), Anna Yabluchanska (Medical Aid Program Director, United Help Ukraine), and Yanina Volosna (attorney at law, LL.M, MBA). Organizers and Partners: Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce – International consulting firms specializing in political consulting, political technologies, public relations, GR, and anti-crisis communications. The company has a proven record of success, with over 30 election victories, 50 successful anti-crisis projects, and 100 PR campaigns and projects in the USA, EU, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. Institute for Democracy and Development "PolitA" – A Washington-based think tank that conducts educational, analytical, and policymaking projects in the fields of democracy development, awareness campaigns and advocacy for meaningful social changes. SIC Group – International consulting firms specializing in political consulting, political technologies, public relations, GR, and anti-crisis communications. Photos and video can be found here: Technical Assistance: Pavlo DumanskyiDuvi@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
