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How you can help Israel during this horrific time

Pure evil has been unleashed against the people of Israel. So many were brutally murdered, including babies who were beheaded in their cribs in one kibbutz! Children were butchered or kidnapped. Women were raped and then kidnapped or murdered and defiled. 260 young people were slaughtered at a music festival, and dozens more butchered or hauled away to Gaza. Holocaust survivors and other elderly met the same fates. The Hamas terrorists who did this are beneath the most vicious animals.

There is no “both sides” to this story.

No one can bring back the lost lives or even comprehend the horrific traumas, like those found on Instagram but often sanitized elsewhere. However, giving up is not an option. Following is a list of some of organizations that are actively Israel’s response to these catastrophes and greatly need support.

I am very involved in Jewish National Fund-USA (the first organization on the list) and can personally recommend the organization for its programs all across Israel for people of all faiths.

I am not intimately familiar with the other listed groups but have heard good things from friends and colleagues. You may want to review their websites for more information. (Note that the descriptions of these organizations comes from a Jerusalem-based source.)

Thank you for considering a donation at this very difficult time.

Paul Driessen

ORGANIZATIONS THAT NEED

Addressing Current Needs in Southern Israel

Jewish National Fund - USA – Emergency “Resilience Campaign. Every dollar raised by this JNF campaign goes to addressing critical, current needs: evacuation, transportation and emergency housing for hardest hit communities on the border; firefighting and protective equipment to combat ongoing rocket fire that’s destroying homes, buildings and livelihoods; bedding and hygiene supplies for those displaced from their homes; psychological treatment; and the promise to rebuild communities devastated by attacks, to keep their spirits and hope strong.

In one case, “JNF-USA purchased advanced security cameras that were installed on the roof of Bnei Netzarim Synagogue in Halutza. Last Saturday the cameras spotted 13 Hamas vehicles headed to Israel for an attack. With encrypted radios (also supplied by JNF), the local security teams coordinated an interception and guided IDF forces to cut the terrorists off, saving countless lives. www.JNF.org/SupportIsrael

Emergency Responders

Magen David Adom: MDA is Israel's national emergency medical service. It plays a vital role in saving lives, especially during times of crisis. MDA provides ambulance services, blood donations and medical support to those in need. Your contribution can help MDA continue their essential work. https://www.MDAIS.org/en or its American Friends US site https://www.AFMDA.

United Hatzolah: This volunteer-based organization operates a network of first responders throughout Israel and is the largest volunteer ambulance service in the world. It provide rapid medical assistance during emergencies, often on motorcycles. (I’ve seen them in action.) Contribute to their lifesaving efforts at United Hatzolah. https://IsraelRescue.org/

Support for Trauma Victims and Their Families:

Eran: Eran offers emotional support through a helpline to people experiencing crisis, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Your donation will help them continue this vital work. https://en.eran.org.il/donate-online/

Natal: Natal provides comprehensive support for Israeli victims of trauma and terror. Their programs offer psychological help and healing for individuals and families affected by violence. https://www.natal.org.il/en/

One Family: This organization provides assistance to victims of terror attacks: financial aid, therapy, and support networks for affected families. You can contribute to their mission at https://OneFamilytogether.org/

Trauma for Good: This organization uses innovative methods to help trauma survivors rebuild their lives. Its professionals empower survivors to turn their pain into strength and resilience. https://www.Trauma4Good.org/en/home2/

Zaka: This volunteer-based organization specializes in search, rescue and recovery operations during emergencies and terror attacks. It also provides emotional support to victims and their families. Its website is only in Hebrew, but any translation app can automatically translate the page. https://zaka.org.il/

Supporting IDF Soldiers

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces: FIDF offers programs and services to support IDF soldiers and their families, helping to improve the lives of these brave individuals. https://www.fidf.org/

Brothers for Life: This organization supports wounded soldiers, including those who have lost limbs or been paralyzed, providing them with care, rehabilitation and resources to lead fulfilling lives. https://www.BrothersForLife.com/

Chayal el Chayal: This organization provides housing and support to “lone soldiers” (soldiers without family in the country) serving in the IDF. Your support ensures these soldiers have a home away from home. https://www.chayalelchayal.com/

Lone Soldier Center: The Center offers a wide range of services to lone soldiers, including financial support, social activities and mentorship programs. https://LoneSoldierCenter.com/

The Michael Levin Base: This organization also supports lone soldiers, by providing them with a sense of community and the resources to make their service in the IDF more manageable far from home. https://themichaellevinbase.org/

Bezri: This group is dedicated to improving the welfare of all IDF soldiers, by providing them with essential items and support. https://www.bezri.org/program_info.php?program_id=58

For an uplifting story of a young heroine who led her kibbutz in battling and killing two dozen Hamas terrorists, see https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12616229/Israeli-woman-Inbar-Lieberman-kibbutz-Nir-Hamas.html

For a article about the despicable elements running Harvard and Harvard Law School publications and organizations, see https://townhall.com/tipsheet/john-hasson/2023/10/10/meet-the-harvard-students-supporting-hamas-invasion-of-israel-n2629626

Feudal Future Podcast: The Political Paradox of Marriage Decline

Are you aware that the decline in marriage rates could be silently and profoundly shaping our society? Today, we're joined by Sam Abrams and Brad Wilcox, esteemed visiting fellows at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect this pressing issue. We deliberate on how the health of marriage could determine the economic mobility of less fortunate children and how the increasing sense of loneliness in society could be linked to this very decline.

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The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

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This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Feudal Future Podcast: Behind the Scenes of Global Labor

Ever marveled at the staggering trends of youth unemployment and labor participation across the globe? Each region presents its own set of challenges; on this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by John Russo of Georgetown University and Rob Koepp of Chapman's Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Initiative, bring their insights to the table.

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More podcast episodes & show notes at JoelKotkin.com

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Support Our Work

The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism

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This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

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Austin Leads Working at Home Commute Share: 2022

The just released American Community Survey indicates that 28.0% of the commuters in the Austin metropolitan area work from home, which is the highest figure among the 56 major metropolitan areas (over 1,000,000 population). Austin displaces last year’s leader, San Francisco.

The table below lists the 10 major metropolitan areas with the largest work from home shares in 2022. Each of these metropolitan areas has been rated as a tech hub by industry publications.

WORK FROM HOME MARKET SHARE: 2022
Major Metropolitan Area Work from Home
Austin, TX 28.0%
San Francisco, CA 27.0%
Raleigh, NC 26.1%
Washington, DC-A-MD-WV 25.4%
Seattle, WA 25.4%
San Jose, CA 24.4%
Denver, CO 23.7%
Portland, OR-WA 23.3%
Charlotte, NC-SC 22.3%
Phoenix, AZ 21.7%
Source: American Community Survey: 2022


Wendell Cox is principal of Demographia, an international public policy firm located in the St. Louis metropolitan area. He is a founding senior fellow at the Urban Reform Institute, Houston, a Senior Fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy in Winnipeg and a member of the Advisory Board of the Center for Demographics and Policy at Chapman University in Orange, California. He has served as a visiting professor at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers in Paris. His principal interests are economics, poverty alleviation, demographics, urban policy and transport. He is co-author of the annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey and author of Demographia World Urban Areas.

Mayor Tom Bradley appointed him to three terms on the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (1977-1985) and Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich appointed him to the Amtrak Reform Council, to complete the unexpired term of New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman (1999-2002). He is author of War on the Dream: How Anti-Sprawl Policy Threatens the Quality of Life and Toward More Prosperous Cities: A Framing Essay on Urban Areas, Transport, Planning and the Dimensions of Sustainability.

Feudal Future Podcast: Economic Transformation and Challenges of Appalachia

Ever wondered what’s brewing in the land of Appalachian charm? Buckle up as we journey through the changing landscapes of this region, guided by our expert guests Aaron Renn and Jesse Wall. From the sun-soaked South, attracting folks with its warm weather and proximity to buzzing metropolises, to the Northern parts, diversifying their economy from heavy industry and tourism, we paint a vivid panorama of Appalachia’s economic transformation.

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Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism

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This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Feudal Future Podcast: Industrial A.I.

On this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by robotics engineer, Wyatt Newman, and executive director of the Digital Twins Institute, Michael Grieves, to discuss industrial artificial intelligence.

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Housing Report: Blame Ourselves, Not Our Stars

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Find more Feudal Future Podcast episodes at joelkotkin.com

Feudal Future Podcast: Nurturing California Industries

On this special Feudal Future episode, Joel Kotkin sits down with Marshall Toplansky & Sougata Poddar as they discuss Chapman University's brand new report on nurturing California industries.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE:
https://www.chapman.edu/Nurturing California Industries

Find more podcast episode at joelkotkin.com/JoelKotkin.com.

France's Riots are Following the George Floyd Playbook

The recent rioting in France reveals a new and disturbing reality. Across the country, riots moved from the banlieues to town centres and fancy shopping areas, leaving behind a trail of destruction that included over 200 looted shops, 300 bank branches and 250 tobacconists.

Where past disorders, such as in 2005, were once largely confined to the suburbs, increasingly they have spilled into gentrified areas too. In addition, protestors are showing little respect for their supposed social betters: the pension protests, for example, made a show of targeting the offices of Wall Street firm BlackRock and torching President Emmanuel Macron’s favourite restaurant. Welcome to the class struggle, 21st-century style, where no area is fully safe.

Read the rest of this piece at UnHerd.


Joel Kotkin is the author of The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class. He is the Roger Hobbs Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University and Executive Director for Urban Reform Institute. Learn more at joelkotkin.com and follow him on Twitter @joelkotkin.

Even Progressive Voters Don't Like Racial Affirmative Action

As the Supreme Court moves towards its expected affirmative action ruling, a backlash among supporters of racial quotas is already brewing. One magazine, The Nation, suggests that the lawyer pleading the case for Asian American students is serving the cause of “white supremacy”, while top college presidents, interviewed on PBS, predict that any move to curb race quotas would constitute a “disaster.” Some schools are going a step further by exploring how to get around the potential new law — just as corporations, always keen to please the chattering classes, do the same thing.

Affirmative action is not a winning issue for progressives. Indeed, a majority of both Democrats and Republicans, as well as roughly half of African Americans, say that colleges should not factor race and ethnicity into the admissions process. Asian Americans are even more hostile to the idea: one recent national poll found that four in 10 of the group saw affirmative action as “racist” and more than half welcomed a Supreme Court ruling outlawing it.

The fundamental flaw with affirmative action is that it directly contradicts what the Swedish sociologist Gunnar Myrdal defined as “the American creed” — a notion, too often ignored, embracing equal opportunity for all its citizens. But where the early goals of the Civil Rights movement backed this ideal, the new affirmative action regime embraces race-based discrimination as an unadulterated good.

Read the rest of this piece at UnHerd.


Joel Kotkin is the author of The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class. He is the Roger Hobbs Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University and Executive Director for Urban Reform Institute. Learn more at joelkotkin.com and follow him on Twitter @joelkotkin.