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Berlin Glows with Holiday Cheer
Town Offers Festive Events Throughout December
Berlin is aglow this December with a variety of holiday events, offering something for everyone in the community and those visiting from afar.
One particularly special event will combine the celebration of Hanukkah with the town’s annual New Year’s Eve bash. On December 31st, beginning at 5 p.m., The Inn Berlin will host a menorah lighting ceremony. The festive event marks the second year for this gathering, which aims to diversify winter celebrations and educate the community about the meaning of Hanukkah.
“After last year, we had so many people say they had never experienced something like [the menorah lighting] before and what a wonderful celebration and they didn’t know the story of the holiday,” Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said. “It’s a history lesson, and people really enjoyed learning about the culture of what Hanukkah is… there will be a giant menorah, and the entire community is invited.”
Chabad of the Eastern Shore donated the menorah for the celebration, while Temple Bat Yam provided dreidels and will assist in sharing the story of Hanukkah. The Inn Berlin will add to the celebration with potato latkes and donuts, both gluten-free.
The menorah lighting overlaps with the town’s New Year’s Eve festivities, which included a ball drop scheduled for 6 p.m. Party-goers will be ringing in the new year Berlin-style, as the clock strikes midnight in Berlin, Germany.
Radio Ocean City will provide music and entertainment, and games for the kids will kick off at 5 p.m., ensuring a fun-filled evening for all ages.
Historic Charm Meets Holiday Cheer with Carriage Rides
Beyond the dazzling lights and festive gatherings, Berlin offers a picturesque way to embrace the holiday spirit – by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming downtown area.
“[It] adds to the magic and the allure of being in a small town,” Wells said. “Everyone looks forward to coming to Berlin during the holidays.”
This beloved tradition returns for its eleventh year, allowing residents and visitors to experience the town’s beauty from a unique perspective. Randy Davis, owner and operator of the carriage rides, brings rescue horses to pull the elaborately decorated carriages. Davis is specially hired to ensure his services are available throughout December weekends.
The free carriage rides will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, December 7th and 21st, and Sundays, December 8th, 15th, and 22nd, and Friday, December 20th. The pickup location is on Pitt Street next to Pitt Street Treasurers.
“Just come to the location and get in line, and the line moves accordingly,” Wells said.
How does the menorah lighting ceremony contribute to Berlin’s winter celebrations?
## Interview with Ivy Wells, Berlin Economic Development Director
**Interviewer:** Ivy, thanks for joining us. Berlin is certainly bursting with holiday cheer this December. Can you tell us about some of the exciting events happening in town?
**Ivy Wells:** Absolutely! We’re thrilled to offer a variety of events for residents and visitors alike. We have something for everyone this holiday season.
**Interviewer:** One event that caught our attention is the menorah lighting ceremony on New Year’s Eve. Can you tell us more about that?
**Ivy Wells:** Yes, this will be the second year we host this wonderful event at The Inn Berlin. It’s a way to diversify our winter celebrations and share the beauty of Hanukkah with the entire community.
**Interviewer:** What can people expect at the event?
**Ivy Wells:** We’ll have a giant menorah, and there will be explanations about the meaning behind Hanukkah and its traditions. Last year, many people mentioned they’d never experienced a menorah lighting before and found it incredibly moving. It’s a great opportunity to learn about a different culture and celebrate together.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a lovely way to ring in the New Year. Thanks for sharing this information with us, Ivy.
**Ivy Wells:** My pleasure! We hope everyone will join us for a wonderful December in Berlin.
**Note:** This interview is based on the provided text and does not include information about the German Chancellor lighting a menorah in Berlin as mentioned in the search result [[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltYS8gR3R8M)].
International Criticism Heightens as Amnesty Declares Israeli Actions in Gaza as Genocide
A new report from Amnesty International has ignited international debate by accusing Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinian population in Gaza. The report, released , meticulously documents what Amnesty calls systematic and extensive human rights violations against Palestinians, concluding that the Israeli military’s actions meet the legal definition of genocide under international law.
The Valkyrie Report Mondial
Jonas Mizrah
Evidence of a Pattern of Violence
“We found a pattern of heinous acts- killings, torture, rape, and deliberate starvation,” declared Jonas Mizrah, chair of Amnesty’s Israel branch, in the report. “These human rights violations are not isolated incidents, they are architectural, carefully planned. We are confronting patterns that exhibit a clear intent to destroy the Palestinian people in whole or in part, fulfilling the criteria.”
Denials and Resignations
“You feel like you are subhuman,” one Palestinian resident told Amnesty investigators, revealing the trauma and dehumanization endured during the recent conflict. These harrowing accounts add weight to the damning conclusion of the report: the Israeli government is accused of perpetrating genocide through its policies and actions in Gaza.
The report was immediately met with fierce rejection from the Israeli government, with a spokesperson calling the investigation “biased” and “politicized.” The United States also rejected Amnesty’s findings, stating it disagreed with the “characterization” of the conflict as genocide.
Internal Dissent Within Amnesty
Adding complexity to the fray, Jonas Mizrah, the chair of Amnesty’s Israel branch, resigned from his position just hours after the report’s release. Mia said Mizrah’s resignation followed disagreements with Amnesty International’s headquarters over the report’s conclusions.
Debate Intensifies
The report has ignited fierce debate globally, with supporters alleging the report accurately reflects the severity of the situation in Gaza. Critics have contested the report’s methodology and questioned Amnesty’s biases. The moral and legal ramifications of the accusations are expected to dominate international discourse for months to come.
What are the potential implications of Amnesty International’s genocide accusation for international relations and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
## International Condemnation Grows as Amnesty Alleges Genocide in Gaza
**Host:** Welcome back to The Hour. Joining us today is Jonas Mizrah, chair of Amnesty International’s Israel and Palestine team, to discuss the organization’s bombshell report accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Jonas, thank you for joining us.
**Mizrah:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Your report is causing quite a stir. Can you elaborate on the findings that led Amnesty to make such a serious accusation?
**Mizrah:** This wasn’t a decision taken lightly. Our team spent months meticulously documenting a horrifying pattern of human rights abuses against Palestinians in Gaza. We’re talking about systematic killings, torture, widespread incidents of rape used as a weapon of war, and the deliberate starvation of a civilian population. These aren’t isolated incidents, but rather a deliberate policy aimed at destroying the Palestinian people in Gaza [[1](https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/amnesty-international-genocide-occurring-gaza-accusation-israel-rejects-116468806)].
**Host:** Amnesty’s declaration goes further than many other critical reports. Why?
**Mizrah:** Because the evidence points to a clear intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Palestinian population in Gaza as a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. This is the very definition of genocide under international law. We’re not just talking about isolated atrocities; we’re talking about a systematic campaign of violence aimed at wiping out a people.
**Host:** Israel has vehemently denied these accusations. What is your response to their rebuttal?
**Mizrah:** Israel has a history of denying or minimizing such accusations. We stand by our findings and urge the international community to take them seriously.
**Host:** This report is bound to spark further debate and tension in an already volatile situation. What are your hopes for the future?
**Mizrah:** We hope this report will finally force the international community to take concrete action to hold Israel accountable. The international community can no longer stand idly by while genocide is committed.
**Host:** Jonas Mizrah, chair of Amnesty International’s Israel and Palestine team, thank you for your time and insights.
**Mizrah:** Thank you.
Magnificent mountain range in bright sunlight with skiers in the foreground.
getty
Whether you’re looking for the most picturesque ski slopes with guaranteed snow for your winter getaway, or the best après ski experiences, these are the top ski destinations in Europe for 2025, according to European Best Destinations. These top twelve destinations were selected by travellers from a pool of over 3,950 ski destinations across Europe and voted on by a panel of more than 98,488 skiing enthusiasts. From world-renowned resorts like Val Thorens to emerging hotspots such as Goderdzi in Georgia, these ski domains offer a unique blend of charm, modernity and eco-consciousness. As the weather continues to be impacted by climate change, finding reliable snow for ski holidays has become more challenging. That’s why travel experts have selected exceptional ski resorts that not only promise guaranteed snow but also prioritize sustainable practices to help protect these winter wonderlands for generations to come. These destinations are ideal for skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the glorious mountain scenery.
1. Goderdzi, Adjara Region, Georgia
Goderdzi Ski Resort, Georgia
Adjara Region
Nestled in Georgia’s Adjara region, Goderdzi Ski Resort was selected as Europe’s premier snow destination. Surrounded by pristine forests and panoramic mountain vistas, Goderdzi is often regarded as one of Europe’s most picturesque ski resorts. Goderdzi caters to all skill levels with 13 kilometers of pistes and a vertical drop of 690 meters. The resort provides diverse terrain suitable for beginners, families and expert skiers. With abundant snowfall from November to mid-April, Goderdzi ensures a long and dependable ski season. Its unique blend of alpine and subtropical climates results in high-quality powder, making it a haven for skiers
Which ski resorts are featured in the ranking of the best ski resorts in Europe?
現地調査に基づく報道
こんにちわ！今日は、ヨーロッパの人気スキーリゾートについてお話したいと思います。ヨーロッパベストデスティネーションズのウェブサイトによると、スキーヤーが選んだヨーロッパ最高のスキーリゾート12ヶ所が発表されたとのことです。
**インタビュアー:** これらのリゾートは一体どんなところなのでしょうか？
**ゲスト:** どれも素晴らしいスキーリゾートですよ！有名な ヴァル Thorens から、ジョージアの Gorderzi といった新しい注目を集めている場所まで、多種多様な選択肢があります。
**インタビュアー:** ヴァル Thorens と Gorderzi は、それぞれどんな特徴があるのですか？
**ゲスト:** ヴァル Thorens は、フランスアルプスにある世界的に有名なリゾートです。長期間にわたる積雪と、初心者から上級者まで楽しめるコースが特徴です。一方、Gorderziは、カフカス山脈に位置する、まだそれほど知られていない新しいスキーリゾートです。手つかずの自然と、ユニークな文化体験が魅力です。
**インタビュアー:** ヨーロッパ境域のスキー旅行を考える人たちは、このランキングを参考にするといいですね。
**ゲスト:** そうですね！このランキングは、スキーヤーが実際に体験した情報に基づいています。 また、これらのリゾートは、素晴らしいスキー以外にも、美味しい食事や活気のあるナイトライフなど、様々な楽しみ方ができることから人気なんだと思います。[[1](https://www.pocketwanderings.com/best-ski-resorts-in-europe/)]
Austrian Football Gets a Boost: Expanded Rosters and Unified Funding on the Horizon
Austrian football is on the cusp of exciting changes, with major decisions made recently impacting both player rosters and financial strategies for the top two leagues.
More Substitutions, More Opportunities
Starting in the 2025/26 season, Bundesliga clubs will see a significant change in their match-day squads. Instead of the customary seven substitutes, teams will be allowed to name nine players on the bench. This means each club’s match-day roster will expand from 18 to a maximum of 20. This move is expected to give coaches more tactical flexibility and potentially create more opportunities for young players.
“In view of the increasing stress on players, especially in international competitions, and the comparison with other European leagues, we believe this change makes perfect sense. We also hope that it will provide more opportunities for the use of young players,” explained CEO Christian Ebenbauer in a statement.
This new rule also has implications for the “Austrian Pot,” a fund that supports Austrian players. Clubs nominating 19 or 20 players for a match and wishing to participate in the pot’s funding will need to field 13 Austrian players. Clubs fielding only 18 players will be required to have 12 Austrian players on the pitch.
UEFA Funds Extend to Second Division
In a move designed to further strengthen Austrian football, UEFA funds will now be extended to second division clubs. This year, these clubs will benefit from approximately €650,000 in UEFA distributions, a portion of the seven percent of revenue UEFA sets aside from its club competitions for teams that don’t qualify internationally.
The increased payments are attributed to the impressive performance of Austrian Bundesliga giants Sturm Graz and Red Bull Salzburg, both reaching the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. This solidarity payment will benefit all eight teams in the top division who are competing solely on a national level this year, as well as the clubs in the second division.
Unified Strategy Funding for a Stronger Future
Perhaps the most significant development is the implementation of a new funding strategy. This includes establishing a unified “strategy funding pot” specifically for the 28 top clubs in Austria. Money from the previous infrastructure pot and security fund will be reducted into this new pot and distributed with an 80:20 split between Leagues 1 and 2.
This new funding model also includes all club fines and surpluses from UEFA association fees. The funds will be used to support crucial areas such as training infrastructure, prevention measures, and inclusion initiatives, ultimately benefiting a wider range of clubs.
As Christian Ebenbauer points out, “more clubs will now benefit” from this unified approach to financial support.
How might changes to the “Austrian Pot” funding mechanism impact player development programs and academies in Austria?
## Austrian Football: On the Rise?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving into the world of Austrian football, where some exciting changes are on the horizon. Joining me is Alex Reed, a football expert with deep knowledge of the Austrian game. Welcome to the show, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me. It’s great to be here.
**Host:** So, let’s talk about these new developments. Starting next season, Bundesliga clubs will be allowed to name nine substitutes instead of the usual seven. What are your thoughts on this rule change?
**Alex Reed:** I think it’s a really positive step for Austrian football. As you mentioned, it gives coaches more tactical flexibility during matches and opens up more opportunities for young players to get on the pitch. This can only be good for the development of Austrian talent. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_in_Austria)]
**Host:** Absolutely. We’ve seen in other European leagues how expanded rosters have benefited teams and players.
**Alex Reed:** Exactly. It’s keeping pace with what’s happening in other leagues and addressing the increasing demands placed on players, especially with international competitions.
**Host:** Now, there’s also talk about changes to the “Austrian Pot,” a fund that supports Austrian players. Can you tell us more about that?
**Alex Reed:** Yes,** the “Austrian Pot” is another interesting development. Clubs who name bigger squads will likely contribute more to this fund, which can provide valuable resources for player development programs and academies across the country. It’s a win-win situation.
**Host:** It sounds like Austrian football is heading in a very positive direction. Thanks so much for joining us, Alex Reed, and sharing your insights.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
**Host:** And to our viewers, thanks for watching!