South Boston Today October 12 2023 by SouthBostonTodayOnline

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The Israel-Hamas War Tests Nationwide Colleges And Their Alumni

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.S. college campuses are in turmoil, pitting student groups against university leaders as long-simmering tensions between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian organizations boil over. Some student groups have long denounced what they call Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and brutal treatment of its residents, and while politicians from across the political spectrum were swift to condemn Hamas’s attack over the weekend, there were those at U.S. schools who laid the blame at Israel’s feet, leading to fears of potential antisemitic violence. More than 30 student groups at Harvard released a statement after the attack saying that Israel was “entirely responsible for all unfolding violence”, and the University of Virginia’s (UVA) Students for Justice in Palestine said Hamas’s actions, while left hundreds of Israeli civilians

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October 12, 2023

EDITORIAL To ‘Progressive’ Politicians, Illegals More Important Than Veterans

hile those calling the shots in the Biden Administration continue to lie and insist that the southern border is secure, Americans are well aware that it is anything but. The gates have been wide open since the day Biden himself was inaugurated. Millions are being allowed to flow in and pretty much welcomed with open arms by the democrats in charge in DC and in some states as well. Many have already been driven to the destinations of their choice, often given food and even shelter in sometimes plus five-star hotels. They are also given access to healthcare and are being enrolled

in schools. Some Americans, a small minority to be sure, are just fine with that. But we can’t help but notice that those same Americans who want the whole world allowed in and cared for won’t and never would offer to house these migrants themselves. That being said, these so-called progressives, show a noticeable lack of concern for the thousands of homeless veterans who, after serving our country and often putting their own lives in danger to do so, are left to fend for themselves and living on the streets. We’ve all seen the reports of hotels and motels in the blue areas around the country actually evicting veterans

from hotels and shelters to make room for the migrants who have illegally entered our country. It’s shameful and wrong. Thankfully, in some cases, private nonprofit organizations have stepped in and found shelter for those evicted vets. But the number is relatively low. Here in Massachusetts, we have a governor that is allowing so many illegal migrants to enter this state that she had to declare a ‘state of emergency’, because those migrants are now overwhelming the system. They are often being placed not only in shelters, but also in privately owned hotels and motels all at taxpayer expense – of course, it’s

Massachusetts. Many families can now barely afford to put food on their tables but there’s plenty of cash to throw at law breakers. This effort was being done quietly, for the most part. But when it was learned that some hotel rooms reserved for US veterans coming from all over the country for the big annual Army/ Navy football game to be held at Gillette Stadium who had paid up front for those rooms have been cancelled because they will now be used to house illegals, well, that news was too outrageous to be prevented from getting out. The governor said she was ‘distressed’ at the news. She acted sur-

prised. Judging by how some liberal elected officials seem to feel about veterans, we wonder. One only need recall how just recently, several elected leftist Boston City Councilors voted to cut $900,000 from the city’s Veteran’s Services budget. It’s a sad state of affairs and highlights the direction ‘progressive’ activists, whether elected or not, apparently want to take this city, state and country, when they now so outwardly and blatantly show far more compassion for people who ignore our laws and illegally enter the United States, than for American citizens and especially our veterans.

“May God bless the State of Israel and may God bless the United States of America” - Benjamin Netanyahu

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The Attack On Israel. Could America Be Next? John Ciccone

y now everyone reading this is aware of what’s going on in Israel. The brutal attack by the Hamas terrorists, funded by Iran, which is set to receive billions of dollars from the Biden Regime, deliberately launched, not so much on the Israeli military, but on innocent and helpless civilians. They dragged families from their homes, killed children, dragged women through the streets and then took hostages to use as human shields. They rained thousands of missiles down on residential areas killing hundreds. It’s been in the planning stages for quite a while, and it was executed during the Jewish Holy season to cause maximum death and destruction on an unsuspecting public. The plans were precise, and calculated to perfection as Israeli towns were slowly and stealthily being infiltrated by Hamas militants. These are not my opinions, these are the straight up facts. And if anyone thinks that the same thing couldn’t possibly be in our future and in the planning stages now, they might want to start paying attention to what’s taking place in our country. The Biden Regime has allowed millions of illegals to swamp our border. They are just pouring in. While the Democrats say the border is secure, Americans know it’s not and that we are blatantly being lied to. Among the flood of illegal’s entering our country, it’s well known that there is a hefty number of criminals, drug cartel members, gang members and yes, people on the terrorist watch list from countries all over the world. We can see the makeup of the flow of people coming in on live video. Yes, there are some families. But a majority is made up of young males of military age.

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We don’t know who they are or where they are going. They are allowed to go anywhere they want to. Remember, when the attacks on 911 took place, nothing like this was going on. Our borders were relatively secured. People couldn’t just stroll across like they’re doing now. But even with far greater security then, than we have today, the terrorists were still able to pull off a devastating attack. Can you imagine how much easier it would be now? These terrorists hate us and wish us all dead. Again, not my opinion, their ‘death to America chants’ are loud and clear. Already in our country, we have the enemy within in the form of radicals in high offices, trying to shift the blame to Israel. They are demanding that the Israeli military back off and negotiate peace with Hamas. Of course, we had Senator Ed Markey D, Massachusetts, as one of the cheerleaders for that. But peace? Seriously? After what Hamas did to Israel, they want the Jewish state to tone down its response and talk to the savages who just deliberately murdered hundreds of innocent civilians? There is a time for peace and unfortunately a time for war. And war should always be the last resort. But to let an attack like this go without a brutal and devastating response will only show weakness and encourage more of the same another time. I’m certainly no military expert, but the reality of the situation is clear for anyone to see. Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu has promised a swift, massive, and devastating response against those who attacked his country. His military is already hitting back with forceful counter attacks and Netanyahu has promised that’s it’s only the

Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com

beginning. I wonder if America was attacked like Israel was, if the leadership that is in control of our country at present time would have the stomach for such a response, especially when it won’t even protect our own borders. National security seems to have taken a back seat to ‘wokeness’ with this bunch in power. Like many of you, I too fear for America’s future with the people running the show. Along with drowning us with millions of unknown, non vetted illegal migrants, they have depleted our military stockpiles, all but emptied our emergency fuel reserves, placed ‘di-

versity and equity’ as priority over readiness according to many retired military brass. come right out and say it: The liberals and ‘progressives’ have made America weaker, not stronger. And all the while, they work feverishly to disarm law abiding Americans. Is this the plan? Is yet another so called ‘conspiracy theory’ coming true like so many others already have? My advice to my fellow Americans, for what it’s worth, is fight like hell to hold onto our Second Amendment rights and keep your powder dry. We might need it more than ever because America could be next.

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October 12, 2023

Window Into The State House

Window Into The State House provides our readers a synopsis of important issues of interest, past and current, that are being proposed, debated or acted upon by the Massachusetts Legislature. Many issues that are not related to local city government services are acted upon and have a direct impact on daily life. They are tax policy, transportation infrastructure, judicial appointments, social services and health, as well as higher education. We will excerpt reports from the gavel-to-gavel coverage of House and Senate sessions by news sources focused on this important aspect of our lives. These sources include a look ahead at the coming week in state government and summaries and analyses of the past week, re-caps of a range of state government activity, as well as links to other news.

Gun Reform Showdown House Democrats will hold a hearing on their overhaul of Massachusetts firearms laws Tuesday morning and the venue they chose — Gardner Auditorium, the State House’s largest hearing room — is a sign of the interest it is expected to draw from people and organizations around the state. A summary and analysis of the bill produced by Gun Owners’ Action League, which has been organizing much of the resistance to the House’s bill since Mariano and Day first suggested they would zoom it through the chamber back in July, offers a preview of what the committee is going to hear from opponents. GOAL zeroed in on what it called “the tremendous expansion of the so-called ‘Red Flag’ laws,” referring to the laws passed in Massachusetts in the wake of the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Those laws allow relatives and household members to ask a judge to suspend someone’s gun license. If the order is granted, authorities can remove guns from a home. The new House bill “drastically expands the people who can file a petition against a lawful gun owner,” GOAL said. The House bill is really just the

start of a debate that will most likely extend until late on July 31, 2024, when the legislative session ends. The Senate is working on its own gun legislation and President Karen Spilka said last week she thinks Gov. Maura Healey will have some kind of gun law reform bill on her desk “definitely before the session’s over.” Keep in mind that Healey didn’t endear herself to the Second Amendment community during her eight years as attorney general. She attracted the ire of gun owners in July 2016 when she announced her office would ramp up its enforcement of the state’s 1998 assault weapons ban, specifically focusing on what she called “copycat” version or duplicates of firearms that she said are banned under that law. Protestors rallied at the State House as lawmakers held Saturday formals — one protester held a sign reading “Heil Healey” depicting Healey with a Hitler mustache, a clear reference to the Nazi dictator. “Last week we announced that law enforcement and not the NRA should be in charge of interpreting our state’s assault weapons ban,” Healey said in July 2016. “You know what the response was? They sent the NRA to picket the State House, calling me a fascist,

crazed and my personal favorite, Princess Dictator.” Latest data shows rising office vacancy, but more leasing in industrial and life sciences A report from real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield for the third quarter of 2023 in the Boston area showed that warehouses, distribution and life sciences space is in greater demand but demand for office space is softening. In the industrial and warehousing sectors, leasing activity is growing quarter-over-quarter, but below historic averages, Boston Real Estate Times reported. A Cushman & Wakefield executive said Cambridge remains the top market or life sciences space. Office vacancies continue to rise, according to the report.

The administration of Gov. Maura Healey will enact more than 20 policy changes to increase the supply of housing, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus recently told representatives of the business community. He said the administration will approach the problem with “more of a scalpel than a meat cleaver,” State House News Service, which heard a recording of the talk, reported. Among the challenges Augustus cited was that would-be first-time homebuyers face overwhelming competition from wellfunded rivals.

Police chiefs group formally opposes House gun bill The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association says its members unanimously voted to oppose the wide-ranging gun law reform bill that was the subject of a heated legislative hearing on Tuesday. The group says the state’s gun laws are already tough enough and largely work.

Lawmakers hear from caregiving grandparents State lawmakers Tuesday heard from grandparents struggling with the demands of caring for their children’s children, especially fears they won’t be able to fund their college educations. A Legislative committee is weighing a bill that would provide free tuition and fees to state colleges and universities to young people being raised by family members other than their parents. The state already provides free public higher education for children in the foster care system.

Healey administration housing tactics emerging

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Bay State gets $1B from feds

DEDHAM SAVINGS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS MASSBAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

he Dedham Savings Community Foundation has donated to MassBay Community College. Grant funds will support the purchase of an educational training ambulance to be used in conjunction with the College’s newly established

Center for Health Sciences, Early Childhood, and Human Services. The ambulance will enhance the education of Emergency Medical Services trainees by utilizing simulation models for students to learn in a safe, immersive, and realistic environment.

ABOUT MASSBAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE MassBay Community College is a publicly funded, fully accredited community college in Massachusetts serving approximately 6,000 fulltime and part-time students from the greater Boston and the Metrowest

region on 3 campuses in Wellesley Hills, Framingham, and Ashland. ABOUT DEDHAM SAVINGS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The Dedham Savings Community Foundation was formed by Dedham Savings for the purpose continued on page 12

October 12, 2023

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SEN. COLLINS, REP. BIELE VOTE FOR TAX RELIEF PACKAGE Bill includes $561.3 million in tax relief in FY2024, $1.02 billion in FY2027 and beyond

ith the goal of providing financial relief to families across the Commonwealth while making Massachusetts more competitive with other states, State Senator Nick Collins and State Representative David Biele joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature in voting to overwhelmingly pass a bipartisan tax relief package supporting residents across all income levels on Thursday. “This compressive tax relief package reflects our commitment to providing meaningful financial benefits to individuals, families, and businesses across the Commonwealth. We need to continue to support legislation that provides real relief to taxpayers and stimulates our economy,” said Senator Collins “This comprehensive tax package will provide permanent relief to individuals and families in our neighborhood and across the state, while making Massachusetts more competitive for businesses and workers,” said Rep. Biele. “I was proud to join my colleagues in the Legislature in passing this legislation which will provide meaningful, financial benefits to meet the needs of our residents.” The compromise bill includes the following tax changes: • Estate Tax: Massachusetts’ current estate tax, which has not been updated in many years, has become an outlier in several ways. The changes made in this bill update the tax to bring it more in line with other states

and eliminate punitive elements of the tax for those with incomes just high enough to trigger it. The bill reduces the estate tax for all taxpayers and eliminates the tax for all estates under $2 million by allowing a uniform credit of $99,600. • Child and Dependent Tax Credit: The bill increases the refundable tax credit for a dependent child, disabled adult, or senior from $180 to $310 per dependent in taxable year 2023, and then to $440 in taxable year 2024 and beyond, while eliminating the child/dependent cap. This expanded credit, which will benefit more than 565,000 families, will be the most generous universal child and dependent tax credit in the country. • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The bill increases the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the federal credit. This increase will provide crucial support to working individuals and families, benefitting nearly 400,000 taxpayers with incomes under $60,000. • Single Sales Factor Apportionment: Currently, most businesses in Massachusetts are subject to a three-factor apportionment based on location, payroll, and receipts. To support companies headquartered in Massachusetts, this bill establishes a single sales factor apportionment in the Commonwealth based solely on receipts, matching what 39 other states currently do. • Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit: This bill doubles the refundable senior circuit breaker tax credit, which supports lim-

ited-income seniors facing high rents or real estate taxes, from $1,200 to $2,400. This change is expected to impact over 100,000 seniors across Massachusetts. • Rental Deduction Cap: The bill increases the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $4,000. This is expected to impact about 800,000 Massachusetts taxpayers. • Short-Term Capital Gains Tax: At 12 per cent, Massachusetts is among the states with the highest short-term capital gains tax rate, and taxes short-term capital gains at a higher rate than long-term capital gains. The bill lowers the short-term capital gains tax rate to 8.5 per cent. • Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP): The bill increases the statewide cap from $10 million to $57 million for 2023, and subsequently to $30 million annually, which

will provide Gateway Cities with an expanded tool to develop market rate housing. This increase is estimated to create 12,500 new homes in Gateway Cities and spur over $4 billion of private investment in these communities. • Low Income Housing Tax Credit: The bill raises the annual authorization from $40 million to $60 million. This increased authorization cap provides enough funding to spur the creation of thousands of new units of affordable housing annually while also bolstering economic development. • Local Option Property Tax Exemption for Affordable Housing: This new policy will permit municipalities to adopt a local property tax exemption for affordable real estate that is rented by a person whose income is less than a certain level set by the community. The bill also adjusts the Stabilization Fund cap, allowing the Commonwealth’s savings account to retain more funding. In addition, the bill requires married taxpayers who file a joint return with the federal government to file a joint state return, subject to exemptions or adjustments promulgated by the Department of Revenue (DOR). Having passed the House of Representatives and Senate, the bill now goes to the Governor for her consideration.

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Courage and Toughness Alanna Devlin Ball wins six medals at Invictus Games

lanna Devlin Ball, a South Boston native, retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and brain cancer survivor, competed for Team USA at the 2023 Invictus Games held in Dusseldorf, Germany on September 9-16th. The Invictus Games, founded and hosted by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, welcomed 550 wounded, ill and injured service members from twenty-one countries. The games, an international sports competition, was hosted at Merkur Spiel-Arena and surrounding athletic complexes on the banks of the Rhine River. These spacious venues allowed for local German viewers, 1,000 family

members and friends, to enjoy worldwide live streaming of events of their loved ones competing. Alanna won six medals. In powerlifting, she nearly lifted her bodyweight, earning the gold medal. She also competed in swimming, winning silver medals in the 50m freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 50-meter breaststroke, 50-meter backstroke, and a bronze medal in the 4 x 50-meter mixed freestyle relay race. Training and competing are not foreign to Alanna. In August 2022, she competed at the Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games in Orlando, Florida. Over 200 wounded, ill,

and injured U.S. and International service members and veteran athletes competed in this annual event. Alanna won five gold medals, a silver medal, and crushed a Warrior Games record in the 50-meter backstroke. Watching Alanna compete in the Invictus Games was special for me, my wife Mary, and Alanna’s husband, James. Always stoic, she was all business concentrating on the task at hand, having diligently prepared physically and mentally, every day leading up to the games. “I visualized my events, set performance goals and worked on being better, stronger and faster every day,” Alanna said. “Most importantly, I focused on improving my mental health, strength and confidence while blocking out

October 12, 2023

negative thoughts and distractions. I am so grateful and honored to have represented the USA at the Invictus Games. I am also proud of my journey and recovery and look forward to the next chapter.” With a sense of purpose undeterred, willpower without equal, insatiable desire to compete, her love of life is always on full display for everyone to see. Invictus means unconquered, unsubdued, invincible. Alanna is indeed Invictus. Unconquered. Unsubdued. Invincible. She is brave beyond measure. And thus, our admiration and respect for her gives us the courage to face our own ordeals in life as she does, without hesitation or doubt, but that of a conqueror.

October 12, 2023

Councilor Flynn Organizes Council’s Civility and Professionalism Training

uring his term in leadership at the Council, Boston City Council President Ed Flynn emphasized the importance of respect and decorum. He has organized a series of trainings with colleagues and staff focusing on ethics and professionalism. Now, in partnership with the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the National Institute for Civil Discourse, Council President Flynn has coordinated a civility workshop for the Boston City Council on October

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12th, aimed at encouraging civility and facilitating discussions on how to bridge across differences. State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the National Institute for Civil Discourse are nationally recognized nonpartisan organizations that provide resources and training to municipalities across the country. The training on October 12 will be facilitated by six municipal elected officials and leaders from across the country, who will lead City Councilors and staff on discussions about their experiences, finding common ground, and come up with action steps on maintaining civility. “The purpose of the civility workshop is to get participants to see each other as individuals rather than their political ideologies,” said Thom Little, Director of Curriculum Development & Research at the

Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes News Gate of Heaven Parish All are welcome to come for Coffee and Conversation this Sunday, October 15th after the 9 a.m. Mass in the Downstairs Hall at Gate of Heaven Church.

State Legislative Leaders Foundation. “If they can build relationships with each other, they can work together more effectively.” The civility workshop on October 12 is the latest in his effort to foster civility and strengthening ethics in the Boston City Council. In recent months, Council President Flynn hosted a Massachusetts State Ethics Training that covered conflict of interest law, gift restrictions, code of conduct and related ethics issues. In August and September, Council President Flynn also held two working sessions regarding an AntiBullying Policy for the City Council that he previously introduced in May. The City Council has previously held trainings related to the Open Meeting Law and the Public Records Law, along with annual compliance and Massachusetts Commision Against Discrimination (MCAD) training. He has held multiple working sessions with the City Clerk and colleagues to review the Boston City Council Rules adopted by the body. Council President Flynn assumed leadership of the body during a par-

ticularly difficult time in our city and country; navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent transition back to in-person work and Council meetings, a new budget process, as well as a number of ethical and legal lapses from several Council colleagues. Council President Flynn has spoken at length on several occasions, on both the Council floor as well as via memos to colleagues, on the critical need for civility, professionalism and decorum. “As Council President, I have often focused on the importance of treating each other with respect and dignity and maintaining civility and professionalism in the City Council. As elected officials, we need to set the standard for the public with how we interact with one another while conducting the people’s business,” said Council President Flynn. “This civility training will bring new perspectives and ideas on how to engage with each other respectfully even if we have differences, and help us promote a culture of civility in the City Council. I look forward to engaging with my colleagues in this training.”

Boston’s drinking water is provided by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority from the Quabbin Reservoir and is distributed lead-free to homes and businesses. However, some older homes in Boston may have a lead service line, lead solder used in plumbing and older brass fixtures. If you have a lead service line in your home or business, have it replaced. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all groups. Running your cold water in the

morning for a minute will flush your service line, this may reduce exposure to lead in drinking water if your service line is lead. Boston property owners should take advantage of this important program at no cost to you. We offer free inspection of your water service line to determine if it is made of copper or lead. If your service line is lead BWSC will replace it at no cost to the property owner. To have your service line tested and replaced take advantage of BWSC’s No Cost Lead Replacement Incentive Program at 617-989-7888.

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Peter asked the children, South Boston Catholic Academy News Father “Do not focus on the material

Honoring St. Francis on his Feast Day! things in your life but, focus on the

n October 4, 2023, the students in 5A led the students, families, faculty, and staff at SBCA in the School Mass in honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, Italy. The students in Grade 5A did a fantastic job as Greeters, Readers and bringing up the Gifts to the Altar. Father Peter Schirripa, the Parochial Vicar, was the celebrant at this Mass. At this Mass, we welcomed four

new Altar Servers and many new students to the SBCA Children’s Choir. Thank you to the teachers who helped the students prepare for this Mass. St. Francis is the patron saint of the environment and animals. He is known for his love for God and God’s creation. In his “ Canticle of the Creatures,” he reveals how all creation is connected in one family under God’s loving care.

important part of your life, your family. When you go home, tell your parents you love them so very much and say Thank you to them for loving you so very much.” The SBCA Children’s Choir did a wonderful job singing at this Mass, especially with the … “Prayer of St. Francis” - Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt,

October 12, 2023

faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. St. Francis, Pray for us. New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

October 12, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

St. Peter Academy Scholarship Fund, Breast Cancer Awareness Day, and South Boston Street Festival

t was a super busy week at St. Peter Academy! We had a visit from Joe Bodio, President/CEO of Lantel Communications. Lantel has donated all equipment and weeks of manpower to update the Academy’s IT infrastructure. The wi-fi, internet, interactive boards, staff and student technology are working at its best

thanks to them. Mr. Bodio toured the Academy and was thrilled to see all learning happening. He also gave the school a generous donation towards the SPA Scholarship Fund. Thank you Lantel we are so grateful for our partnership! Friday was Pink/Red Day for Breast Cancer Awareness. Donations will be made to The Family Reach Organiza-

tion. The organization offers services for families facing cancer. Thank you to all that participated! On Saturday we set up a table at the South Boston Street Festival and handed out our popular SPA Green Balloons! Thank you to everyone that stopped by and said hi, grabbed literature and signed up for a school tour! A special shoutout to our staff that donates their time to the booth. We appreciate you! St. Peter Academy is accepting applications for the current school year. St. Peter Academy is an independent, community-based private school and serves students from ages 15 months

9 through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program (beginning at age 15 months) and for students in Pre-K (School Year and Full Year Programs), Kindergarten and grades 1-6. Financial Aid Available. Two Scholarships will be offered this year for applicants for Grades 1 through 6. You may request scholarship information from the Front Office (spa@ stpeteracademy.com). Appointments for individual virtual tours can be made by contacting Maria Blasi, at 617-268-0750 or by emailing spa@ StPeterAcademy.com.

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

October 12, 2023

The South Boston 23rd Annual Street Festival!

ast Saturday, the South Boston Neighborhood was able to celebrate the 23rd

annual Street Festival after being postponed twice due to weather. The weather held for most of the

day and residents were able to enjoy good food, vendors, music, face painting and fun. The crowd

didn’t let a few showers deter them from the day and a successful day at that.

October 12, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

War...continued from front page

dead, represent “a step towards a free Palestine. We stand in solidarity with Palestinian resistance fighters and all oppressed people around the world seeking freedom and a better world,” the UVA group said. The Harvard letter received so much backlash, including from Claudine Gay, the university’s new president, that the names of all the original signing organizations have been taken off. Harvard Hillel responded by saying it is “deeply pained that instead of finding solace and support among our Harvard community in the days following the bloodiest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, we encountered further hatred and anti-Semitism here in Cambridge.” New York’s billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman roundly objected to a controversial statement from a group of Harvard University student organizations solely blaming Israel’s occupation of Gaza for Hamas’ weekend attack on Israel, calling for the names of the students to be released in an effort not to hire them. Just in the last 24 hours, a socalled “doxxing truck” has been driving around the campus of Harvard University with digital billboards that display the names and photos of students who alleg-

edly signed the letter. Giant video screens hang on the sides and back of the truck display the words “Harvard’s Leading Antisemites” in gothic script over a slideshow of Ivy Leaguers’ headshots and names in bold, red block letters, according to photos on social media. Nonprofit news watchdog Accuracy in Media was behind the truck, which showed the students involved in the 34 student groups. Micah Gritz, COO of Jewish on Campus and a senior at Tufts University, says the “campus environment” has been “horrifying.” He said Jewish and Israeli students are “incredibly scared,” and he had friends in Israel who have been hiding in bomb shelters and family getting redrafted into the Israeli army. “On campus, we’re seeing students either turn a blind eye to the conflict, or we’re seeing those who are openly celebrating our pain, you know, glorifying it, justifying it,” Gritz told The Hill. “They’re casting the murder of Jews and Israelis as progressive, as liberation. It’s just honestly very, very scary as a Jewish student on campus who has friends and family in Israel.” The distinction between the actions of Hamas and support for the Palestinian people more broadly has been a key one, with lawmakers seeking to draw a sharp line between the two.

College campuses in the U.S. have been a hotbed on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for years, with each flare-up of violence in the Middle East sparking renewed frustrations on both sides. While the actions by some student-led groups have been seen as dismissive of the loss of life in Israel over the weekend, others worry schools and lawmakers are vilifying all Palestinians. “We just stand for peace, it’s an emotional conflict,” one member of the Palestinian Solidarity Committee at IU told the Daily Student. “We don’t represent Hamas, and we don’t condone the actions of Hamas. But we also don’t condone the actions of the Israeli military. We do not want to see Palestinian children or Israeli children killed in this siege. It is a tragic event, and we hope things deescalate as soon as they can.” Corporate leaders, most of whom are alumni of these universities and colleges, are pledging to debar these participants. Ackman, the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, tweeted he has been approached by “a number of CEOs” asking for the names of the student organizations to ensure “none of us inadvertently hire any of their members,” arguing students “should not be able to hide behind a corporate shield when issuing statements supporting the actions of terrorists.”

October 12, 2023

He defended his position of not hiring pro-Hamas Harvard University students, saying that he isn’t against free speech but against the students doing so anonymously and by leveraging the university’s brand. “I am 100% in support of free speech. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I do however object to students putting out a statement holding Israel ‘entirely responsible’ for terrorists’ heinous and despicable acts but doing so anonymously under a corporate veil while leveraging the @ Harvard brand,” tweeted the founder of Pershing Square Holdings. “One should be prepared to stand up and be personally accountable for his or her views,” he added. Jonathan Neman, the CEO and cofounder of healthy fast casual chain Sweetgreen, responded to Ackman’s post on X, saying he “would like to know so I know never to hire these people,” to which healthcare services company EasyHealth CEO David Duel responded: “Same.” DoveHill Capital Management CEO Jake Wurzak also supported Ackman’s plea to release the names of the students, though Ackman’s request did not receive universal support, with Meds.com CEO Stephen Sullivan writing people should “be angry at the administration and teachers” but cautioning against putting college students’ names on a list.

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for roads, bridges The U.S. Department of Transportation says it is sending Massachusetts another $1 billion in federal funds generated by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help fix roads, replace bridges and for efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Greater Boston bakeries and cafes lead nation in business recovery Cafes and bakeries in and around Boston are enjoying growth in business that surpasses that of peers anywhere else in the county, Axios Boston reported, citing data from transaction-processor Toast. One reason, Axios reported, appears to be the return of workers to their offices and favorite coffee haunts. The yearover-year sales increase for the sector for the second calendar quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 was 6 percent.

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of funding requests from community organizations which provide services to the communities that they serve. These communities generally, but not exclusively, include Dedham, Needham, Norwood, Sharon, South Boston, Walpole, and Westwood. Typical requests are usually received from such organizations as schools, libraries, family service organizations and nonprofit organizations. The Trustees of the Foundation will accept grant requests from community organizations and make awards twice a year.

October 12, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

This week, Danny shared his thoughts on the Boston Celtics’ offseason moves:

hate to interrupt the Brad Stevens “Executive of the Year” Coronation, but before you go placing the crown on that man’s head for acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, I need to share something with you. What I’m about to say will probably sound blasphemous, as you continue to celebrate the Boston Celtics’ current mastermind. But here it goes: Danny Ainge would’ve traded for Damian Lillard instead. This isn’t something you want to hear right now. I realize that. You most certainly don’t want to agree with it. And how could you? You’ve already made these newlook Celtics the favorite to win the NBA Championship next summer. You’ve turned Porzingis into Luka Doncic. And you’ve described Holiday’s defense to me as if his nickname was “The Glove.” You love this team and the moves Stevens has made. So why would you even want to consider any criticism thrown his way? You won’t stand for any of it. Fine. But at least think about this. What if the news, back in June during the week of the 2023 NBA Draft, was that Stevens traded Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon,

a 2029 first-round draft pick, and multiple first-round pick swaps (the equivalent of Milwaukee’s package of Holiday, Grayson Allen, and the first-round pick/pick swaps) in a three-team deal with the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns, that landed Lillard in Boston? Would you be upset that Stevens didn’t take those same assets and make two separate trades to acquire Porzingis and Holiday instead? Of course you wouldn’t. You’d be celebrating the Celtics’ new “Big Three.” Your comparisons to the Kevin Garnett trade in 2007 would never stop. But more than anything, you’d be obnoxiously praising Stevens for making “a Danny Ainge deal.” Obnoxious or not, I’d be right there praising him with you. Because it would be true. That would be “a Danny Ainge deal.” Compile assets, target a bonafide veteran superstar who’s tired of playing for the same losing organization his entire career, get creative with a trade that previously seemed impossible. That’s what Ainge did to pry Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves. And something’s telling me that if Ainge was still with the Celtics, he would’ve done the same thing to

acquire Lillard this offseason. It should be noted that the circumstances are somewhat different at the moment here in Boston, given the Celtics’ success in recent years with All Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. So you could make the case — and I’m sure you will — that these C’s “don’t need” Lillard to win a championship. Maybe you’re right. Maybe they can win with this group, if Porzingis stays healthy, and if Holiday can be a little more trustworthy than Smart behind the three-point line. But I’ll tell you what isn’t an “if.” And that’s Lillard being an elite scorer for the final three years of his current contract — four years if he opts in for 2026-27. It’s a superstar league. The old “there’s only so many balls to go around” line has proven to be falseadvertising. Just ask last year’s Celtics, who were desperate for another elite scorer when Tatum and Brown combined to shoot just 20 percent from three-point range (18-for-90) in the Eastern Conference Finals, or when the entire Celtics team shot just 21 percent from three (16-for-77) in the final two games of that series. I’m truly amazed at the number of people who complained about Ta-

tum’s scoring droughts and Brown’s turnovers during the playoffs, only to turn around now, several months later, to tell me Lillard wouldn’t be a good fit here. Having an additional elite scorer like Lillard last season would’ve put the Celtics in the NBA Finals for the second straight year, for sure. Lillard finished third in the NBA in scoring, averaging 32.2 points per game. And he was third in the league in threepointers made per game, with 4.2, behind only Steph Curry (4.9) and Klay Thompson (4.4). It’s called superstar insurance. And it should be pursued and embraced. Holiday isn’t on Lillard’s level, and the only insurance we should be worried about with Porzingis is his health insurance. I wish Stevens had been the one to get Phoenix involved — back in June — as the third team in a blockbuster deal with Portland to bring Lillard to Boston. He didn’t. And so, last week, Bucks general manager Jon Horst did, making the type of trade that wins you the NBA “Executive of the Year” award. Sorry to ruin the party. Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

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SPORTS TODAY PATRIOTS SHUT OUT BY SAINTS FOR FOURTH LOSS IN FIVE GAMES

SBT Staff

t can’t get much worse for the New England Patriots right now. They’re decimated with defensive injuries, their offensive line can’t stop a nose bleed, and the quarterback isn’t good enough to make up for any of it. New England is 1-4 after losing its second straight game on Sunday to the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. And they didn’t just lose at home, they got shut out at home, 34-0. The brutal loss comes just a week after getting embarrassed by the Cowboys in Dallas, 38-3. For those who don’t have their calculator in front of them, that means the Patriots have been outscored 72-3 in the last two games. Their only win of the season came in Week 3 against the Jets. And they barely won that game, 15-10. After Sunday’s Week 5 loss to the Saints, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he’s “starting over.” “Obviously it was a poor performance today here,” said Belichick in his postgame press conference. “So just plain and simply, we’ve got to find a way to play and coach

Tweet of the Week

October 12, 2023

What To Watch NFL THURSDAY, OCT. 12 WEEK 6 Denver at Kansas City (-10.5) 8:15 P.M. PRIME

SUNDAY, OCT. 15 Baltimore at Tennessee (+4) (in London) 9:30 A.M. NFLN San Francisco at Cleveland (+5.5) 1 P.M. FOX New England at Las Vegas (-3.5) 4:05 P.M. CBS NY Giants at Buffalo (-14) 8:20 P.M. NBC MONDAY, OCT. 16 Dallas at LA Chargers (+2.5) 8:15 P.M. ABC/ESPN NCAAF SATURDAY, OCT. 14 WEEK 7 #8 Oregon at #7 Washington (-2.5) 3:30 P.M. ABC #10 USC at #21 Notre Dame (-2.5) 7:30 P.M. NBC

better than that. So that’s what we are going to do, start all over and get back on a better track than we’re on right now. Slow start. And then just couldn’t ever really get the game under control.” Belichick was pressed several times to explain what “start all over” meant. He responded, “It’s what I just said. Start over again.” A day after the game, on Monday, Belichick was asked again about starting over. “We need to make some improvements on where we are, so we will see what all that entails,” said Belichick said in his Monday press conference. “Haven’t gone into it yet, but we will.” One change Belichick won’t be making is a change at the quarterback position. He confirmed on Wednesday that Jones will be the Patriots starting quarterback in Las Vegas on Sunday. Jones has now been pulled from the game in the second half, in two straight games. In those last two games, Jones is 24-of-43 for 260 pass yards, zero touchdowns, and four interceptions. He’s also lost two fumbles, one in each of the last two games. On Monday, Belichick pushed back on the idea that Jones was benched, claiming that the risk of injury while leaving him in the

game during a blowout was greater than the reward. “I think with the whole situation of the game, I felt like [sitting Jones] was the best thing to do at the time,” said Belichick. “There was a lot of things that went into it. “I’m sure if I had left Mac in the game and he had gotten injured you’d be asking me why he was still in the game when it was 31-0. So, it is what it is.” Now, Belichick, Jones, and the Patriots head to Las Vegas, where former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is running the show, former backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is the Raiders’ starter, and former wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has more receptions (25), receiving yards (274), first downs (14), and touchdowns (3) than anyone on the Patriots. The Raiders are 2-3, and are coming off a 17-13 win over the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Prior to that win, Las Vegas had lost three straight, to the Bills, Steelers, and Chargers. They beat the Broncos in Week 1. Of course, we all know what happened the last time the Patriots and Raiders played, last December in Vegas. In a tie game at the end of the fourth quarter, Rhamondre Stevenson got the ball handed off to him,

on what was intended to be the final play of regulation, sending the game into overtime. Instead, Stevenson decided to lateral to Meyers, who then decided to try and lateral all the way back to Mac Jones. Instead, Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones caught it, ran over Mac Jones at midfield, and scored a game-winning touchdown. It goes down as one of the more embarrassing losses in the history of the league. Prior to that though, the Patriots had won the previous six games against the Raiders. This Sunday in las Vegas, the Patriots will be a 3-point underdog. The over-under is 41.5.