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Israel-Gaza, Argentina, & more!

Good Morning- Recent Black Friday spending data shows that total online spending exceeded $9.1 billion in 2022. The average shopper spends $430 on Black Friday.

Global Insights

Israel-Gaza temporary ceasefire

The Gaza cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, originally slated for Thursday morning, has been rescheduled to kick off at 7 a.m. on Friday, the exact time this week’s newsletter is being released. The delay, without a specified reason, was communicated by Israel's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi. The primary objective of this diplomatic breakthrough is to secure the release of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. This truce brings a potential respite for the 2.3 million Palestinians enduring weeks of Israeli bombardment. According to the Egyptian government, 130,000 liters of diesel and four gas trucks are set to be delivered every day to Gaza during the ceasefire. Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt's State Information Service, announced that Gaza will receive 200 aid trucks every day of the cease-fire as well.

The release of hostages is set to unfold gradually, with the initial group comprising 13 women and children held by Hamas expected to be freed on Friday afternoon. Anticipation surrounds the swift entry of increased aid into Gaza, with hopes that the deal's momentum will contribute to ending the violence. Nevertheless, Israeli airstrikes persisted on Thursday, resulting in reported casualties. The prolonged seven-week bombardment has led to over 13,300 Palestinian deaths, two-thirds of that number being women and minors.

While the truce agreement has raised hopes, it has also prompted air-raid sirens in northern Israel as Hezbollah fired rockets from southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has committed to continuing the war after the truce expires, aiming to dismantle Hamas' military capabilities and terminate its rule in Gaza. Residents of Gaza are emphasizing the need for a comprehensive cease-fire to address extensive damage and suffering to the people inside the strip.

Argentina’s new president

In Argentina's recent presidential election, Javier Milei emerged as the winner, signaling a notable rightward shift in the country. Securing 55.7% of the votes in the presidential runoff, Milei's victory is the highest percentage obtained by a candidate since Argentina's return to democracy in 1983. Following the announcement, celebrations unfolded in Buenos Aires, with supporters expressing enthusiasm in various neighborhoods and at Milei's party headquarters.

Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist (Anarcho-capitalism is a political idea that suggests having little to no government involvement in daily life, encouraging voluntary exchanges, free markets, and respect for private property rights as essential principles for organizing society.) has proposed significant changes, including a reduction in the size of the government, dollarization of the economy, and the elimination of the Central Bank to address inflation. He also holds conservative social views, opposing sex education in schools and abortion, legalized by Argentina's Congress in 2020.

Economy Minister Sergio Massa, who received 44.3% of the votes, conceded defeat, acknowledging the electorate's choice for a different path. Milei's victory represents a shift to the right, with a newcomer, known for his role as a television commentator, assuming the presidency.

The outcome of the election reflects a demand for change among voters, driven by economic challenges, including high inflation and increased poverty. While Massa raised concerns about potential impacts on public services, Milei's supporters view the result as a triumph for those seeking a departure from the existing political landscape.

Trending

Food aid halted in Chad

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has shared that, because of a lack of funds, food aid for 1.4 million people in Chad will stop in January, including those who recently fled violence in Sudan's Darfur region. The WFP has already had to pause assistance for internally displaced people and refugees from Nigeria, Central African Republic, and Cameroon starting in December due to financial constraints and increasing humanitarian needs.

Messi

Sotheby's is selling six shirts worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina's World Cup win last year. They could be the most valuable sports memorabilia ever, possibly fetching over $10 million.

Putin comments on Ukraine

In a meeting with the Group of Twenty (G20) leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that it's crucial to consider how to stop the "tragedy" of the war in Ukraine. "Yes, of course, military actions are always a tragedy and of course, we should think about how to stop this tragedy," Putin said. "By the way, Russia has never refused peace talks with Ukraine."

History & Culture - Thanksgiving 

Yesterday, Thanksgiving Day, celebrated in the United States and Canada, was dedicated to expressing gratitude for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Rooted in the belief that it originated from a 1621 harvest feast shared by English colonists (Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag people, the holiday holds rich symbolism and traditions.

Historically, Plymouth's Thanksgiving involved colonists "fowling" for food, likely geese and ducks, while the Wampanoag contributed venison and other provisions to the feast. This event, though initially tense, led to a treaty that endured until King Philip’s War (1675–76).

Thanksgiving was initially observed irregularly and often associated with religious or military events. It gained official status during the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving. The tradition continued annually, with the date settled as the last Thursday in November.

Over time, Thanksgiving evolved into a unifying occasion marked by family gatherings, football games, and parades, such as the iconic Macy’s parade in New York City since 1924. The holiday has become a symbol of intercultural peace, new opportunities in America, and the importance of home and family.

In Canada, Thanksgiving Day has roots in colonial traditions and has been celebrated since 1957 on the second Monday in October. This observance originates from European customs expressing gratitude for safe journeys, peace, and bountiful harvests. The holiday reflects diverse historical and cultural narratives, serving as a shared occasion for expressing gratitude across North America.

Fast Facts

• Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is often considered the longest word in the English language. It refers to a lung disease caused by the inhalation of very fine silica particles and has 45 letters.

• The fear of long words is called Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

• Black Friday wasn’t officially claimed to be the busiest shopping day of the year until 2001.

• Deaf people are known to use sign language in their sleep

• Martial artists who smile before the start of a match are more likely to lose

“It is more fitting for a man to laugh at life than to lament over it.” – Seneca