The Inside Press

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Grace Bennett

A Spirit of Collaboration and Good Will Stressed at New Castle’s 2024 Inauguration

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Top Row (L-R): Former State Senator Stephen Saland swearing in Deputy Town Supervisor Jeremy Saland; Secretary Hillary Clinton swearing in councilwoman Jennifer Naparstek Klein; and councilwoman Alexandra Chemtob, also sworn in by Hillary Clinton.
Bottom Row (L-R): President Bill Clinton administered the Oath of Office to: Town Justice Douglas Kraus, Chairman and Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi, and to New Castle Town Supervisor Victoria Bayard Tipp.
Inside Press Photos

Heartfelt messages of appreciation along with ones expressing respect for a diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints, plus lighthearted exchanges, were heard from the stage of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center during the Town of New Castle 2024 Inauguration held January 11.

Those attending witnessed the swearing in of four New Castle public officials and the chair of the Westchester County Legislator, the Oath of Office administered by former State Senator Stephen Saland, neighbors Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton. The final swearing in was that of Victoria Bayard Tipp as Town Supervisor. See also Zoya Nabeel’s report and reflections of this historic moment and poignant testaments to Tipp.

Following honored traditions, State Senator Peter Harckham stated: “It’s a new day” and a time to celebrate the peaceful transition of power… everything we do is best when we work in collaboration.” Assemblyman Chris Burdick noted the “tremendously proud moment.” Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins introduced Saland, who served the 41st district for 22 years, and who swore in his son Jeremy Saland for a second time, this time as Deputy Town Supervisor. “At times he can be a handful,” quipped father about son. “But I know the kind of person he is… he’ll give you 110 percent.” “This community is great because of its volunteers…” Jeremy Saland emphasized, noting contributions from long time town administrator Jill Shapiro, staff and volunteers on boards, and first responders.

Harckham introduced Hillary Clinton as “an amazing Secretary of State, a mother, grandmother, a fierce advocate for children and health care reform…” Hillary Clinton swore in town council member Alexandra L. Chemtob who emphasized that public officials “need to lead by example.” “The world gets scarier and more divided by the day,” said Chemtob. “I might not be able to change the world. but I can make my side of the street a little bit better.”

Hillary Clinton also swore in councilmember Jennifer Naparstek Klein. Klein noted that even “small bits of work and effort matter; it’s an imperative in our life to be committed.” She quoted Hillary Clinton’s “One must bloom where one stands,” with a tip of her hat to members of the New Castle Democratic Committee, New Castle Blooms, and Up2Us.

Councilwoman Holly McCall introduced former 17th district Congressman Mondaire Jones as “the first black openly gay person ever elected to Congress and as the youngest member of House leadership, he has kept our congressional district in his sights.” Jones introduced President Clinton as “…a father, a husband, a saxophonist, a patron of Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua – See? I did my homework! – founder and chairman of the Clinton Foundation, and as the 42nd President of the United States of America, and a damn good one.”

President Clinton, before inviting Town Justice Douglas Kraus to be sworn in for a 9th term, stated: “We are not expecting you will be perfect but that you will do the best you can with an open heart and an open hand and without the venom and hatred which causes so much of our politics today.”

Bill Clinton also swore in Chairman and Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi who shared that his work has included landmark legislation to protect the environment, protecting a woman’s access to health care, and passing a first in the nation gun safety law, “all while passing a fiscally responsible budget to help restore Westchester’s economy.” Gashi, the first Muslim elected legislator, quoted Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Hate can not drive out hate, only love can do that.” He promised to “celebrate the love in our community rather than focusing on the hate.”

Tipp, last to be sworn in by Bill Clinton, stated that in her years of public service, she has worked “to gain the trust of constituents without regard to affiliation.” And that even in this “deeply divided political climate”, she would “continue to view residents through the lens of friends, family, and neighbors… I promise you it will always be that way.”

In a benediction, Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs of the First Congregational Church announced her impending retirement, and offered, “May differences be celebrated and lifted up and move this town forward where all feel welcome and where are all views are welcomed and heard.”

‘Inside’ I’m Ok, but Not Ok

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For all of us similarly afflicted, perhaps as I dreamed, I thought of some words to describe the feeling of  ‘I’m ok, but not ok.’

The worry we carry feels like a metaphorical bullet lodged in our hearts, affecting our breathing, our circulation, bringing on phantom pains that won’t dissipate until the hostages are released. And that’s just the feeling I imagine among us diaspora Jews, and our allies, who I so appreciate.

Last night, after the devastating news of 21 Israeli ‘chayalim’ lost to this damn war, I sent a message to Jerusalem to check up on a very old friend whose two sons are on the ground.

She is ok too, you know, but not ok?

“There are no words,” she told me to describe her state of mind when the news struck hard (in earlier days she described the dread of any parent of a soldier about the potential knock on their door). Her ‘there are no words” only somewhat mirrored the daily feeling about the news on our feeds or in watching or reading the news about Memorials of lost innocent and beautiful souls taken so cruelly on October 7, or of the images of the toll on all innocent civilians in Gaza, who have been used ever so diabolically as human shields. But her “there are no words” was a reminder that any of our “there are no words” can always carry ever more profound anguish and pain than our own. Each ‘I’m Ok, but not ok,’ tells a different story and is a window to a whole different level of pain. 

Saturday night. When I attended a (terrific) Chappaqua Performing Arts Center event with a couple gal friends, before it started, we were sharing stories that made me laugh out loud (that’s the ‘I’m OK part’ in motion). A lovely member of the community (you know who you are) caught that, and came up to me, and said, “It’s good to see you laugh.” I was startled. (I must come off as so maudlin in my social media postings!) I offered a broad smile in some way to reassure her. I also said, “Thank you, I’m ok. A little broken, you know?” hoping to share that feeling of, “I’m ok, but not ok, you know?” “I know,” she answered, with her expression conveying empathy — so appreciated.

Earlier in the week, a second lovely member of the community who had come by my home for a signature on a petition for a seat on her city council (done!) told me that she was worried about me. I felt badly about that, reassured her too, but maybe I wasn’t quite convincing enough, ’cause she persisted on recommending self care. Good idea, I said. I will. I promise, I told her, to reassure her too.

Another friend who had called to talk: “Hi, it’s me. Can you talk? Or are you still too busy sharing your anguish?” he offered, in his usual kidding way. Receiving humor right now is such a gift. I told him, “I can talk for a little bit,” eager to get back to yeah, I suppose, ‘sharing my anguish.’ Because you know, I’m ok, but not ok?

Perhaps the best text came last night from a friend who urged me to see Harmony on Broadway before it closes (Feb. 4). “I thought of you during the show.” It’s a show about Holocaust survivors, and a must see.” I told her the timing wasn’t great on account of my closing on three mags, but I would try to get there especially with International Holocaust Remembrance Day approaching.

And yes, I will try.

With a heavy heart but not without holding on fast to the joy of living (I do get that if I don’t, that’s where ‘they’ begin to win.) So presenting, a bit of the reverse, I’m not OK, but damn it, I’m going to do things that make each day ok, too.

Perhaps you have your own stories of ‘I’m OK, but not OK’. I’d love to hear them. Write to grace@insidepress.com

I’ll conclude this with: May we all be OK and NOT ‘but not ok’ one day again. Just really ok. I have to believe that day will come.

Town of New Castle Supervisor Lisa Katz Enthusiastically Honored for 10 Years of Service

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First Neighbors Bill and Hillary Clinton along with County and State Officials, Friends and Neighbors Offered a Host of Warm, Appreciative Remarks at Festive Town Hall Event.

‘Town Cheerleader’ and ‘The George Bailey of Chappaqua’ were among Descriptions of Town Supervisor Katz during the Celebration of her Decade-long Tenure.

“Never Stop Talking about what’s Right,” Katz Urged.

December 13, 2023, Chappaqua, NY–Admiration, reminisces and well wishes were offered at a Town Hall celebration held to honor Town of New Castle Supervisor Lisa Katz for her ten years of service–eight years as councilwoman and two years as New Castle town supervisor. First neighbors and honorary guests Bill and Hillary Clinton, fellow town board members and county and state public officials, family, neighbors and friends presented statements extolling Lisa’s accomplishments with an emphasis on her leadership style which several pointed to as open, amenable to compromise and distinctly non partisan. For her part, Katz told those gathered that she set out to treat everyone with respect regardless of “whether they were red, blue or purple.” She also reminded everyone to “be the light during times of darkness.”

Inside Press Photo Collage

The emphasis on accomplishments during Katz’s decade of public service–the launch of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (ChappPac), her most passionate endeavor, was notably mentioned several times–along with a focus on her distinctly non-partisan approach which some said helped win her the confidence of residents of every political persuasion.

“We are here today with ‘the woman of the moment’,” began New Castle Deputy Supervisor Vicki Tipp, who will be succeeding Katz as Town Supervisor at a swearing in ceremony on January 11 at ChappPac. Tipp cited Katz’s “steadfastness, dedication, and your tireless effort for 10 years…” “Many of us know that public service is not easy… “We’ve all seen you navigate so many challenges placed before you with resilience and determination. You have the capacity to stand so strong when the going gets tough and your energy and your enthusiasm really shines through in all you do.” She said that board members shared the values of inclusiveness and valuing residents–with Katz ‘the constant’ among them as the board changed hands–even when there was disagreement. “We will miss the fiery debates we’ve had,” said Tipp,” but ultimately the disagreements have made us stronger….” With Katz’s departure, Tipp said, “Things will be a little more boring and less colorful!”

‘Exhibit A and Exhibit B’: Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton

Hillary Clinton was invited to the podium. She thanked Katz for “committing yourself to public service and the leadership we have seen over so many years now. 

“You’ve already heard from everyone here that public service is not easy. Well, we can certainly agree with that,” the former Secretary of State and two time U.S. Senator and Presidential nominee, quipped. “People who willingly do it deserve our gratitude because we’ve got to keep our democracy going from the local level all the way to the top, and we can’t do it without good people willing to serve. And even when good people disagree, that’s part of the whole process to come to some kind of understanding and compromise. We’re kind of here as Exhibit A and Exhibit B as people who willingly do it.” At that juncture, she asked Exhibit B to come up to the mic.

“I’ll make it brief,” began President Clinton, “I like Lisa Katz.”

And then he continued: “We are living in a time where more and more people get whatever they call news in bite sized amounts real fast from sources which may not be accurate,” Bill Clinton said, “the result of which is to put us all in a defensive, untrusting angry frame of mind,  in which we believe that what really matters is our differences.

“As the old saying goes, ‘Just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean they’re not out to getcha.’,” continued the former President to some chuckles. “What I want to say is: All over the world if you can get people to agree on a common end, and work from where they are toward that end together, 70 percent of the time, agreements are produced, and that’s a pretty good record.  If all that matters is our differences, we can’t get there.  Too often, people would rather tear the barn down than build it up.”  It’s so much more satisfying, Clinton concluded, to build up the barn. 

Town Board Member Jeremy Saland commended Katz’s foresight in establishing ChappPac, and said, “You made a really smart and difficult move.” He said taking chances, “a roll of the dice”  are also part of public service.  “If you don’t have the foresight, energy and vision to make it happen, you don’t belong up here.”…”You will be missed and I’m confident your voice is not gone.”

Holly McCall, who had run against Katz for the supervisor role two years ago, and who is  on the board, noted that “public service is not for the faint of heart or unmotivated, thin skinned or passive… In the past decade, you’ve proven yourself to be a fierce advocate for New Castle, a strong promoter of the arts, and a leader when it came to supporting the merchants and commerce in town.”

Town Board member Ally Chemtob said Katz who juggles marriage, parenting, and a law practice with public service, “makes it all look easy even when it’s not.” She added Katz’s leadership “comes from a place of love, from loving this community so much and only wanting what is best for it.”

New Castle Town Supervisor Lisa Katz with her daughter Arden and husband, Steve

State Assemblyman Chris Burdick presented a NYS proclamation to honor Katz.  Burdick said that Katz’s “spectacular leadership”  had helped rally many Westchester leaders to oppose a zoning requirement introduced by the Governor that he said was unfortunately wrong for different county municipalities.  “She  had to get into the trenches in dealing with a terrible plan… and to get the community to understand that it would upend local zoning.”  Burdick thanked Katz for her leadership, resolve, persistence  and deep understanding of her own community and also her loving family who gave her the room to do that.” 

County legislator Vedat Gashi said “public service comes with its challenges to self and to family.. to do that and do it on your own terms is impressive. On that note, he proclaimed December 13, 2023  Lisa Katz day in Westchester County, an honor the County bestows on community leaders.  State Senator Peter Harckham’s office also presented a proclamation honoring Katz’s work on a $16 million downtown infrastructure project.

Comments from Neighbors and Friends 

Warren Gottleib, a member of the New Castle Zoning Board of Appeals, said Katz led “with kindness, a big heart and humanity. She treated everyone with respect…

“I never for one second doubted that she was serving for the right reasons and her undivided loyalty was to the people of New Castle.  She wasn’t restrained by party politics… she put people in the community above partisanship.”  Gottlieb also said “she knew which battles were worth fighting. “She stood up for people. Lisa showed when local government listens to its citizens rather than succumbing to partisanship, it becomes a beacon of accountability, and fosters trust and collaboration for the betterment of the community.”  He called her service an “enduring gift to our community.”

Adam Brodsky, a member of the original Team New Castle which included Lisa Katz, together with former Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, cited Katz’s “devotion and tenacity to move this community into the future” and that she was leaving New Castle “a vastly improved place.”  “She worked tirelessly to create a foundation of warmth and engagement… You literally and figuratively embraced this town over ten years of service and are the town’s cheerleader… With your love of the arts and Broadway, you spearheaded ChappPac.”  Brodsky said Katz also figured out how to break through the opposition and anger to Chappaqua Crossing and bring additional amenities to town. He commended her for her “openmindednesss to pursue any idea if you thought it would make our home a better place.”

Michele Gregson, who heads the Friends of ChappPac said she met Katz two years into being on the town board, and called her the “driving force” of the performing arts center,  “With the board, it has become a huge success. I’m incredible grateful to this woman… I’m blessed that our paths crossed here in town.”

Chappaqua-based singer and performer Frank Shiner said he chooses his friends in town very carefully–and that he considers Lisa Katz a friend whom he respects for her kindness. From the start, Shiner, had worked closely with Katz to foster the arts at ChappPac. “l remember her smile every time I walk around and meet the people of this town.”

Similarly Robert Fleischer, who is on the County airport advisory board as a New Castle appointee, said he was grateful for Katz’s friendship. He said Katz did her best to serve all the residents regardless of their backgrounds or political affiliation.  He said he also appreciated that “she helped New Castle be a steady beacon of light in standing up against antisemitism. Lisa has never stopped trying to make a kinder world.”

Former Town Board Member Chris Hildenbrand said he has always admired Katz’s intelligence, grace, charm and compassion for every issue and every resident.

Captain Jim McCauley, New Castle’s long time Marshall and Memorial Day committee chair, noted ‘the great job Lisa has done” and all she has done to respect the Veteran community. 

“It has always been about community for you,” said resident Roger Klepper. “And when there was an issue, you would always be our leader. You were always the person through whom our voices could be heard.”

Larry Liu, the former co-head of the New Castle Committee for Race, Equity and Inclusion, stated that he is an immigrant from China, “a country under dictatorship.”I always watch local politics with a sense of wonder and admiration. Sometimes the disagreements can be sharp and the criticisms can be brutal, but believe me, the alternative is unthinkable… It works because of leaders like you.” He said Katz reached out to the growing Asian American community in Chappaqua. “It’s not the grand gestures but the little things,” said Liu, “Your care and attention generated a lot of good will.”

Richard Diefenbach, a trustee to the New Castle Historical Society, said he moved to New Castle in 1996 when he covered Bill Clinton’s reelection campaign for CBS News. The same year, he also produced a 5oth anniversary story about the holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He cited the famous quote at the end of the movie: “No man is a failure as long as he has friends.” Turning to Katz, he said: “You are the George Bailey of New Castle. Thank you for making us all your friends.”

Katz was last to speak, thanking fellow board members, and town hall staff: “Without your tireless work, I wouldn’t be here.”  She said she set out to make sure that all residents “felt represented… we would always listen to your voice, even when we didn’t agree, we’d listen to you with respect. She added that she would always be the biggest cheerleader for the town, and said she planned to continue public service. She urged everyone that no matter how dark the world gets, “be the light” and always bring joy to those around you.”

“If you care about something, use your voice to make a difference… never stop talking about what’s right.”

She said that she has tried to come from a place of “yes” whether it was “You are not right. I am not right. But together if we put our minds together we can come up with something that’s better than anything any of us could have imagined.”

Katz added that whether it was talking about antisemitism or against gun violence, “it’s just not that hard to do the right thing.  It takes a little bit of courage. If you can put the politics aside, and put all the voices yelling in different directions aside, there’s a guiding star that you know is right.”

 

Hopes for a Miracle and Joy-Filled Sentiments Expressed at Chabad Chanukah Celebration

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December 7, 2023, Chappaqua, NY–Deeply felt hopes and wishes for a miracle for the release of all the hostages along with experiencing the joy and meaning of Chanukah itself were among an array of poignant messages expressed by both organizers but also by attendees at a festive and meaningful Chabad Menorah lighting celebration attended by several hundred at the Senter Street Community House.

The lighting followed a host of fun and traditional activities and songs both area families and visitors enjoyed plus remarks from Chabad’s Rabbi Butman and New Castle Town Supervisor Lisa Katz.

“This Chanukah, we take a moment to join public menorah lightings around the world to pray that those who are being held hostage be returned home to their families,” said Rabbi Butman in his remarks, “so that they can celebrate and light the Chanukah menorah in freedom.”

“Be the light and bring joy and happiness,” said Town Supervisor Lisa Katz. “Certainly, let’s use this time to remember all the hostages who are still not released and to pray for their release and for the end of Hamas, for the end of war, and to make sure that all innocent lives are protected.  Most importantly, let’s feel community and love each other.”

The community event opened with creative and engaging activities indoors by ‘The Mad Science Show’, and outdoors by ‘The Amazing Andy’, who transfixed the crowd with his fire juggling and balancing acts. The children’s program was organized by Esther Butman, director of Chabad education, working closely with Chappaqua’s Faina Preston. The children were also treated to donut (“sugnaniot”) decorating and assorted coloring and crafts activities. Following the remarks and lighting, Rabbi Butman led the crowd in traditional Chanukah songs.

This reporter, who is Jewish, took time to enjoy the festivities, and prior to the lighting asked residents gathered why they were attending and how they think a Chanukah celebration held special meaning this year.  Betty Jabloner, was straightforward: “I’m Jewish. And I’m here to support the town!” She was attending with her friend Vicki Bergstrom, a long time proprietor of Lange’s Deli in Chappaqua. Said Bergstrom: “Given everything about how our Jewish friends feel, I feel I can’t just sit in my house.”

Stacey Blaustein Divack stated: “We are really bonded together as one people and we are hopeful that there will be a miracle. We are hopeful that the Jewish religion and Israel will continue to thrive, that we have peace and Shalom with everyone in the world, and that we learn to respect one another and live together.”

Maud Bailey offered: “My heart is filled with hopes and prayers for peace.  What has happened is very sad!  But this feels like a very joyful moment…” 

And, from Kristin Lore: “This Chanukah, it’s about looking for that miracle again and looking for that light in the darkness that we are feeling. She paused, recollecting an accompanying worry. “When I have to think about whether it’s even safe to come to my small town lighting of the menorah, it’s pretty sad… and heartbreaking.”

Despite any sadness and worry expressed, the mood was ultimately joyous.

As Katz noted in her remarks: “It was wonderful to go inside and see kids happily decorating the donuts, and playing with science. So even when I’m no longer your supervisor, I hope you will always come out to celebrate your community and never forget to be the light.”

Rabbi Butman also emphasized that the celebration offered an opportunity to educate during these difficult times. “Chanukah is a derivative of the word ‘Chinuch,’ which means education– it’s a time to explore and understand education principles. There must be moral clarity, an appreciation that every single human being, that any student in any school or on a college campus, that every citizen in this great country, has the right to walk in freedom without fear, and that every parent has the right to sit home and not worry about the well-being of their child…. Education represents moral clarity and a sense of safety and security for all of us.”

 Rabbi Butman concluded his remarks and expressed his gratitude to all who attended with this: “For over 2000 years, he said, “we’ve contributed to the world with goodness and kindness and will continue to do so, with pride, with embracing our identity, with joy, with celebration, and certainly there is no greater answer to antisemitism than Jewish people coming out celebrating Chanukah with pride and without fear.”  

Clintons Lend Support to Family Hoping to Shift the Spotlight to Hostages’ Plight in Gaza

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Photos from the family were provided as a courtesy to the Inside Press

Chappaqua, NY — Former President Bill Clinton and Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton met on November 8th with a small group comprised of family members from Israel — who have multiple family members being held as hostages in Gaza after being torn from their homes and streets on October 7 – and with advocates on their behalf.* The group is traveling the country seeking help to refocus the spotlight back onto the plight of the 240+ hostages as a pressing humanitarian issue.

The Clintons expressed an unerring support of the group’s basic mission to prevent the world from forgetting about the hostages–who include babies, children, women, and the elderly–as conversation shifts to the pros and cons of a ceasefire. They brainstormed ideas in a roundtable discussion both to help define the group’s goals and how they might best succeed.

Meanwhile, the consensus in the room about the need to defeat Hamas was unequivocal. “We have to defeat Hamas and we have to have a process for doing so,” said Hillary Clinton, “and then the hostage situation can be heard more clearly.  People can’t hear it because they don’t hear the other part of the commentary.”

Family members of hostages and their international advocates meeting with Secretary Hillary Clinton, President Bill Clinton and with Inside Press publisher Grace Bennett

A family member emphasized that any discussion of humanitarian aid absolutely must account for the needs of the hostages as well: 

“People are talking about humanitarian aid going into Gaza. People forget that this is a different situation. Humanitarian aid should go to humans regardless of where they are from,” he said. “As of right now, any humanitarian aid going into Gaza–the hostages were not even on the table.  So, in bringing that up, you can’t separate these two things from each other.”

He noted his own family’s work toward peace and humanity worldwide. “Our family who is being held hostage, are the first to support any humanitarian aid in any situation, everywhere. This is the first time they need it themselves, and time is pressing.  If there is one message that can help right now, it’s that one.”

Hillary Clinton noted that a ceasefire in the first ten days with Hamas was not viable “because there was no basis for it and no recognition of how they would use it. But I think now, the administration is saying, yes, you could have a humanitarian pause in return for the hostages. We should be lifting that up as a humanitarian approach.”

Bill Clinton also explained the risks of a premature ceasefire and the historic sequence of events following one.  “Ever since Hamas has been in power, they periodically act up, fire rockets, get innocent people killed, accept a ceasefire, and then get their money again to buy more rockets and build more tunnels. So where does it ever end?”

An advocate for the family shared that the majority of people in Israel who have been protesting for pro- democracy in Israel and against the current Netanyahu administration are the same people who are very focused on the hostage situation.

“The opportunity for the hostages to be released would be a transformative moment in Israel to also change the discourse about longer term goals, and about peace.”

Emotional moments were shared, as well as expressions of gratitude, as the family continued to inquire what would be the best plan of action in the continuation of their journey.

Stated another family member: “I haven’t said it yet…  I’m sorry I am speaking in emotional language. The world is not safe in the moment, and for us to meet you, and feel your heart is in the right place, makes us feel safer.”

The first family member echoed her sentiment: “Meeting with you… and having this conversation… that there are human beings with their heart in the right place, and also the influence in the right places is meaningful, and also on the personal level, for all our family members as a whole.  We really, really value you as people as leaders, as really smart people, and we really want your advice on how we can continue to fight for our families.”

A discussion ensued over how to pressure the Red Cross to be more effective.

“You have done very important work with the Red Cross… so I believe that you can make a difference pressuring them to get humanitarian aid to the hostages,” she said to Hillary Clinton.

Hillary Clinton agreed that pressing the Red Cross is “an excellent idea” and for that to be effective, they would “need to identify who (in Geneva) can be part of this chorus saying that we have a duty, an obligation, we have a right to send in observers. We need to move on that.”

If there was any good news to glean from the meeting, and which could possibly harken a shorter war, it is that financial support to Hamas may be drying up, Hillary Clinton suggested.

“Hamas as the quote ‘governing authority of Gaza’ has gotten financial support in three ways. Overtly, because there’s a strange relationship between the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, and Hamas in Gaza–even though they hate each other, and Hamas massacred all of the PLO officials when they took over, but the money that is used to pay quote ‘public servants’ in Gaza–some of it still comes from Ramallah, and some of it comes from Israel,” said Hillary Clinton, explaining the crux of a back door deal.

The second source of funds has been “Qatar as a primary but not the only funder of Hamas.”

 “It has given to Hamas as the ‘governing authority’ to do things allegedly like build schools & hospitals, and so on,” said Hillary Clinton, “but we know they siphoned off billions of dollars to build hundreds of miles of tunnels and the rest of it.”

Qatar’s direct support… while historically used as leverage will stop, she continued, “because Israel will reoccupy Gaza. Basically, that is what Netanyahu just announced. So, we are back to pre-2005… I’m not sure there’s any other choice.”  She said that Israelis may need to “as long as it takes to find the hostages, find the Hamas leadership…and expel them.”

Finally, the third funding source has been covert money that has come primarily from Iran but not only from Iran, said Hillary Clinton, with Qatar playing all sides against the other.  “That is its role in the region. They can be very helpful in that regard, for example as the only country with a good relationship with the Taliban.  When I was trying to get women out of Afghanistan when the Taliban took power, they were the only country that could tell the Taliban to let this bust through.”

There needs to be pressure, she said, that they discontinue supporting Hamas. “We also need a much tougher net to prevent infiltration of weapons and money from the north, from Egypt and the Sea.”

There should be nothing controversial, Hillary Clinton said, “about trying to take back people who were literally ripped from their beds, forced into cars, and forced across the border… it’s a war crime.”

Bill Clinton said that it’s vital for the hostages’ safety that we raise the profile of this. “Given the dynamics of the global press and social media, it’s making us all more superficially well informed. But it’s all so oversimplified. Make people talk about something that is not in the binary framework and that could be the beginning to breaking the ice.”

Following the roundtable and photos, the Clintons continued to speak with family members in small circles.

 

*For transparency’s sake, this writer was graciously invited to join the meeting about midway through its session–as a local publisher and ardent advocate for the hostage release with the perspective of a child of Holocaust survivors. I agreed that the contents of the meeting would be off the record until reviewed. Comments presented here were approved for publication.