The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Roundtable Discussion

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.

 

Westchester Students Voice their Ideas to Tackle the Challenge of Gun Violence

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Students Meet with Rep. Nita Lowey and Law Enforcement Officers to Discuss Gun Violence in Aftermath of Parkland Massacre

White Plains, NY, February 27— At the outset of a round table discussion about gun violence–with over a dozen Westchester students and several law enforcement officers participating–Congresswoman Nita Lowey expressed her frustration over the refusal of the powers that be in Washington to address a range of gun control reform initiatives she has introduced over her years in office.* 

“I could walk you through the legislation that I have introduced,” she stated, calling out Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, in particular. “But I’m here today to listen to all of you, to get all your ideas.”

The students gathered in the auditorium of the White Plains Public Library on February 23 proceeded to share their concerns and their ideas in the aftermath of the Parkland massacre that took 17 lives on Valentine’s Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Williams, Executive Director of the City of White Plains Youth Bureau, attending too, said it is “important to speak up and speak out… One day, it was in Parkland, Florida; the next day, it could be in our own community. We need to lead our community and nation.”

The kids shared this in common: They want to be heard. They also were nearly unanimous in desiring a ban of assault weaponry (outside New York State too), greater campus security, and they all want improved background checks.

Ryan Burton, a sophomore from Pleasantville High School, stated: “Students have a voice. We matter.” Kevin O’Neill, a senior from the same school: “We feel very passionate.” Rebecca Bachenheimer of Horace Greeley High School: “I am happy to have this voice I can use.” From White Plains High School, stated Melissa Rodriguez: “We want to use our voices to help ourselves and generations to come.” Ari Silver, a junior at Greeley, too: “If we don’t speak now, then what’s going to happen next?” 

Michelle Mazzocchi of the New Castle Police Department, and the Chappaqua Central School District community resource officer, said she is working anew with all six schools in the District. “We are working on building a rapport with our schools to make sure kids are safe when they go into school.”

Lowey asked ‘what positives’ the kids have witnessed in their schools since the shooting.

Joseph Kennedy of Iona Prep said his school has implemented the use of ID cards with doors locked at all times.

The kids who attend schools with open campuses with multiple entry points expressed acute worry and a desire to either limit entry points, establish a ‘single point of entry’ or strengthen existing ones. “If someone who looks like me walks in, anything can happen. I think we need more security, more check points,” one student said.

“What scares me the most is not much has changed at all,” one student said, referring to the ease anyone has gaining access to automatic rifles. “There’s not much a school can do if someone like that who is so scary and determined walks in with a gun.”

Henry McCants of White Plains High School advocated stricter background checks everywhere: “Not everyone should be able to own an automatic weapon.  People with mental disabilities shouldn’t.”

Det. Morgan Cole-Hatchard from the Pleasantville Police Department lamented that there was too little follow up after acquiring a gun permit. “People’s circumstances change,” she said. “They may experience physical and mental health decline. If I have to renew my driver’s license, people should have to renew their permit.”

Lowey asked all gathered whether persons on the terrorist watch list should be permitted to purchase guns, another piece of legislation that has been thwarted.  No one advocated that. “I’m glad that’s unanimous,” she said.

She noted that the NRA has extraordinary power, and referred to a listing of members of Congress and Senate who receive”an enormous amount of money” from the NRA.  “People are so afraid of them,” said. “Not me, though. I’m proud of my zero rating from them. “Those who get a lot of money from them are quick to introduce legislation (the NRA pushes) like conceal carry laws. “Everyone carrying a gun is not the answer.”

One student asked Lowey to address campaign finance reform, too. “Without a doubt the amount of money spent in these elections is obscene. The Koch Brothers are spending mega millions, and organizing again,” she answered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She told the kids that people like former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, “who has recovered somewhat, travels with her husband to support legislation to oppose NRA initiatives. She was shot in broad daylight.”

 Joseph from Iona Prep was for conceal carry. He said he “learned from my dad “an officer with the NYPD for 25 years” that it is “better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

One home-schooled student, Sophia Libman-Roshal, disagreed and advocated for the reinstatement of an assault weapon ban.  “I really don’t want to get shot,” she said.

Rebecca stated that she does support the Second Amendment, but noted potential dangers with conceal carry. “How many are going to get shot first, getting into the holster and out, there can still can be misfiring. You may not be able to stop a shooter in time.”

Said Ryan: “The AR-15 is almost identical to the M-16 used by the military. Why are these even in the hands of civilians? It is not right.”

Lowey offered that “the NRA  should either disappear or to work with us to at least be open to some sensible gun legislation.” She encouraged all the kids “to talk to your parents and neighbors about the powers of your vote. Make sure everyone understands what you stand for and what you believe in.”

“Too many people don’t exercise the right to vote,” she added. She thanked Indivisible Westchester for “registering people. They are making an amazing difference.”

Regarding ‘conceal carry,’ Lowey said that she is against having ‘so many weapons out there.”

“Consider if two people fight on a bus.  Not everyone is as responsible as your father,” she said to the young man from Iona.

“Does anyone think we should be able to purchase assault rifles?” Lowey asked the group. No one responded in the affirmative.

“Ok, we should take that off the table too.”

One student suggested:  “Rifles should be completely removed from society. If anyone wants to use an AR-15, they should go somewhere. Even if you are responsible, go to a shooting range, and hand the gun back when you are done.”

Another said people buying need to be reminded of the dangers of weapons. “What is their need for automatic firing to feel protected?” he asked.

Lowey said buy-back programs have been successful. “We should probably do more of them.” She lauded the recent Westchester County legislation closing down the Gun show at the County Center.  Gun violence is so simple’ yet solving the issue so complicated, she said. “There is no reason that at least some of the legislation could pass to show progress.”

“No youngsters should feel their lives are in danger when going to school,” she said.

Detective Morgan Cole-Hatchard from the Pleasantville Police Dept. expressed reservation over an outright ban. “It is my personal opinion that unfortunately the second you make an all encompassing ban on anything, it immediately becomes desirable on the black market, expensive and lucrative to anyone with access to them.”

The option of arming teachers, as advocated recently by the President, was discussed too.

A White Plains High student: “With guns present you are way more likely to have an accident.”

NCPD’s Officer Mazzocchi commented against this option: “Teachers went to school to teach; this is not what they signed up. Arming teachers is unsafe, and will scare students.”

Det. Morgan Cole-Hatchard talked about the hazards of  arming teachers. First, she explained that “active shooter training” was instituted in police departments around the country followed the massacre at Columbine. She said at Parkland, “the officer who arrived took a long time to respond… and waited for a Swat team,” but that according to active shooter protocol, “If I’m the first one there, I’m going in and going after that person to get rid of that threat. If it’s two people, two go in, or if three, we all do. There are scenarios we go through… We walk through and know our schools, so if a call comes in and someone’s in the library, all of our officers know where that is and the quickest way to get there,  so help is coming, but we are going in. 

As for armed teachers, the Pleasantville Detective added:

“If I’m going into a school and a quarter of the teachers are armed… Some teachers look pretty young these days,.. we could have a bad situation.”  It’s unlikely that those teachers would go through the same active shooter training that a police officer goes through, she added.

Another student from White Plains High School does not necessarily oppose arming teachers but limiting this option.  He said it was ‘debatable’ and that it should include “only teachers who volunteer: and that there should be designated locations around the building with access to weapon. 

“Only designated teachers go who are willing to put their lives on the line, grab a weapon and defend a school,” he said.

Another student said she’d feel much safer with more officers stationed in and around schools instead. “I’d feel less safe with teachers armed. Most would not know how to defend themselves in a school shooting. There are plenty of teachers who become criminals too.”

Lowey had invited these students to participate in the round table after several  reached out to her expressing their fear of gun violence in their communities, particularly in their schools, as well as their frustration with congressional inaction on gun violence.

In a post roundtable statement, Lowey added: “These mass shootings, including the tragedy in Parkland, Florida, continue to shake all of us to the core, and students are left fearful for their safety. That’s unacceptable, and congressional Republicans must join Democrats in commonsense reforms to reduce gun violence, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and improve public safety. The students I spoke with today demand action, and it’s past time that the Republican-controlled Congress take meaningful steps to end this nation’s gun crisis.”

* From www.lowey.house.gov: Lowey is a member of the congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and has been a leader in fighting to prevent gun violence, including working to strengthen background checks, close the terror gap loophole, and ban assault weapons and bump stocks. Last Congress, Lowey introduced the NICS Community Protection Act, which would close the Charleston loophole by providing 14 businesses days rather than three for a background check to be completed by the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This week, Lowey sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to allow a vote to lift the ban on federal gun violence research. As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, Lowey has repeatedly offered an amendment in the committee to provide funding for the CDC to conduct gun violence prevention research.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average 96 Americans, including seven children and teens, are killed with guns every day, while nearly 13,000 are the victims of gun homicides every year. According to The American Journal of Medicine, among high-income nations, 91 percent of children 14 and under who were killed by a firearm lived in the United States. The U.S. has the highest rate of gun ownership in the world as well as a significantly higher gun homicide rate than other advanced countries.