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Pope Leo XIV Visits the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella ( Santuario Madonna delle Grazie alla Mentorella) in the village of Guadangolo, 65 km south of Rome, Italy on August 19, 2025. After dedicating time to prayer, the Holy Father spent time with the Polish Resurrectionist religious who serve at the sanctuary before returning to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo. Mentorella sits on top of a mountain. It holds a special connection to several pontiffs: Pope John Paul II, just nine days after being elected pope, made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. Pope Benedict XVI also visited the sanctuary in 2005, and Pope Innocent XIII (1721-1724) had requested his heart to be buried there. Tradition holds it was the place where St. Eustachius converted in the 2nd century. Two hundred years later, Emperor Constantine built a basilica on the spot where the saint converted, and it was consecrated by Pope Silvester I in the years before 335. In the middle of the 13th century, a wooden image of the

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Pope Leo XIV Visits the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella ( Santuario Madonna delle Grazie alla Mentorella) in the village of Guadangolo, 65 km south of Rome, Italy on August 19, 2025. After dedicating time to prayer, the Holy Father spent time with the Polish Resurrectionist religious who serve at the sanctuary before returning to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo. Mentorella sits on top of a mountain. It holds a special connection to several pontiffs: Pope John Paul II, just nine days after being elected pope, made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. Pope Benedict XVI also visited the sanctuary in 2005, and Pope Innocent XIII (1721-1724) had requested his heart to be buried there. Tradition holds it was the place where St. Eustachius converted in the 2nd century. Two hundred years later, Emperor Constantine built a basilica on the spot where the saint converted, and it was consecrated by Pope Silvester I in the years before 335. In the middle of the 13th century, a wooden image of the

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Pope Leo XIV Visits the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella ( Santuario Madonna delle Grazie alla Mentorella) in the village of Guadangolo, 65 km south of Rome, Italy on August 19, 2025. After dedicating time to prayer, the Holy Father spent time with the Polish Resurrectionist religious who serve at the sanctuary before returning to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo. Mentorella sits on top of a mountain. It holds a special connection to several pontiffs: Pope John Paul II, just nine days after being elected pope, made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. Pope Benedict XVI also visited the sanctuary in 2005, and Pope Innocent XIII (1721-1724) had requested his heart to be buried there. Tradition holds it was the place where St. Eustachius converted in the 2nd century. Two hundred years later, Emperor Constantine built a basilica on the spot where the saint converted, and it was consecrated by Pope Silvester I in the years before 335. In the middle of the 13th century, a wooden image of the

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Pope Leo XIV Visits the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella ( Santuario Madonna delle Grazie alla Mentorella) in the village of Guadangolo, 65 km south of Rome, Italy on August 19, 2025. After dedicating time to prayer, the Holy Father spent time with the Polish Resurrectionist religious who serve at the sanctuary before returning to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo. Mentorella sits on top of a mountain. It holds a special connection to several pontiffs: Pope John Paul II, just nine days after being elected pope, made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. Pope Benedict XVI also visited the sanctuary in 2005, and Pope Innocent XIII (1721-1724) had requested his heart to be buried there. Tradition holds it was the place where St. Eustachius converted in the 2nd century. Two hundred years later, Emperor Constantine built a basilica on the spot where the saint converted, and it was consecrated by Pope Silvester I in the years before 335. In the middle of the 13th century, a wooden image of the

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Pope Leo XIV Visits the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella ( Santuario Madonna delle Grazie alla Mentorella) in the village of Guadangolo, 65 km south of Rome, Italy on August 19, 2025. After dedicating time to prayer, the Holy Father spent time with the Polish Resurrectionist religious who serve at the sanctuary before returning to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo. Mentorella sits on top of a mountain. It holds a special connection to several pontiffs: Pope John Paul II, just nine days after being elected pope, made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. Pope Benedict XVI also visited the sanctuary in 2005, and Pope Innocent XIII (1721-1724) had requested his heart to be buried there. Tradition holds it was the place where St. Eustachius converted in the 2nd century. Two hundred years later, Emperor Constantine built a basilica on the spot where the saint converted, and it was consecrated by Pope Silvester I in the years before 335. In the middle of the 13th century, a wooden image of the

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Pope Leo XIV Visits the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella ( Santuario Madonna delle Grazie alla Mentorella) in the village of Guadangolo, 65 km south of Rome, Italy on August 19, 2025. After dedicating time to prayer, the Holy Father spent time with the Polish Resurrectionist religious who serve at the sanctuary before returning to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo. Mentorella sits on top of a mountain. It holds a special connection to several pontiffs: Pope John Paul II, just nine days after being elected pope, made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. Pope Benedict XVI also visited the sanctuary in 2005, and Pope Innocent XIII (1721-1724) had requested his heart to be buried there. Tradition holds it was the place where St. Eustachius converted in the 2nd century. Two hundred years later, Emperor Constantine built a basilica on the spot where the saint converted, and it was consecrated by Pope Silvester I in the years before 335. In the middle of the 13th century, a wooden image of the

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Pope Leo XIV Visits the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella ( Santuario Madonna delle Grazie alla Mentorella) in the village of Guadangolo, 65 km south of Rome, Italy on August 19, 2025. After dedicating time to prayer, the Holy Father spent time with the Polish Resurrectionist religious who serve at the sanctuary before returning to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo. Mentorella sits on top of a mountain. It holds a special connection to several pontiffs: Pope John Paul II, just nine days after being elected pope, made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. Pope Benedict XVI also visited the sanctuary in 2005, and Pope Innocent XIII (1721-1724) had requested his heart to be buried there. Tradition holds it was the place where St. Eustachius converted in the 2nd century. Two hundred years later, Emperor Constantine built a basilica on the spot where the saint converted, and it was consecrated by Pope Silvester I in the years before 335. In the middle of the 13th century, a wooden image of the

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Pope Leo XIV Visits the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella ( Santuario Madonna delle Grazie alla Mentorella) in the village of Guadangolo, 65 km south of Rome, Italy on August 19, 2025. After dedicating time to prayer, the Holy Father spent time with the Polish Resurrectionist religious who serve at the sanctuary before returning to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo. Mentorella sits on top of a mountain. It holds a special connection to several pontiffs: Pope John Paul II, just nine days after being elected pope, made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. Pope Benedict XVI also visited the sanctuary in 2005, and Pope Innocent XIII (1721-1724) had requested his heart to be buried there. Tradition holds it was the place where St. Eustachius converted in the 2nd century. Two hundred years later, Emperor Constantine built a basilica on the spot where the saint converted, and it was consecrated by Pope Silvester I in the years before 335. In the middle of the 13th century, a wooden image of the

E

Pope Leo XIV Visits the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella ( Santuario Madonna delle Grazie alla Mentorella) in the village of Guadangolo, 65 km south of Rome, Italy on August 19, 2025. After dedicating time to prayer, the Holy Father spent time with the Polish Resurrectionist religious who serve at the sanctuary before returning to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo. Mentorella sits on top of a mountain. It holds a special connection to several pontiffs: Pope John Paul II, just nine days after being elected pope, made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. Pope Benedict XVI also visited the sanctuary in 2005, and Pope Innocent XIII (1721-1724) had requested his heart to be buried there. Tradition holds it was the place where St. Eustachius converted in the 2nd century. Two hundred years later, Emperor Constantine built a basilica on the spot where the saint converted, and it was consecrated by Pope Silvester I in the years before 335. In the middle of the 13th century, a wooden image of the

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The Museum of the Holy Souls in Purgatory - Rome

The ‘ Museum of the Holy Souls in Purgatory’ housed in a room of the small neo-Gothic church of the Sacred Heart of Suffrage (Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio) in Rome, Italy on March 5, 2025 is one of a kind in the world as it pretends to offer undeniable proofs of the existence of Purgatory. - Pictured: Imprint left in 1815 on a devotional book of Margherita Demmerle of the parish of Ellinghen (in Lorraine, France) by her mother-in-law who appeared thirty years after her death in 1785. The deceased appeared looking sadly at her daughter-in-law. She said ‘ I am your mother-in-law who died in childbirth 30 years ago. Go on pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariental and there have two Holy Masses celebrated for me’. After the pilgrimage the apparition showed up again to announce her release from Purgatory. To her daughter-in-law who, on the advice of the parish priest, asked for a sign, she placed her hand on the book ‘The imitation of Christ’, leaving the sign of the burn. Later she no longer appea

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family and friends of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, light candles under his photo during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family and friends of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, bury his body during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was held

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family and friends of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, leave wreaths on his grave during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his fun

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family members of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, mourn his death during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was held w

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family and friends of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, bury his body during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was held

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family and friends of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, leave wreaths on his grave during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his fun

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family and friends of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, leave wreaths on his grave during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his fun

E

Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family and friends of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, carry his body during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was hel

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family and friends of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, mourn his death during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was he

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family and friends of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, mourn his death during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was he

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family and friends of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, bury his body during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was held

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family members hold a photo of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, in his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was held with a l

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family members of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, mourn his death during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was held w

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

Family members of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, mourn his death during his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was held w

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Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

A man holds the photo of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, in his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was held with a large a

E

Funeral of An Israeli Hostage of Hamas - Israel

A man holds the photo of Oded Lifshitz, an Israeli hostage of Hamas, in his funeral and burial ceremony in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, on February 25, 2025. Oded Lifshitz, a co-founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a former journalist, was kidnapped from his home during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was 83 years old, and his wife, Yochivid Lifshitz, 85, was also taken prisoner with him; however, Yochivid was released two weeks later. Oded Lifshitz was murdered in captivity, and his body was returned to Israel after more than a year, in February 2025. His funeral and burial were held in Kibbutz Nir Oz, attended by family, friends, and community members. Oded Lifshitz, a human rights activist and journalist, published an article in Haaretz in January 2019 criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu’s security policies. He also challenged the IDF and Ariel Sharon in 1972 for their support of the Bedouin Arabs in Rafah. His kidnapping and murder plunged Israeli society into shock and grief, and his funeral was held with a large a

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Exploring Zhiyuan, China-Malaysia Friendship Garden

STORY: Exploring Zhiyuan, China-Malaysia Friendship Garden SHOOTING TIME: June 16, 2024 DATELINE: June 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:39 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the garden 2. STANDUP (English): GAO YANG, Xinhua correspondent 3. various of visitors STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): GAO YANG, Xinhua correspondent "This is Zhiyuan in Malaysia's Putrajaya. It is also called China-Malaysia Friendship Garden. It was built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia. Ten years later, let's explore this garden again. Step inside the garden, we can see many golden fish in the pond and also the Chinese red lanterns. And these Chinese characters read 'Best luck for 2024.' Along the way, we can see many panda sculptures. We know in 2014, two giant pandas arrived in Malaysia. During the ten years, they gave birth to three panda babies. This is Ruo Lin Tang. It symbolizes that China and Malaysia are good neighbors connected by vast

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Chinese garden reflects deep bond between Chongqing, Seattle

STORY: Chinese garden reflects deep bond between Chongqing, Seattle SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage DATELINE: June 4, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:30 LOCATION: CHONGQING, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of an event celebrating the 41st anniversary of the sister city relationship between China's Chongqing and Seattle in the United States 2. various of the Seattle Chinese Garden 3. SOUNDBITE (English): PAIGE MILLER, Vice-president of the Seattle Chinese Garden STORYLINE: June 3 marks the 41st anniversary of the sister city relationship between China's Chongqing and Seattle in the United States. The Seattle Chinese Garden reflects the deep bond between the two cities. Chongqing and Seattle became sister cities in 1983. Five years later, the two cities decided to commemorate their friendship by building a Chongqing-style garden in Seattle. The garden opened to the public in 2011 and serves as a place for Americans to learn about China. The Seattle Chinese Garden remains the only Chongqing-style garde

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Lake Urmia Going Dry After 12,000 Years - Iran

Two Iranian-Azerbaijani man cleans each other in the steambath near village. The 2023-2024 water year, which started on October 1, was hardly four weeks old when Iran’s Lake Urmia, once the Middle East’s largest lake and the sixth-largest saltwater lake on Earth, was reported to have gone dry. Studies show such an occurrence had not happened in 12,000 years. On October 9, as secretary of the Headquarters to Revive Lake Urmia, Mohammad Sadegh Motamediyan, governor of West Azerbaijan province, where part of the late sits, went on the Tehran TV network to claim that the lake still contained a certain volume of water. But satellite images and aerial footage later captured at the lake, on October 16, belie those claims. Urmia, Iran, November 2, 2023. Photo by Hamid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lake Urmia Going Dry After 12,000 Years - Iran

Two Iranian-Azerbaijani man cleans each other in the steambath near village. The 2023-2024 water year, which started on October 1, was hardly four weeks old when Iran’s Lake Urmia, once the Middle East’s largest lake and the sixth-largest saltwater lake on Earth, was reported to have gone dry. Studies show such an occurrence had not happened in 12,000 years. On October 9, as secretary of the Headquarters to Revive Lake Urmia, Mohammad Sadegh Motamediyan, governor of West Azerbaijan province, where part of the late sits, went on the Tehran TV network to claim that the lake still contained a certain volume of water. But satellite images and aerial footage later captured at the lake, on October 16, belie those claims. Urmia, Iran, November 2, 2023. Photo by Hamid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lake Urmia Going Dry After 12,000 Years - Iran

Two Iranian-Azerbaijani man cleans each other in the steambath near village. The 2023-2024 water year, which started on October 1, was hardly four weeks old when Iran’s Lake Urmia, once the Middle East’s largest lake and the sixth-largest saltwater lake on Earth, was reported to have gone dry. Studies show such an occurrence had not happened in 12,000 years. On October 9, as secretary of the Headquarters to Revive Lake Urmia, Mohammad Sadegh Motamediyan, governor of West Azerbaijan province, where part of the late sits, went on the Tehran TV network to claim that the lake still contained a certain volume of water. But satellite images and aerial footage later captured at the lake, on October 16, belie those claims. Urmia, Iran, November 2, 2023. Photo by Hamid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lake Urmia Going Dry After 12,000 Years - Iran

Two Iranian-Azerbaijani women on speaks each other inside the house in the village The 2023-2024 water year, which started on October 1, was hardly four weeks old when Iran’s Lake Urmia, once the Middle East’s largest lake and the sixth-largest saltwater lake on Earth, was reported to have gone dry. Studies show such an occurrence had not happened in 12,000 years. On October 9, as secretary of the Headquarters to Revive Lake Urmia, Mohammad Sadegh Motamediyan, governor of West Azerbaijan province, where part of the late sits, went on the Tehran TV network to claim that the lake still contained a certain volume of water. But satellite images and aerial footage later captured at the lake, on October 16, belie those claims. Urmia, Iran, October 2, 2023. Photo by Hamid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lake Urmia Going Dry After 12,000 Years - Iran

Two Iranian-Azerbaijani women eating lunch at he village the village had water issue because of the lake affected by the climate change. The 2023-2024 water year, which started on October 1, was hardly four weeks old when Iran’s Lake Urmia, once the Middle East’s largest lake and the sixth-largest saltwater lake on Earth, was reported to have gone dry. Studies show such an occurrence had not happened in 12,000 years. On October 9, as secretary of the Headquarters to Revive Lake Urmia, Mohammad Sadegh Motamediyan, governor of West Azerbaijan province, where part of the late sits, went on the Tehran TV network to claim that the lake still contained a certain volume of water. But satellite images and aerial footage later captured at the lake, on October 16, belie those claims. Urmia, Iran, October 2, 2023. Photo by Hamid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lake Urmia Going Dry After 12,000 Years - Iran

Two Iranian-Azerbaijani women eating lunch at he village the village had water issue because of the lake affected by the climate change. The 2023-2024 water year, which started on October 1, was hardly four weeks old when Iran’s Lake Urmia, once the Middle East’s largest lake and the sixth-largest saltwater lake on Earth, was reported to have gone dry. Studies show such an occurrence had not happened in 12,000 years. On October 9, as secretary of the Headquarters to Revive Lake Urmia, Mohammad Sadegh Motamediyan, governor of West Azerbaijan province, where part of the late sits, went on the Tehran TV network to claim that the lake still contained a certain volume of water. But satellite images and aerial footage later captured at the lake, on October 16, belie those claims. Urmia, Iran, October 2, 2023. Photo by Hamid/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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French leather craftsman shares life in China's Shenzhen

STORY: French leather craftsman shares life in China's Shenzhen SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 6, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 27, 2024 LENGTH: 0:02:39 LOCATION: SHENZHEN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Thomas Maurice (Courtesy of EyeShenzhen) 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): THOMAS MAURICE, French leather craftsman 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): THOMAS MAURICE, French leather craftsman 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): THOMAS MAURICE, French leather craftsman STORYLINE: SOUNDBITE 1 (English): THOMAS MAURICE, French leather craftsman "My name is Thomas Maurice. I'm from France. I'm working for DISSONA as a master craftsman. My skills come from (countries) like France and Italy. So most of the brand that I work for come from luxury sector." Around the age of 20, Thomas Maurice started to learn handicraft skills systematically, and served at many well-known European luxury brands for over a decade. In 2011, Maurice moved his career to China and joined the Shenzhen-based fashion brand DISSONA two years later. He then established

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man applies water-resistant oil to a Jialu paper umbrella in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 11, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man attaches paper covering to a bamboo frame while making a Jialu paper umbrella in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 11, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man fixes paper covering on a bamboo frame while making a Jialu paper umbrella in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 11, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man applies water-resistant oil to a Jialu paper umbrella in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 11, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man ties supporting strings to a bamboo frame while making a Jialu paper umbrella in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 11, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man assembles a Jialu paper umbrella in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 10, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A woman prepares bamboo frames for Jialu paper umbrellas in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 11, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man applies glue to a bamboo frames while making a Jialu paper umbrella in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 11, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A woman prepares bamboo frames for Jialu paper umbrella in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 10, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man applies glue to a bamboo frames while making a Jialu paper umbrella in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 11, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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CHINA-JIANGXI-WUYUAN-JIALU PAPER UMBRELLAS (CN)

(240124) -- WUYUAN, Jan. 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A woman prepares a bamboo frame for Jialu paper umbrella in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 10, 2024. The Jialu paper umbrella is named after the village it originated over 800 years ago in Wuyuan of east China's Jiangxi Province. With bamboo frame and paper covering, this umbrella has to go through over 70 steps in its manufacturing procedure. Jialu paper umbrellas were displayed at the Milan Expo in 2015, and found their path to an international fashion show two years later. In 2021, the Jialu paper umbrella-making craft was inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are now sold to over 28 countries and regions in the world. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

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Items Seized At Florida Airport Return Home - Miami

Customs and Border Protection Officer Juan Esteves holds a terra cotta animal head at a Thursday, September 14, 2023 ceremony in Miami, FL, USA. This is one of three artifacts the U.S. is repatriating to Costa Rica. Six years ago, Juan Esteves found something he never expected during a security screening at Orlando International Airport. Wrapped and tucked inside a pair of shoes were three pieces of stone art. One of the carved clay rocks was a bowl. The two others appeared to be animals. Experts later determined that those artifacts Esteves flagged belonged to the Kingdom of Nicoya, an ancient indigenous nation in modern-day Costa Rica. Now, the artifacts will be returning home, placed under the care of the country’s national museum in San Jose. Photo by Jose A. Iglesias/Miami Herald/TNS/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Items Seized At Florida Airport Return Home - Miami

Customs and Border Protection Officer Juan Esteves holds a terra cotta animal head at a Thursday, September 14, 2023 ceremony in Miami, FL, USA. This is one of three artifacts the U.S. is repatriating to Costa Rica. Six years ago, Juan Esteves found something he never expected during a security screening at Orlando International Airport. Wrapped and tucked inside a pair of shoes were three pieces of stone art. One of the carved clay rocks was a bowl. The two others appeared to be animals. Experts later determined that those artifacts Esteves flagged belonged to the Kingdom of Nicoya, an ancient indigenous nation in modern-day Costa Rica. Now, the artifacts will be returning home, placed under the care of the country’s national museum in San Jose. Photo by Jose A. Iglesias/Miami Herald/TNS/ABACAPRESS.COM

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French winegrowers hope for bumper harvest

STORY: French winegrowers hope for bumper harvest DATELINE: Sept. 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:06 LOCATION: BEAUNE, France CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of harvest in the vineyards near Beaune 2. SOUNDBITE (French): FRANCOIS LABET, Winemaker 3. various of harvest in the vineyards near Beaune STORYLINE: The harvest has begun in many Burgundy vineyards near Beaune, a renowned wine-producing region in France. The work is expected to last throughout the week. After two difficult years with climate problems, French winegrowers have high hopes for a bumper harvest this year. According to the first observations of the Interprofessional Burgundy Wine Bureau, the several hailstorms experienced in the region should not affect wine production. This year's harvest is about 10 days later than that of last year. SOUNDBITE (French): FRANCOIS LABET, Winemaker "This is a bunch of Pinot Noir that we like, a very dense, very compact, very tight grape. It's also bluer than black in color." After the drought in 2019 a

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CHINA-XINJIANG-KASHGAR-TRANSNATIONAL MARRIAGE-TANZANIA-CAFE (CN)

(230911) -- KASHGAR, Sept. 11, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Dilxat Tursun (L, front) and his wife Hadiya Msham Abdulla walk at an alley with their baby at the ancient city of Kashgar scenic area in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 7, 2023. Seven years on, Dilxat Tursun can still feel his heart flutter whenever he recalls the moment he clutched 99 roses in his hand and confessed his feelings to Hadiya Msham Abdulla from Tanzania. Although Hadiya didn't give her answer right away, the two are now happily married, running the Dili and Diya Cafe in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In 2012, Hadiya came to China and studied medicine at the Fujian Medical University in the city of Fuzhou. Dilxat left his home of Xinjiang to go to college in Fuzhou in 2013, having no clue he was about to meet the love of his life three years later. In 2020, they got married after years of love. Two years later, Hadiya decided to accompany her husband to his hometown Kashg