Europe – Page 90 – Prologue Journal

In Palermo, a Catholic Saint Joins the Hindu Pantheon

New York Times The Sicilian capital, Palermo, has a long history of cultural melding. Its new arrivals from Sri Lanka have embraced St. Rosalia. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/03/world/europe/in-palermo-a-catholic-saint-joins-the-hindu-pantheon.html

In Gaza, Even Poetry and Toilets Aren’t Safe From Thieves

New York Times Israel’s assault has driven Hamas underground, but for nearly two million Gazans, what followed in its wake is a lawlessness that is undermining communal trust. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/03/world/europe/gaza-crime-thieves-markets.html

Germany Grapples With ‘Difficult Decision’ in Prisoner Swap

New York Times By releasing a convicted assassin, Germany played a critical role in securing the freedom of 16 people held in Russia. But the decision has raised questions about political influence in legal cases. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/russia-putin-germany-prison-swap-krasikov-gershkovich.html

Russian Dissident Says He Was Traded Against His Will in Inmate Swap

New York Times Ilya Yashin, a prominent opposition politician, said he appreciated his freedom, but told his jailers he did not want it if it meant going into exile. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/russian-dissident-involuntary-exile.html

After Olympic Show, ‘Love Activist’ D.J. Barbara Butch Deals With Hate

New York Times The French D.J. Barbara Butch wanted to deliver a message of peace in the opening ceremony, but ended up getting savaged online. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/arts/music/barbara-butch-olympics-opening-ceremony.html

Iceland’s New President Is a Feminist, and a Friend of Björk

New York Times Though the president’s role is mostly ceremonial, Halla Tómasdóttir said that she would seek to raise “the right questions” and bring attention to critical health issues. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/iceland-president-halla-tomasdottir.html

The Olympics’ No. 1 Fan

New York Times Is anyone as excited by the Paris Games as Antoine Griezmann? It doesn’t seem possible. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/olympics-griezmann-france.html

Israel, Defiant, Appears to Have Gone Rogue, Risking a Regional War

New York Times Ignoring the efforts of President Biden and the condemnation of many allies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is forcing the pace of the war and feeding the revolt of the far right. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/israel-defiant-gaza-war.html

Kremlin Confirms Assassin Vadim Krasikov Is an Agent for Russia’s FSB

New York Times Vadim Krasikov, who was returned to Russia in the big prisoner swap, received a hero’s welcome from President Putin, along with others who were freed. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/world/europe/vadim-krasikov-assassin-russia-fsb.html

At 97, This Conductor Is Modest and Extraordinary

New York Times When Herbert Blomstedt, the oldest major conductor active today, led the Vienna Philharmonic, age was only one factor in his remarkable artistry. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/arts/music/herbert-blomstedt-conductor.html