Prologue Journal – Page 35544 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Can high marks in international exams indicate economic growth? – study

Jerusalem Post Even when some connection was found, the relationship between past economic data and test achievements was only recently significantly stronger and more distinct. https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/all-news/article-738561

An Episcopalian bishop warns his diocese against holding Christian Passover seders

Jerusalem Post Photos of Christian seders on social media show elements that would be out of place at a traditional Jewish seder, such as bread or Christian symbols. https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-738560

A Haggadah featuring photos of judicial reform protests to be released

Jerusalem Post This special Haggadah features sections written some notable Israeli figures. https://www.jpost.com/judaism/jewish-holidays/article-738558

Israeli Police Raid Jerusalem Mosque; Brief Flare-Up With Gaza Follows

New York Times The raid at the sensitive holy site set off Palestinian rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, followed by Israeli airstrikes on the territory. On Wednesday night, there was a second raid at the compound. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/world/middleeast/aqsa-mosque-jerusalem.html

Multinational Exercise Defender 23 Kicks Off This Month in Europe

Defense.gov Nearly 9,000 American troops are expected to participate in the Defender 23, an exercise that demonstrates the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy combat-credible troops and equipment. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3353612/multinational-exercise-defender-23-kicks-off-this-month-in-europe/

Cash App founder Bob Lee stabbed to death in San Francisco, says father

Jerusalem Post The San Francisco Police Department said late on Tuesday that a 43-year-old man was stabbed early in the day and succumbed to injuries in the hospital. https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/all-news/article-738552

Your Thursday Briefing: Diplomatic Visits Highlight Tension With China

New York Times Also, what’s next for Donald Trump and Israeli police raid a Jerusalem mosque. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/briefing/china-taiwan-diplomacy-trump-charge-israel.html

China Publishes Data Showing Raccoon Dog DNA at Wuhan Market

New York Times Scientists from the Chinese C.D.C. confirmed that DNA from raccoon dogs and other animals susceptible to the coronavirus was found at the market in early 2020. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/science/china-virus-origins-racoon-dogs.html

Biden’s Ambassador to Israel, at the Center of the Storm

New York Times A longtime Democratic insider, Thomas Nides navigates a fraught U.S.-Israel relationship with humor, if a sometimes all-too-quotable candor. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/us/politics/ambassador-israel-thomas-nides.html

Decades of alleged sexual abuse by Maryland priests detailed in report

Jerusalem Post The report described that history as one of “repeated dismissal or cover up of that abuse by the Catholic Church hierarchy.” https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-738548