A reporter dispossessed by SoCalif wildfires, Peter Duke, searches for plausible causes

The family of independent reporter, Peter Duke, were involuntary victims of wildfire damage in their Pacific Palisade residence. Mr. Duke delivered this presentation to What Matters Los Angeles, at the Lighthouse Church in Santa Monica, an adjacent city just south of Pacific Palisades, which forced some residents to evacuate as the fires approached mid-January.

Mr. Duke questions the "confluence of unfortunate events" explanation as to the cause of the fires. He presented a background on influential political families' interests in California. He addresses theories regarding fire-prevention, and possible causes of the disaster - theories that mainstream media have not addressed.
 

 

Mr. Duke's presentation was organized by What Matters Los Angeles at the Lighthouse Church in Santa Monica, just south of Pacific Palisades, on Tuesday 11 February 2025.

Peter Duke discusses possible motives with audience members following his presentation.

Christian newsmen candidly revealed their experience on Islamists' War's effect on Israel - at '24 Nat'l Religious Broadcasters' confab

In a discussion held at the last National Religious Broadcasters Association ("NRB") Convention in Nashville, Christian media-creators stationed in Israel -- CBN News' Chris Mitchell, ICEJ President, Dr. Jurgen Buhler, and author/journalist Joel Rosenberg -- discussed the complex realities of the ongoing conflict in Israel, contrasting Israel's military actions aimed at protecting Palestinian civilians with Hamas's disregard for civilian safety. The discussion, held before a packed ballroom, was moderated by Billy Hallowell, a host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News.

The reporters' recount harrowing personal stories from the violence, emphasizing the brutal attacks on October 7 and the ensuing desperation of those trying to rescue loved ones amidst chaos. The speakers highlight the ideological battle, noting that Hamas's goals extend beyond territorial claims to a broader aim of subjugating non-Islamic nations, and express concern about the radicalization of youth in the West supporting such ideologies. They stress the importance of international cooperation for securing hostage releases, reflect on the emotional toll on Israeli families, and underscore a rising openness to faith discussions despite the ongoing strife. The conversation concludes with calls for sustained U.S. support for Israel, the critical need for prayer amidst uncertainty, and an acknowledgment of the profound spiritual impact the crisis has had on the Israeli populace, who are increasingly seeking spiritual solace during these tumultuous times. Dr. Jurgen Buhler spoke with us after the session (which we summarize after this interview video).

• 00:00  The speakers discuss Israel's military actions and the contrasting behavior of Hamas during the ongoing conflict. They emphasize that Israel takes measures to protect Palestinian civilians, such as issuing warnings and sending leaflets before military operations, while Hamas actively places civilians in danger and disregards their safety. The speakers paint a stark picture of the atrocities committed by Hamas, describing horrific violence on October 7 that included indiscriminate killings and extreme brutality. They recall a story about a family forced to hide in a bomb shelter, emphasizing the inadequacies of these shelters against the actual threat posed by invading terrorists. Additionally, the speakers illustrate the desperation of loved ones attempting to rescue family members amidst the chaos.
  

• 5:00  The speakers share intense personal accounts from the recent violence involving Hamas and Israelis, highlighting a couple who, while under threat, help others escape a dire situation and later find themselves in the midst of combat. They discuss the ideology behind the conflict, emphasizing that Hamas's goal is not merely about territory but a broader mission to subjugate non-Islamic nations. The conversation also touches upon the troubling response to the violence seen in Western college campuses, where pro-Palestinian sentiments echo support for Hamas, raising concerns about the radicalization of youth globally. The speakers stress the importance of Israel receiving unwavering support from the United States and advocate for a firm stance against negotiating with terrorists to prevent further emboldenment of extremist movements worldwide.

• 10:00  The discussion centers around the urgency for Israel to negotiate the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the recent conflict, highlighting the collective pressure within Israel to bring all hostages home. Participants emphasize the need for coordinated international efforts, particularly through partnerships with the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, to secure their release. They reflect on the complex situation stemming from the surprise attack on October 6, which undermined Israeli security and illustrates the tactical challenges posed by Hamas, including their extensive network of tunnels throughout Gaza. The conversation underscores both the humanitarian imperative to free those kidnapped and the strategic necessity of addressing the broader security concerns within the region.
  
  
• 15:00  The speakers share their experience of visiting a site in Gaza where hostages were held, reflecting on the emotional impact of witnessing the conditions and the presence of evil as they prayed for the hostages' freedom. Joel Rosenberg recalls taking communion in a highly charged atmosphere of conflict, highlighting the surreal contrast between their faith and the ongoing violence surrounding them. The discussion pivots to the Western response to the current situation in Israel, with Dr. Buhler noting an initial wave of support from various political groups that later seems to wane under pressure from the Islamic world, leading to concerns about long-term support for Israel amidst calls for a ceasefire and a Palestinian state, while expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the Palestinian Authority's governance.
  
  
• 20:00  The discussion focuses on the emotional and spiritual toll of the ongoing conflict on Israeli families, particularly those with children serving in the military. Jurgen Buhler shares his concern for his two sons, one stationed in Gaza, and reflects on the shared experience of anxiety and fear faced by many Israeli families. He expresses the deep need for global support and prayer for the Jewish people and the Palestinian population suffering under Hamas. A story is shared about an encounter that brought peace to a mother worried for her son, bolstered by dreams of divine protection, highlighting the importance of faith and community support during such challenging times. The speaker emphasizes that prayer has played a critical role in their lives and the lives of soldiers, recounting miraculous moments of safety amidst danger, while calling for continued global prayer for Israel and its people.
  
  
• 25:00  The discussion highlights the profound impact of the current conflict in Israel, describing it as the nation's darkest hour since 1948, with many believers actively supporting their country in various capacities. Individuals and families are struggling with uncertainty, yet there is a growing openness to conversations about faith and spirituality, especially around the figure of Jesus. Many efforts are underway to provide humanitarian aid and strengthen local churches, emphasizing the unusual spiritual openness among Israelis to consider faith in Jesus as the Messiah. The speakers call for prayer on multiple fronts, including the safety of soldiers, the return of hostages, and the spiritual well-being of countless Israelis who are grappling with existential fears. They also stress the importance of U.S. support for Israel in the context of the current political landscape and the moral imperative of blessing Israel as outlined in biblical texts.
  
  
• 30:00  The discussion highlights ongoing political tensions and the significant decisions Israel faces regarding the situation in Rafa and potential conflicts in the northern regions, particularly concerning the Iranian nuclear threat. The importance of vigilance, likened to the "Watchman on the wall" from Isaiah 62, is emphasized, urging that prayer and support for Jerusalem should continue until it becomes a source of praise throughout the world. The panelists' insights underline the urgency and complexity of the geopolitical landscape, concluding with applause for their contributions.

 

Propaganda Then and Now: Lessons From Nazi Germany to Today’s Anti-Israel Narratives

On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, it’s worth reflecting on a disturbing pattern: how propaganda has been used to vilify Jews in different eras. The lessons we thought we learned from World War II—about the dangers of hateful narratives—seem to be fading. Today, some of the same tactics used by the Nazis are being deployed by groups like Hamas and their supporters to turn public opinion against Israel, with worrying consequences.

A copy Adolf Hitler’s sick autobiography, “Mein Kampf,” was found inside a child’s bedroom at a Hamas base in the
Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities said. The copy of the Nazi leader’s 1925 autobiography outlining his deadly journey into antisemitism and the genocide of millions of Jews and other ethnic minorities during the Holocaust included “annotations and highlights,” The book was discovered among the personal belongs of one of the terrorists,” the IDF said in the online post. “Hamas embraces the ideology of Hitler, the one responsible for the annihilation of the Jewish People.” - NY Post 11/12/23

What Happened in Nazi Germany

The Nazis used propaganda to convince Germans that Jews were the root of society’s problems. Newspapers, posters, and films portrayed Jewish people as subhuman and dangerous, blaming them for economic woes and cultural decay. These messages played on centuries-old prejudices in Europe, where anti-Semitic stereotypes had taken root in Christian doctrine and culture. The propaganda worked. Ordinary Germans accepted these lies, enabling the persecution and eventual genocide of six million Jews. 

How It’s Happening Again

Fast forward to today, and we see a similar playbook being used by Hamas and its allies, including Qatar. Through modern media and social networks, they spread the message that Israel is an oppressor, responsible for all Palestinian suffering. Casualty figures from the Gaza Ministry of Health—controlled by Hamas—are often inflated or misleading, but they’re repeated by Western media without much scrutiny. Staged events and manipulated images also flood the internet, painting Israel as a brutal aggressor.

Phrases like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” or “Free Palestine” have become rallying cries in protests worldwide. But few stop to question the implications—these slogans call for the elimination of Israel. Meanwhile, Israel’s side of the story, including its right to defend itself against rocket attacks and terrorism, is often ignored.

Why It Matters

Just as Nazi propaganda dehumanized Jews to justify their persecution, today’s anti-Israel narratives have made it acceptable to vilify and scapegoat Jewish people once again. In cities across the West, we’ve seen people tearing down posters of kidnapped Israelis, vandalizing Jewish schools and synagogues, and chanting slogans that call for Israel’s destruction.

This isn’t just about spreading lies and hatred; it’s about how those lies pave the way for authoritarian tyranny. The Islamo-Marxist scapegoating of the Jewish state echoes Nazi tactics: using propaganda to consolidate power by uniting people against a common enemy. In Nazi Germany, this propaganda enabled National Socialists to dominate Europe, suppress dissent, and commit atrocities not only against Jews but against all who opposed their rule. Today, Hamas and its allies exploit similar methods to justify their authoritarian agendas and silence diverse voices within their societies.

The Bigger Picture

What’s most alarming is how easily the media and the public have bought into this propaganda. On this solemn day of remembrance, we should ask ourselves: Have we really learned the lessons of the Holocaust? The Nazis taught the world that scapegoating Jews isn’t just dangerous for them—it’s a tool for tyranny that harms everyone. If we fail to recognize and challenge these tactics, we risk enabling the rise of new authoritarian movements that use hatred and division to manipulate society under absolute power.

January 6th political-prisoner returns to L.A. rallies; Shares experience that mainstream media intentionally misrepresents

Manny Melo and Ed Badalian, who demonstrated at the US Capitol Bldg on
January 6th, 2021, reunited at a Beverly Hills Freedom Rally group march
around Westwood, Los Angeles on October 19, 2024. Mr. Badalian served
50 weeks in federal detention for entering the Capitol Building 
 

Our interview with a pair of participants at the January 6th, '21 D.C. Trump Rally sheds light on their perspectives and experiences, particularly focusing on claims of government overreach and the narrative surrounding the events of that day.

Voices from the Rally

Two weeks before the November 2024 election, members of the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally group, like Manny Mello (pictured here) reunited with group member, Ed Badalian, who then was recently  released from 50 weeks in federal incarceration.

Mr. Melo emphasizes his activism rooted in a desire to promote an "America First" message. He noted that, despite marching in a liberal area like Westwood, California, he and his fellow conservatives receive support from those who are often afraid to speak out. This sentiment reflects a broader struggle among conservatives in traditionally liberal regions, where expressing their views can lead to backlash. 

Edward Badalian shared his journey into activism, which began in 2018. He described how the COVID-19 pandemic led him to engage in rallies such as the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally. Badalian's narrative took a darker turn when he recounted being raided by the FBI on April 1, 2021, following his participation in the January 6th events. He claimed that he was treated harshly during this encounter, which he described as a form of punishment for his political beliefs. 

Government Overreach Allegations 

Both men expressed strong feelings about their treatment by law enforcement and the judicial system. Badalian detailed his experiences in various prisons, emphasizing what he described as abusive conditions and unjust treatment of January 6th participants. He argued that the charges brought against him were politically motivated and lacked substantial evidence. He also highlighted his belief that no one has been charged with insurrection because there was no legitimate basis for such claims. According to him, many participants were merely there to hear President Trump speak and did not intend to engage in violence or insurrection. 

Claims of Agitation by Outside Forces 

A significant part of their narrative revolves around the assertion that outside agitators, particularly Antifa members, infiltrated the rally to instigate violence. Badalian recounted an incident where he attempted to stop individuals from breaking windows, suggesting that these actions were not representative of the rally-goers' intentions. He claimed that many attendees were unarmed and were there peacefully, contrasting their behavior with those he identified as provocateurs.

 

Badalian's assertion that some individuals at the rally were paid agitators adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing debate about January 6th. He pointed to a specific incident where an individual admitted to being part of an organized effort to disrupt the event.

 

Manny Melo, Shiva Bagher of Bev Hills Freedom Rally and Ed

Conclusion

The interview reflects a deep-seated frustration among participants regarding how they perceive their actions have been mischaracterized by media narratives and government responses. They argue for recognition of their intentions as peaceful protesters rather than insurrectionists, while also calling attention to what they see as a pattern of government overreach and manipulation by outside forces during politically charged events. As discussions about January 6th continue, these voices underscore the ongoing divide in American political discourse and highlight concerns about civil liberties among conservative activists.

BLM-leader teamed BlackXmas from anti-capitalism up with anti-Israelism in run-up to V.P. candidacy

Marxists ally with Islamist crusaders crucifying the persecutors of "Black Palestinian" Jesus

The "Black Xmas" rally in Los Angeles, strategically timed for December 23, 2023 (within a year of the November 2024 U.S. national elections) evinced a potent blend of Marxist and Islamist agendas, with a particular emphasis on exploiting anti-Israel, "Shut It Down for Palestine" (SID4P) sentiment. At the helm was Dr. Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles (BLM-LA). Her success helped position her for selection to be Cornel West's vice-presidential running-mate. Her ideology and rhetoric were central to this event.

The Marxist influences behind the rally were evident, with support from international figures like Neville Roy Singham (CodePink),
George Soros through his Open Society Foundations, and organizations like the ANSWER Coalition. Islamist groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and al-Awda were also pivotal in the "Shut It Down for Palestine" (SID4P) movement, demonstrating a strategic alliance aimed at destabilizing public order and influencing electoral sentiment.

"From Black Xmas to electoral manipulation: 2023's Los Angeles rally was a calculated move to exploit old hatreds for new political ends."

CodePink and Jewish Voice for Peace Action were
among the funded, Marxist disruptor organizers 

Estee Chandler leader of the "barely Jewish"- Jewish Voice for Peace (J.V.P.) played an insulating role in this anti-Judeo-Christian convergence. She stated, "We must oppose the claims of victimhood by oppressors...we say 'Never again' includes everyone!" Her rhetoric aimed to provide a veneer of moral justification for the anti-Israel sentiment by claiming, "In fact, nothing is more Jewish than the call for a ceasefire to save every single life possible." However, her statements were overshadowed by Abdullah's more direct and politically charged rhetoric, which focused on disrupting "white supremacist capitalism" and equating it with the plight of Palestinians.

Pastor Tabitha Jones Jolivet contributed a theo-political manipulation, framing the Palestinian struggle within a narrative of oppression akin to historical black liberation movements. She declared to the crowd: "I come in the name of an Afro-Palestinian Jew named Jesus! Who entered into this world under the threat of genocide. Who came to turn upside down the empires. Do you know that the empire of Rome lynched this Jesus?" Her rhetoric was designed to merge religious solidarity with political activism, further complicating the discourse by suggesting that opposition to Israel is inherently just.

Dr. Melina Abdullah, with her roots in Marxist activism, led the rally with a clear message, "We know these corporations, white supremacist capitalism, is behind both the murder of black people here and the genocide of Palestinians there," effectively merging economic critique with an anti-Israel narrative. This was not only a continuation of BLM-LA's tradition of disrupting consumerism but also a strategic pivot towards international politics, especially canny, as months later, she would run with Cornel West as co-candidates for the White House.

Rida Hamida of Latino-Muslim Unity 
with Melina Abdullah of B.L.M.

Ms. Rida Hamida from Latino-Muslim Unity added to the narrative, using her platform to call for political upheaval alongside economic critique. Her previous actions, including protests at Disneyland, underscored a consistent effort to link economic protests with geopolitical agendas, accusing Israel of genocide while downplaying Hamas's role.

In the absence of leadership from pro-Israel or pro-patriot organizations, around 50
Zionistic and/or patriotic Jews and Christians gathered in opposition to the 300 protesters

Anti-Zionists march to impede traffic and shopping at Beverly Center Mall on the shopping day before Christmas Eve: Beverly Hills Councilman John Mirisch contextualized these protests, stating, "This was the first organized pro-Hamas rally that we've had in Beverly Hills." He acknowledged BLM's sponsorship but emphasized the rally's anti-Israel stance, "BLM sponsored it, yes, but nonetheless, it was regarded as an anti-Israel, pro-Hamas rally." Mirisch also commented on the rally's one-sided narrative, highlighting how it misleads those uninformed about the conflict.

By prioritizing the anti-Israel narrative over economic critique, these protests not only risked alienating supporters but also contributed to the normalization of anti-Semitic rhetoric under the guise of social justice. The proximity to elections suggests a strategic move to manipulate voter sentiment through chaos and division, a tactic historically used by Marxist movements to sway political outcomes.

The implications of these protests extend beyond immediate disruptions, signaling a worrying trend where domestic and international political agendas are intertwined to exploit societal divisions. This could set a dangerous precedent for how activism is used in electoral politics, potentially leading to more instances where racial and religious tensions are strategically inflamed for political gain.

The 2023 "Black Xmas" rally in Los Angeles was a clear example of how Marxist and Islamist ideologies can converge to exploit anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment for political gain, especially in proximity to national elections. With Dr. Melina Abdullah at the forefront, the rally was less about critiquing capitalism and more about sowing division. Her later political candidacy with Cornel West as an independent further underscores the strategic nature of these protests. This manipulation of public sentiment and historical prejudices poses a significant challenge to democratic processes and the fight against genuine oppression.

Officials continue to disregard Islamic religious motivations in hostility or violence towards Judeo-Christians

UCLA Police Chief John Thomas departed employ today facing significant scrutiny regarding his handling in May of an Islamo-Marxist, anti-Israel encampment protest on campus. The liberal university administrators had turned down his advice not to permit the encampment because it violated campus rules against overnight camping and could lead to potential violence. The administration decided to allow it as an expression of students' First Amendment rights, instructing that police should not be included in any security plan. 

 

When the Islamo-Marxists, who had gotten away with pushing around Jewish faculty and students, finally encountered push-back from area Jewish students - it blew back in the administrators' faces and they scapegoated Chief Thomas. 

Were the protesters merely anti-Israel or were they anti-Jewish? Zionism, i.e., residing in the land of Israel to practice Judaism, is a principle of Judaism. If the administrators allowed Muslims’ protest which criticized a tenet of Judaism to not be Islamophobic… how about the administrators offending the Jews by NOT challenging the Muslims’ innate anti-Jewish motives - which similarly are a part of Islam? 

A first-year memorial vigil was held a few weeks ago at the site of the Islamic Society of Simi Valley, California's anti-Israel protest in Thousand Oaks. In November '23 Jewish counter-demonstrator, Paul Kessler, 69, was struck by Jordanian-American, Loay Alnaji, and died. 

Mr. Paul Kessler (pictured left) a Jewish-Californian demonstrated support for Israel against a hostile, MidEast Muslim immigrant protest in Nov. '23. It's alleged that enraged fundamentalist Jordanian immigrant, Mr. Loay Alnaji (pictured right) bashed his megaphone into Kessler's face, knocking him down and killing him. Ventura County D.A. chose not to charge religious bigotry in Alnaji's motive, which limited sentencing to four-years maximum. (Photo credit: @NewsVCNews)

Palestinian Muslim-born, Ayman Abu Subohh converted to Judaism, adopting the name Dor Shachar. At the vigil, he explains the religious indoctrination religious Muslims are taught, particularly in Jordan, Palestinian Territories, Egypt, Pakistan, and Iran: To subordinate and persecute - non-Muslims anywhere, particularly in a previously Muslim-ruled territory, such as Spain or Israel, which they are mandated to reconquer for Allah.

Through an English interpreter, Mr. Shachar explains why he feels that religious bias / bigotry was a motivating factor in Alnaji's battering Mr. Kessler - which would qualify for a penal enhancement in the battery and involuntary manslaughter crimes - which for deterrent purposes, Ventura County District Attorneys ought to consider.

This video shows the vitriol of members of the Islamic Society of Simi Valley, California towards Jewish-people and Israel at a demonstration in Thousand Oaks on November 5, 2023. Mr. Mamdouh Elalami crassly shouts anti-Zionist slurs at Jews through his megaphone, even as Paul Kessler, who had just had his face smashed open by Loay Alnaji, lay just meters away - with open wounds on a stretcher in an ambulance. 

(Video courtesy: @NewsVCNews)

Veteran reporter, Hal Eisner of Fox11-KTTV News, covered a November '23 rally seeking justice for the late Mr. Paul Kessler, whom it is alleged that Mr. Loay Alnaji battered with a megaphone. Mr. Kessler's colleague  Jonathan Oswaks, who is shown in this story, claims that Mr. Alnaji specifically went after Mr. Kessler because he was holding an Israeli flag. Hal Eisner points out that people he interviewed believe that the motive of Alnaji's attack qualifies for "bias-motive" (California law term for what's commonly considered "hate-crime" charge enhancement) for Kessler's association with Israeli nationality (and possibly Jewish faith). Ventura County D.A. Erik Nasarenko's office has not added bias-motive to the charges. Yet anti-Jewish bigotry is a recognized part of Islamic culture, particularly in fundamentalism and certainly in the Middle East and Pakistan. 

 

Lebanese-descended scholar of Islam, Robert Spencer of JihadWatch.com says that the supremacist and annihilationist dogma against non-Muslims is ubiquitous in Islam. Western liberals' 'political correctness' has inhibited criticism of Islam's theology, cultural bigotries, and its imperialism against non-Muslims. Search-engines minimize- and social-media censors commentary on the topic. This taboo-ing inhibits police, investigations, and prosecutors from addressing and confronting the theology in motives for uncivil and criminal conduct.

In the case of the November '23 attack by Jordanian-Muslim Loay Alnaji which killed native Jewish-Californian, Paul Kessler, the Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko may chosen to avoid the prosecution challenging Islam on theo-cultural bias (based on religion or association with Israel) to enhance the battery and involuntary manslaughter charges for a longer, more deterrent penalty.

In this part 2 of the interview, Muslim-raised, Ayman Abu Suboh explores the intricate dynamics of interfaith relations particularly between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. He reflects on personal encounters that reveal trust issues influenced by extremist beliefs, while discussing how financial support from Qatar to Hamas exacerbates anti-Jewish sentiment. He shares his journey from Islam to Judaism, motivated by a divine calling to foster understanding and coexistence between communities, taking the name Dor Shachar- Dawn Generation. 

He recounts experiences in Israel that highlight common humanity, expressing a desire for peaceful coexistence despite historical tensions. Additionally, he raises concerns about insufficient responses from American institutions to anti-Israel sentiments and he urges vigilance among American Jews to ensure their safety and well-being. The narrative underscores a pressing need for open dialogue and community collaboration to address misunderstandings and hostility. 

In cities such as New York and Los Angeles, where the police no longer submit to District Attorneys cases lesser than felonies, police charging without the bias-enhancement (whether based on race, nationality, or association with nationality, such as Americans supportive of Israel) leaves cases of assault or battery as misdemeanors - and don't even receive full investigative resources - and the perpetrators know they can get away with injurious crimes - which poses no deterrent to future attackers and injured victims. The maximum penalty for Loay Alnaji if convicted as charged (without the bias enhancement) in the death of Paul Kessler is only four-years of jail-time (if even sentenced to the maximum). 

Given these logistical limitations, shouldn't police and prosecutors stop avoiding the indoctrinated bigotry Islam inculcates against non-Muslims (e.g., Hindus, Kurds, Copts, Christians, Jews) which has wreaked the Middle East and now, with immigration into the West, also incites bigotry expressed during inciteful protests?