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Dr. Mike Evans Brings Thousands from 123 Countries to Jerusalem for Global October 7 Solidarity Event

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International gathering led by Friends of Zion founder Dr. Mike Evans brings Christian and Jewish leaders together in Jerusalem as global broadcast reaches more than 120 million viewers

JERUSALEM, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — More than 2,000 Christian and Jewish leaders, influencers, diplomats, media representatives and community leaders from 123 countries gathered in Jerusalem for a major international event marking three years since October 7 and expressing solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people.

Held at the Southern Wall, the gathering was the centerpiece of the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit, led by Friends of Zion founder Dr. Mike Evans in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The international delegation brought together Christian leaders and influencers from around the world alongside released hostages, bereaved families, wounded Israelis, ambassadors and diplomats. Hosted by Australian journalist Erin Molan and actor and Israel advocate Nate Buzolic, the evening placed the personal stories of October 7 at the center of the gathering.

For the Christian leaders who traveled to Jerusalem from around the world, the event was an opportunity not only to remember the victims of October 7, but to stand publicly with Israel and the Jewish people and to hear directly from those whose lives were changed forever.

Among the most powerful moments was the appearance of released hostage Bar Kuperstein, who came to the stage together with his grandfather, Michael Kuperstein, a Holocaust survivor. Bar, who was abducted from the Nova music festival and spent two years in captivity, spoke about his experience and the determination that helped him survive. His grandfather, who survived the Holocaust in Europe, represented a deeply personal connection between two generations and two defining moments in Jewish history.

Sagui Dekel Chen, who was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz and spent years in captivity, spoke through tears about returning to the community he had once called home. He described the devastation he witnessed and the 64 members of Nir Oz who were murdered on October 7. Yet despite the loss of his community and the trauma of captivity, Dekel Chen told the international audience that the people of Nir Oz never lost hope and that hope remains at the heart of their struggle to rebuild.

Released hostages Agam Berger and Evyatar David also addressed the audience, sharing stories of captivity, loss, survival and rebuilding. Berger performed “Hallelujah” on stage, creating one of the evening’s most emotional moments.

The stories of those who were lost were equally central to the gathering. Galit Waldman, mother of Major Ariel Ben Moshe, spoke about her son, a senior officer in an elite commando unit who fought terrorists in the Re’im area before continuing to Kibbutz Be’eri. There, he entered the community to protect and rescue 14 year old children. He was shot while fighting to save them and ultimately paid with his life. Waldman delivered a message of resilience to the international audience, emphasizing that despite the loss and the pain, Israel continues to stand.

Another powerful moment came when Evans presented the Friends of Zion “Here Am I” Award to Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun, who was among the passengers who helped stop an attempted hijacking aboard a

Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv just days before the Jerusalem gathering. After the co pilot attacked the captain and the aircraft went into a steep dive, Hayun and other passengers rushed toward the cockpit and helped overpower the attacker. Hayun also briefly took hold of the aircraft controls as the plane was being brought back under control. The flight, carrying more than 170 passengers, eventually made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Hayun’s story of courage under extreme circumstances became one of the evening’s most striking reminders of the instinct to protect others in moments of danger.

The event highlighted the strength of Christian solidarity with Israel. Sylvan Adams, President of the World Jewish Congress Israel, thanked Christian communities around the world for standing with Israel and the Jewish people since October 7. “Millions of Christian friends around the world stood up and said clearly: You are not alone,” Adams said.

For Evans, who founded Friends of Zion to strengthen the relationship between Israel and Christian communities around the world, the gathering represented a message that extended far beyond Jerusalem.

“This evening is much more than an event. It is a message to the world: Israel and the Jewish people are not alone,” Evans said.

The Jerusalem gathering was part of a 24 hour international broadcast connecting Jerusalem with communities supporting Israel across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Latin America.

According to the organizers, the broadcast has already reached more than 120 million viewers worldwide, taking the message of solidarity far beyond the thousands who gathered in Jerusalem.

For the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit delegation, the event was the centerpiece of several days of activities in Israel, including a meeting with President Isaac Herzog at the President’s Residence, a visit to Yad Vashem and events marking October 7 at the Nova site and other locations connected to Jewish history and heritage.

Three years after October 7, thousands of people from around the world gathered in Jerusalem to remember those who were murdered, hear directly from survivors and families, and carry their stories back to communities across the globe with one clear message: Israel and the Jewish people are not alone.

For inquiries: Tal Marom, Head of Communications and Public Diplomacy for Dr. Mike Evans and FOZ tal@marompr.co.il

 

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SOURCE Friends of Zion

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YCYW Global Campuses Celebrate 2026 Founder’s Day: Ninety-Four Years of Educational Dedication: Rooted Deep, Reaching Far

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HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network (YCYW) celebrated the annual Founder’s Day across its campuses worldwide, honouring the outstanding contribution of founder Madam Tsang Chor-hang to education. 2026 marks the 94th anniversary of YCYW, as well as the 25th anniversary of Yew Chung International School of Chongqing (YCIS Chongqing).

During the celebrations, YCYW officially launched its new core educational slogan —Rooted Deep, Reaching Far, with YCIS Chongqing serving as the main venue and campuses worldwide connected via a virtual gathering.

For ninety-four years, YCYW has upheld its philosophy of integrating Chinese and Western educational traditions, committed to aligning with science and technology; culture and arts; and love and charity, and striving to nurture future talent who possess international competitiveness, social responsibility, robust foundation, diverse capability and a strong sense of self.

New Educational Slogan “Rooted Deep, Reaching Far” Officially Launched

At the anniversary ceremony, Dr Betty Chan Po-king, Chief Executive Officer and School Supervisor of YCYW, joined numerous guests in witnessing the official launch of the new slogan, “Rooted Deep, Reaching Far”.

Meanwhile, Dr Chan elaborated on the concept of “Rooted Deep, Reaching Far”: “Rooted Deep” refers to laying a solid and profound foundation for every student’s growth, with the integration of Chinese and Western educational philosophies at its core. “Reaching Far” means enabling students, on the basis of that strong foundation, to move confidently into the wider world, equipped with the resilience and capability to navigate it and face the future. Only when roots are deep can one reach far; and when one reaches far, one never forgets the roots.

“Rooted Deep, Reaching Far” comprises an overarching educational aim, three content pillars and a foundation of trust. The overarching aim is clear and unwavering: to empower children with strong roots, essential capabilities, and self-identity, equipping them to go further and navigate an unpredictable and rapidly evolving future.

Responding directly to the tensions and choices many families face today, the three content pillars are:

Strong Academic Foundations, Holistic Development;East–West Integration, Harmony in Diversity; andEnduring Legacy, Future-Ready Vision

Supporting this aim is a substantial foundation of trust: nearly a century of educational heritage, continuous renewal across three generations of educators, a global education network, cross-campus systematic programmes, and stable staffing and governance. Together, these form an educational choice that has earned the trust of generations of families.

YCIS Chongqing: Twenty-Five Years Rooted in the Mountain City

This year’s Founder’s Day is especially significant, as YCIS Chongqing celebrates its 25th anniversary. Over the past 25 years, the school has grown from a seed into a tree, witnessing the development of international education in Chongqing.

In her opening address, Dr Chan shared the story of Declan, a 15-year-old YCIS Chongqing student. This summer, Declan made a striking appearance at the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society Annual Meeting in Japan, becoming the youngest presenter at the entire conference. From AI models for identifying Martian impact craters to comparisons of errors across algorithms, he engaged in confident and assured dialogue with global experts. His academic confidence and rigour, remarkable for his age, are a shining outcome of YCYW’s Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives.

“Declan’s story shows us the kind of students YCYW nurtures: confident, rigorous, internationally minded, and unafraid to make their voices heard on the world stage. This is precisely the fruit of the educational philosophy we have upheld for decades,” said Dr Chan.

As a leading international school in the region, YCIS Chongqing provides education from early childhood through to the upper secondary for students from around the world. The Founder’s Day this year is not only a celebration of one campus’ twenty-five-year journey, but also a vivid example of YCYW’s long-standing commitment to educational development across the Chinese mainland.

Towards the Centenary, We Have Already Set Out

Looking ahead to its centenary, YCYW has already begun the journey. In six years’ time, YCYW will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Permanent campuses in Yantai Bajiaowan and Shanghai Lingang are currently under active development. In the 2028–2029 academic year, Yew Wah School of Hong Kong will officially open, becoming the first school in the Hong Kong SAR to offer the Chinese National Curriculum with international education approaches. It will provide educational continuity for students moving between Hong Kong SAR and the Chinese mainland, allowing the founding aspiration of “Honouring China” to take on renewed relevance in a new era.

Chongqing, as the starting point of the China–Europe Railway Express, has long been a key region connecting China with Eurasia. As China actively encourages enterprises to expand globally, YCYW is aligning with the national strategy by welcoming more international students to study in China and extending its educational programmes and philosophy overseas, serving as a bridge between China and the world.

Seeds for Tomorrow: The Educational Engine for the Future

At the ceremony, Dr Christopher Hurley, Director for Science, Technology, and Educational Futures, shared the latest initiatives of the Educational Futures division. Through the Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives, YCYW responds to the contemporary question of how students should be educated in an age shaped by artificial intelligence.

The Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives extend learning beyond the classroom. In partnership with leading universities and research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, Tongji University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The University of Hong Kong, students engage in project-based learning centred on real-world challenges. They may take part in Oxford laboratory placements, architecture studios, entrepreneurship incubators, immersive medical projects and underwater robotics challenges, as well as advanced camps in marine science and engineering and the ChinaOne experiential learning programme. Guided by scientists and industry experts, students identify research topics based on their interests and clarify their academic direction through practice.

“Yew Yew and Dinosaurs Run” Tours YCYW Campuses

Meanwhile, the annual YCYW charity event, Dinosaur Charity Run, has returned. Launched in 2022, the event brings together parents, students and the wider community to provide scholarships for students pursuing early childhood education and support for families in need. Starting this year, Yew Yew, the YCYW mascot, joins the Dinosaur Charity Run team, visiting every YCYW campus to create an enjoyable and educational day for all.

Ninety-Four Years: Carrying Forward the Legacy, Writing the Next Chapter

The 94th anniversary marks an important milestone in YCYW’s development and lays a new foundation for its centenary mission. The network now has more than 30,000 alumni worldwide.

From Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland, and from China to the world, YCYW continues to uphold its “Three Alliances”: Aligning with Science and Technology, Culture and Arts, and Love and Charity. Amid an era of profound change, YCYW will forge ahead, continuously advancing its educational service system and promoting synergistic development across its campuses, while providing innovative support for the development of globally minded future talent.

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SOURCE Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network

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In HelloNation, Real Estate Expert Pam McGovern Explains Choosing a Real Estate Agent and What Buyers Should Consider

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The article highlights how experience, communication, and local market knowledge help buyers select the right professional to guide their purchase.

MOUNTAIN TOP, Pa., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ –What should buyers look for when choosing a real estate agent in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania? According to a HelloNation article, choosing a real estate agent involves evaluating experience, communication style, and knowledge of the local real estate market before beginning the home search.

The HelloNation article, featuring insights from Real Estate Expert Pam McGovern of Classic Properties, explains that selecting the right professional can significantly influence how smoothly a home purchase progresses. An experienced agent helps buyers navigate property listings, negotiations, inspections, and paperwork while offering guidance throughout the transaction process.

Experience is one of the most important qualities buyers should evaluate. The article notes that professionals who frequently handle Luzerne County homes understand pricing trends, average time properties remain on the market, and neighborhood differences that affect value. This knowledge helps buyers identify areas offering strong value and avoid potential challenges in certain neighborhoods.

Reviewing an agent’s past transactions is another recommended step when choosing a real estate agent. The article explains that buyers should ask about recent sales in their preferred neighborhoods and discuss how the agent approaches negotiations. Understanding how an agent handles price discussions, repair requests, or multiple offers can provide insight into their strategy and ability to advocate for clients.

The article also emphasizes the importance of communication. Buyers benefit from agents who respond promptly, explain complex information clearly, and keep clients informed throughout each stage of the process. A responsive professional can help buyers better understand contracts, financing options, and inspection reports, making the experience less overwhelming.

Referrals and online reviews can provide additional insight into the performance of real estate agents in Mountain Top, PA. Recommendations from friends, family members, or past clients often reveal consistent strengths or weaknesses. Online feedback may also highlight patterns in professionalism, responsiveness, and overall client satisfaction.

Understanding the local real estate market is another essential factor. The article explains that professionals familiar with Mountain Top, PA homes for sale can provide context for pricing differences between neighborhoods, trends in property values, and shifts in buyer demand. This expertise allows buyers to evaluate listings more effectively and make informed decisions during the home search.

The article notes that experienced agents often bring valuable professional networks to the transaction. Connections with lenders, inspectors, contractors, and title companies can help coordinate the many steps involved in purchasing Luzerne County homes. These relationships may streamline scheduling and reduce delays during inspections, appraisals, and closing.

Interviewing multiple candidates is another strategy highlighted in the article. Buyers are encouraged to ask questions about recent transactions, negotiation approaches, and familiarity with specific neighborhoods. Observing how an agent listens and responds during these conversations can reveal whether their communication style aligns with the buyer’s expectations.

Personal comfort and trust also play an important role when selecting among Mountain Top, PA real estate agents. Purchasing a home is both a financial and emotional decision. Buyers benefit from working with professionals who listen carefully, offer guidance, and maintain clear communication throughout the process.

The article concludes that careful research helps buyers make confident decisions when choosing a real estate agent. Evaluating experience, reviewing past sales, considering referrals, and interviewing multiple professionals can provide valuable insight. Buyers who work with knowledgeable agents familiar with Luzerne County homes often gain a clearer understanding of the process and greater confidence from the first showing through closing.

How Do You Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in Mountain Top, PA? features insights from Pam McGovern, Real Estate Expert of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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ROBOTERA Tops Embodied AI Benchmark RoboDojo Without Additional Data or Agent RSI

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BEIJING, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ROBOTERA’s World Action Model (WAM), VPP2 (Video Prediction Policy 2), has ranked No. 1 on RoboDojo without additional data or agent-based reinforcement self-improvement (Agent RSI). Developed by the University of Hong Kong’s MMLab in collaboration with nearly 20 leading academic institutions worldwide, RoboDojo is a rigorous benchmark for general-purpose robot manipulation that evaluates performance across challenging simulation and real-world tasks, going beyond simple demonstrations.

VPP2 achieved an average success rate of 32.26% and an average score of 39.26, ranking first in Generalization, Precision, and Memory among evaluated methods.

ROBOTERA has open-sourced VPP2 on GitHub, with further details available on the project website.

Building a More Generalizable World Action Model

VPP2 enables robots to better predict how actions will change their surroundings and translate instructions into physical movements. Unlike video models designed primarily to generate visual content, VPP2 is trained to understand object movements and follow precise manipulation instructions. It combines video prediction with action generation, helping robots perform tasks more reliably across different objects, environments, and scenarios.

For complex tasks involving multiple steps, VPP2 can also work with a vision-language model (VLM) that breaks down high-level instructions into smaller, executable actions.

Validated Across Simulation and Real-World Tasks

VPP2 was evaluated across video prediction, instruction following, and robotic manipulation tasks.

On the ALOHA platform, VPP2 achieved a 58.5% average success rate across 10 task categories, outperforming leading baselines in nine. It also achieved 45.0% on LIBERO-Pro, a benchmark for robotic manipulation and generalization. With high-level task planning, average success rates across five task groups more than doubled, from 27.6% to 57.6%.

These results demonstrate VPP2’s ability to connect visual understanding, instruction following, and physical action, advancing general-purpose robotics toward practical applications.

From Research Breakthroughs to Real-World Deployment

VPP2 marks ROBOTERA’s fourth benchmark championship in embodied intelligence in 2026, following top results at World Arena, Benjie’s Humanoid Olympic Games, and RoboChallenge. Combined with ongoing humanoid-robot deployments with China Post and SF Express across more than 10 logistics centers in China, these achievements reflect ROBOTERA’s progress in both advancing general-purpose robot intelligence and bringing it into real-world applications.

Building on its advances in world-action modeling and real-world deployment experience, ROBOTERA is working to make general-purpose robots reliable partners in everyday work.

SOURCE ROBOTERA

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