Free Republic

One of the best-known stories from the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war is the story of Rachel Edri—the Israeli grandmother from the city of Ofakim in the Southern District of Israel, who was held hostage by five terrorists whom she stalled by cooking for them; giving them cookies, pineapple, Coke Zero, and coffee; and chatting with them until she and her husband were rescued, 19 hours later. The entire world heard of this woman’s level-headedness and resourcefulness, which saved her life. The beautiful and moving narrative of this quintessential Jewish mother, who knows that the best way to keep someone...

By MARTIN WALLACE A STORM of protest erupted yesterday over revelations that shamed pop star Michael Jackson is to spend Christmas in Britain. And The Sun is today leading calls from all over the country to BAN the suspected paedophile from entering the UK. Jacko, who is facing nine child sex abuse charges, has been given permission by US authorities to visit Britain from today until January 6. But he is planning a party at his Neverland ranch in California this afternoon and is not expected to jet in until tomorrow at the earliest. We are demanding he be refused...

Jackson 'joins' Nation of Islam From correspondents in New York December 19, 2003 MICHAEL Jackson became a member of the black group Nation of Islam on the eve of being formally charged with child molestation, the New York Post reported today. The newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying Jackson became a member of the black Muslim organisation led by Louis Farrakhan on Wednesday night. "The King of Pop is restyling himself Jacko X," said the newspaper. "High-ranking members of Nation of Islam have been working to bring Jackson into Reverend Louis Farrahkan's flock - and Jackson's conversion is now well-known...