Free Republic

The Trump administration’s abrupt freeze on foreign aid has plunged exiled Russian NGOs and media outlets into uncertainty, jeopardizing their funding and posing what some are describing as the greatest challenge to Russian civil society since the Kremlin enacted its “undesirable” organization law a decade ago. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a sweeping directive last Friday, pausing all foreign aid for 90 days. The move aims to give the Trump administration time to review which programs align with the president’s “America First” agenda and determine which should continue receiving U.S. funding. Organizations have been issued stop-work notices on...

In a remarkable fusion of ancient tradition and modern craftsmanship, a meticulously constructed replica of the biblical Ark of the Covenant was showcased in Jerusalem during the Sukkot holiday. The display, which took place at the prestigious King David Hotel, featured the golden vessel housing a Holocaust-surviving Torah scroll from Thessaloniki, Greece. The ambitious project, spanning three and a half years, involved 17 volunteers across multiple countries who adhered strictly to Torah specifications. The replica’s construction required approximately three tons of Egyptian Acacia wood and was adorned with high-purity gold measuring 23.75 carats – the same grade used in ancient...

There is a lot of speculation that historic events that people have been anticipating for more than 2,000 years are about to happen in our time. About a month ago, there was a lot of discussion on the Internet about whether or not the sacrifice of the tenth red heifer would take place during the Passover season, and obviously that did not happen. However, I am entirely convinced that a red heifer sacrifice is eventually coming. But if you think that the sacrifice of the tenth red heifer will be big, the truth is that the discovery of the Ark...

AXUM, Ethiopia -- The Ark of the Covenant was built by Moses to hold the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments -- at the command of God himself. For centuries in Jerusalem, it was the literal dwelling of the Most High, secreted in the darkness of the Holy of Holies. Then, it disappeared. For more than 2,000 years, the whereabouts of the Ark have been shrouded in mystery, despite countless attempts to track it down. There are many theories as to the whereabouts of the holy relic. Some say it's buried under the Temple Mount and others contend that it...