Mark Thomas

The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest. Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people. This critical and necessary dialogue is then dishonestly framed as being anti-Israel. To be clear, my views come from my own political convictions and should never be interpreted as hostility toward Jewish people, for whom I have deep love and respect.  Everything I know about acting, activism, and humanism has been profoundly shaped by the Jewish friends, colleagues, and loved ones who have been integral and family throughout every point of my life. This merger has real consequences for real people, and for the entire country. Scrutinizing the Ellisons, including Oracle’s business built on data, surveillance technology and government contracts, and the serious threat to editorial freedom and the loss of a livelihood for thousands of families, is fair and necessary. The $111 billion deal would hand one family control over CNN, HBO and Warner Bros., backed in part by foreign money whose influence on editorial decisions has never been fully explained to the public.  Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for serious national security review, and regulators still haven’t given the public a real answer. Until they do, the merger shouldn’t move forward. Now is the time to dive boldly into all these issues, not step back or concede.

Two Palestinian mothers believe a viral image of a bound Gaza detainee shows their missing son, leaving them desperate for answers. Israel acknowledges the photo is real but has not revealed the man’s identity.

Chief Rabbi of South Africa Warren Goldstein launches vicious attack on the Pope: "His hands are dripping with blood!"

Thank you for giving them a journalism lesson @RediTlhabi 🙏🏽. I find their reporting pathetic and lazy! Not sure what has happened to the quality of journalism in the country. Come back!

NOAH TO HEADLINE STANDARD BANK CONFERENCE Standard Bank has confirmed that global comedian and producer Trevor Noah will headline its African Markets Conference in Cape Town from 22 to 24 February 2026. He will deliver a keynote address at the cocktail evening and participate in a fireside discussion on the power of Africa’s creative economy. The bank aims to mobilise global capital for infrastructure, energy transition and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Full details - ln.run/WJjuc