Letters to the Editor, March 18, 2025

A game-issued wooden hockey stick attributed to Bill Barilko, who famously scored the winning goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1951 Stanley Cup, fetched $60,000 at auction, significantly exceeding its estimated value of $3,000 to $5,000. The stick features several signatures, including Barilko's, highlighting its historical significance. Need More Context? 🔎

Israel launched airstrikes on key targets in Tehran early Monday, including a digital clock in Palestine Square that had been counting down to Israel's destruction since 2017. Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the strikes on facilities linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Evin Prison, emphasizing the unprecedented force used against the Iranian regime. Need More Context? 🔎

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane for global oil and gas, connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and is bordered by Iran and Oman. With over 25% of the world's oil passing through it, the potential for Iranian disruptions—such as mining the channel or blockading it—poses a significant economic threat, though previous threats have not resulted in actual closures, partly due to the detrimental impact on Iran's own economy. Need More...

A total of 145 people were assaulted with syringes during France's Fete de la Musique festival, leading to 12 arrests and investigations into the incidents. Social media calls for syringe attacks prompted heightened police presence, with some victims hospitalized for toxicology tests, while authorities are working to identify additional assailants following reports of widespread assaults across various cities. Need More Context? 🔎

Yvette Shmilovitz, a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor, was confirmed as the fourth victim of an Iranian missile strike in Petah Tikva on June 16, which also killed three others. The city mayor expressed deep condolences and support for her family, while the Holocaust Survivors’ Rights Authority honored her legacy amidst escalating tensions due to Iran's nuclear ambitions and missile attacks, which have resulted in 24 deaths and over 1,300 injuries in Israel. Need More Context? 🔎

Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser expressed openness to potentially including the term “femicide” in Canada's Criminal Code, responding to advocacy for better recognition of gender-based violence. While police departments vary in their classification of such killings, Fraser's acknowledgment is seen as a positive step towards addressing and accurately reporting these crimes. Need More Context? 🔎