A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
All content by Philissa Cramer
This handout photo provided by SpaceX and Polaris on Sept. 15, 2024, shows Jared Isaacman, mission commander, stepping out of the manned Polaris Dawn mission's "Dragon" capsule after it splashed down off the coast of Dry Tortugas, Florida, after completing the first human spaceflight mission by non-government astronauts of the Polaris Program. (Polaris Program/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump picks Jewish space adventurer to head NASA

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published December 4, 2024
Rabbi Zvi Kogan is pictured in an undated photo distributed by Chabad. In background: The Jewish Community Center of the UAE hosts Yom Kippur prayers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 15, 2021 (Andrea DiCenzo/Getty Images)

Three arrested in the murder of Chabad rabbi in United Arab Emirates

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 24, 2024
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump holds a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Oct. 27, 2024. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

‘I’m not a Nazi. I’m the opposite of a Nazi,’ Donald Trump says at Georgia rally

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published October 29, 2024
Phil Lesh lights the candles as Jeannette Ferber, a cantorial soloist at Berkeley's Renewal congregation Chochmat HaLev, sings the blessing, and guitarist Ross James looks on. (© Bob Minkin Photography / www.minkinphotography.com)

Phil Lesh, Grateful Dead bassist who hosted musical Passover seders, dies at 84

Philissa Cramer
Published October 27, 2024
Jerry Wartski, a Holocaust survivor and retired New York City real estate investor, blasted Kamala Harris in an ad released by Donald Trump's presidential campaign. (Screenshot)

Trump campaign ad features Holocaust survivor rebutting Harris’ ‘fascist’ allegation

Philissa Cramer
Published October 27, 2024
Rachel Goldberg, mother of killed U.S.-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin whose body was recovered with five other hostages in Gaza, speaks during his funeral in Jerusalem, Sept. 2, 2024. (Gil Cohen-Magen/pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Rachel Goldberg-Polin at son Hersh’s funeral: ‘Finally, you’re free’

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published September 2, 2024
An undated photo of Hersh Goldberg-Polin. (Jon Polin)

Family of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, confirms his death in Gaza

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published September 1, 2024
Appearing on CNN for a sit-down interview, Kamala Harris answered Dana Bash's questions about the Israel-Hamas war, Aug. 29, 2024. (Screenshot from CNN)

What Kamala Harris said about Israel and the war in Gaza in her CNN interview with Tim Walz

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published August 30, 2024
This photo taken from a position in northern Israel shows a Hezbollah UAV intercepted by Israeli air forces over northern Israel, Aug. 25, 2024. (Jalaa Marey / AFP via Getty Images)

Israel thwarts ‘imminent attack’ on civilians with pre-eptive strike on Hezbollah

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published August 25, 2024
French judicial police officers walk past firefighters following a fire and explosion of cars at a synagogue in La Grande-Motte, south of France, Aug. 24, 2024. (Pascal Guyot/AFP via Getty Images)

Man arrested in France synagogue arson, as ISIS claims German stabbing attack ‘to avenge Muslims in Palestine’

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published August 25, 2024
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrives at City Hall in Bloomington, Minnesota, Aug. 1, 2024. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Kamala Harris selects Tim Walz, pro-Israel Minnesota governor, as her running mate

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published August 6, 2024

Netanyahu meets with hostage families in DC as pressure mounts for a deal

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published July 23, 2024

Israeli and Palestinian Jerusalem Youth Chorus advances on ‘America’s Got Talent’ with performance of ‘Home’

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published July 17, 2024
Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religion's main campus is in New York City's Greenwich Village. (Plexi Images/GHI/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Hebrew Union College to admit and ordain rabbinical students in interfaith relationships, ending longstanding ban

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published June 20, 2024
A protester holds a placard which reads as "Twelve-year-old and already a victim of antisemitic hate" as she gathers to condemn the alleged antisemitic gang rape of a 12-year-old girl, at the Paris City Hall square, June 19, 2024. Alain Jocard/AFP via Getty Images)

Protests, political action in France after alleged antisemitic rape of 12-year-old Jewish girl

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published June 20, 2024
Shaina Taub accepts the Best Original Score award for "Suffs" onstage during The 77th Annual Tony Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, June 16, 2024 in New York City. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

‘Suffs’ creator Shaina Taub cites Jewish text in Tony Awards acceptance speech

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published June 17, 2024
Dudu Tassa, left, shown with Jonny Greenwood.

Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood rejects calls to cancel tour with Israeli musician

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published June 4, 2024
Claudia Sheinbaum of arrives to give a speech after the first results released by Mexican election authorities show her with a commanding lead in the presidential election on June 03, 2024, in Mexico City, Mexico. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Mexico elects first female and Jewish president

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published June 3, 2024
Israelis attend a rally calling for the release of Israelis held kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in Gaza outside the Defense Ministry Headquarters in Tel Aviv, June 1, 2024.

Netanyahu, facing pressure from right, says ‘gaps’ remain in proposal to end war announced by Biden

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published June 3, 2024
A screenshot of the viral "Is your fav author a zionist" Google spreadsheet shows some of the reasons that the document's creators deemed writers pro- and anti-Israel. (Screenshot)

‘Is your fav author a zionist???’ A viral list reignites antisemitism fears in the literary world.

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published May 9, 2024
A sign reading "From the river to the sea" can be seen in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 21, 2024 (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)

Meta board weighs banning ‘From the River to the Sea’ slogan on its platforms

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published May 7, 2024
Columbia University student protesters camped on campus to call for divestment from Israel, April 28, 2024.

[Photo] Columbia says it ‘will not divest from Israel,’ moves to close encampment following failed negotiations

JTA Staff, JTA
Published April 29, 2024
Anti-Israel activists protest outside Columbia University in New York City on April 20, 2024. (Photo by Leonardo Munoz / AFP) (Photo by LEONARDO MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Rabbi at Columbia U urges Jewish students to leave campus

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published April 21, 2024
People take cover in a stairway in Jerusalem, as a red alert is sounded when drones and missiles fired from Iran neared Israel, April 14, 2024.

As Jews do, Israelis awaiting Iranian missile barrage, counter with humor

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published April 14, 2024
In Israel and beyond, Purim celebrations are tempered by trauma and thoughts of the hostages

In Israel and beyond, Purim celebrations are tempered by trauma and thoughts of the hostages

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published March 25, 2024
Israelis protest calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv Feb. 21, 2024. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

Israel returns to hostage talks as Netanyahu presents postwar plan for Gaza governance

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published February 23, 2024
Israelis hold up photographs of a mother and child held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Nov. 2, 2023.

Hostage deal talks continue as Israel says more captives might be dead than previously known

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published February 7, 2024
A military helicopter flying above the Gaza Strip, as it seen from the Israeli side of the border, on Jan. 8, 2024.

9 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza as IDF announces less intensive phase and Lebanon border simmers

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published January 9, 2024
Israelis hold photographs of the Bibas family, and orange balloons, at a press conference calling for the release of 10-month-old Kfir, 4-year-old Ariel, and their parents Shiri and Yarden. at "Hostage Square" in Tel Aviv, Nov. 28, 2023.

Israel probes Hamas claims that youngest hostages were killed

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 29, 2023
Gil Ofarim, a German-Israeli singer, said in a video posted to social media that he had been denied a hotel room in Leipzig, Germany, after being told to hide his Jewish star necklace. (Screenshot from Instagram video)

German-Jewish singer apologizes for falsely accusing hotel worker of antisemitism

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 28, 2023
Families of the Israelis held kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in Gaza march along with hundreds of Israelis towards the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, as part of a protest calling for the immediate release of the hostages, Nov. 18, 2023.

Deal to release dozens of hostages appears to be close

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 21, 2023
Families of the Israelis held kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in Gaza and march along with hundreds of Israelis towards the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, as part of a protest calling for the immediate release of the hostages, at the entrance to Jerusalem, November 18, 2023.

Reports swirl about a hostage release deal as thousands rally in Jerusalem

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 19, 2023
The Bornplatz Synagogue in Hamburg, Germany once held 1,200 congregants before it was destroyed in Kristallnacht.

On 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, Holocaust survivors say they fear familiar antisemitism

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 9, 2023
People protest for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza, outside the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv. Oct. 15, 2023.

At least 199 people are being held hostage by Hamas, Israel says, more than earlier estimates

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published October 16, 2023
Israeli soldiers remove bodies of Israeli civilians at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, Oct. 10, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Death toll in Israel attack soars past 1,200 as catalog of Hamas horrors is revealed

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published October 11, 2023
Rachel Adari

A cookie-wielding mother, a gun-toting grandfather, a fearless young woman: Meet Israel’s newest heroes

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published October 10, 2023
Smoke rises after Israeli air strikes near the border east of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 8, 2023.

Israel-Gaza war, day 3: Death toll climbs to 900, ‘complete siege’ of Gaza planned, Hamas threatens to execute hostages

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published October 9, 2023
The United States Postal Service released a new stamp honoring Jewish Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Oct. 2, 2023.

USPS releases Ruth Bader Ginsburg stamp, 3 years after Jewish Supreme Court justice’s death

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published October 2, 2023
In this photo illustration, the image of Elon Musk is displayed on a computer screen and the logo of twitter on a mobile phone in Ankara, Turkiye on Oct. 6, 2022. (Muhammed Selim Korkutata / Anadolu Agency)

Elon Musk to join Ben Shapiro and other Jewish men for live chat on antisemitism and free speech

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published September 28, 2023
Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset, Dec. 19, 2022. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90.

Netanyahu orders crackdown on migrants after unrest in Tel Aviv

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published September 3, 2023
Image courtesy of paradebroadway.com/press/

X briefly allows anti-Leo Frank ‘community note’ as antisemitism flares on the platform

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published August 21, 2023
Bat Sheva Marcus, the Orthodox sex therapist, is a co-founder and former board chair of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. On April 11, 2022, she published an essay detailing harassment allegations that had been made against her. (Screenshot via YouTube)

External review clears Orthodox feminist group of wrongdoing after allegations against its sex-guru founder

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published July 12, 2023
Israel to invest $40 million in North American Jewish day schools

Israel to invest $40 million in North American Jewish day schools

Jackie Hajdenberg and Philissa Cramer
Published May 17, 2023
Children from British Jewish schools sing a new version of "Adon Olam" in honor of the coronation of King Charles III.

British Jewish schoolchildren present a new ‘Adon Olam’ for their king’s coronation

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published May 3, 2023
Cartoonist Al Jaffee at the New York Comic Convention in Manhattan, October 9, 2010. Photo by Luigi Novi. This photo may be used, modified and published for any purpose, only if a easily visible credit to the photographer is placed near the photo in each instance in which it is used.

Al Jaffee, iconic Mad Magazine cartoonist, dies at 102

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published April 11, 2023
Kanye West seen in Los Angeles, Oct. 21, 2022. (Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin via Getty)

Why Kanye West says he ‘likes Jewish people again’

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published March 26, 2023
Director Norman Jewison and actor Chaim Topol (Tevye) share a laugh on the set of the 1971 film “Fiddler on the Roof.” Courtesy of Zeitgeist Films.

Chaim Topol, Israeli actor who played Tevye in 1971 ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ film, dies at 87

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published March 9, 2023
Image courtesy of paradebroadway.com/press/

Neo-Nazis rally outside Broadway preview of ‘Parade,’ about an antisemitic murder

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published February 22, 2023
Mass protest in Jerusalem as Knesset advances judicial reforms over widespread objections

Mass protest in Jerusalem as Knesset advances judicial reforms over widespread objections

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published February 13, 2023

Israeli rescue team evacuated from Turkey on Miriam Adelson’s plane amid ‘concrete and immediate threat’

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published February 12, 2023
Man arrested in shooting at San Francisco Jewish center, charged with drawing imitation firearm

Man arrested in shooting at San Francisco Jewish center, charged with drawing imitation firearm

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published February 6, 2023
Jeff Zients. Public Domain.

Biden picks Jeff Zients, Jewish advisor who helped launch DC bagel chain, as new chief of staff

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published January 23, 2023

Netanyahu government introduces bill to diminish Israel’s top court

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published January 5, 2023
Iconic Jewish Argentinean sportscaster makes all-time call upon Argentina winning World Cup

Iconic Jewish Argentinean sportscaster makes all-time call upon Argentina winning World Cup

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published December 19, 2022
The Hanukkah merch market has exploded. But are Jews feeling more represented?

The Hanukkah merch market has exploded. But are Jews feeling more represented?

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published December 13, 2022

Drug charges dropped against ‘mushroom rabbi’ who promotes religious psychedelic use

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published December 12, 2022

Michigan man charged with ‘ethnic intimidation’ after harassing synagogue-goers over Israel

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published December 5, 2022

Kanye West suspended again from Twitter after posting swastika

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published December 2, 2022

Michelle Williams, who plays Steven Spielberg’s mother in ‘The Fabelmans,’ says she plans to raise her children Jewish

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 29, 2022

Orthodox Union endorses Respect for Marriage Act, federal bill to protect same-sex marriage

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published November 17, 2022

Influencer Lizzy Savetsky exits ‘Real Housewives of New York,’ citing antisemitism

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 17, 2022

Noa Kirel, Israel’s hottest singer, wore a Kanye West-printed outfit to Europe’s MTV awards

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 14, 2022

With a dark winter looming in Ukraine, Jewish groups send generators and other support

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 10, 2022

‘The jokes were fantastic’: Jewish Twitter users reflect on their community as the Musk era sets in

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 9, 2022

Chicago suspended a principal who downplayed a senior’s Nazi costume. Jewish students say it’s not enough.

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 8, 2022

‘F— antisemitism,’ John Mellencamp says as his Jewish lawyer is inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 7, 2022

The Kyrie case isn’t about ‘Blacks vs. Jews.’ It’s about bigotry.

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 6, 2022

New Jersey synagogue threat ‘no longer considered active,’ local Jews are told

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published November 4, 2022

Doug Mastriano’s wife: ‘We probably love Israel more than a lot of Jews do’

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published October 30, 2022

NBA star Kyrie Irving defends decision to promote antisemitic movie

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published October 30, 2022

Adidas terminates partnership with Kanye

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published October 25, 2022

‘Kanye was right about the Jews,’ antisemitic group says on Los Angeles highway banner

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published October 23, 2022

‘Not all Nazis were bad,’ an Indiana school board candidate comments, drawing ire

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published October 21, 2022
CNN is airing a special on antisemitism. Here’s your guide to what it will cover.

CNN is airing a special on antisemitism. Here’s your guide to what it will cover.

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published August 19, 2022
The story of the ‘Inca Jews’ is finally being told

The story of the ‘Inca Jews’ is finally being told

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published August 5, 2022

Jewish buyer snags Hitler’s watch for $1.1M, according to Maryland auction house

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published August 1, 2022

Saudi Arabia arrests citizen who helped Israeli journalist enter Mecca illegally

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published July 22, 2022

6 killed at July 4 parade in Highland Park, Illinois, a heavily Jewish suburb of Chicago

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published July 5, 2022

Days after US ends right to abortion, Israel eases restrictions on ending pregnancies

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published June 27, 2022
A rabbi and his students from Oholei Torah in Crown Heights, Brooklyn prepare to hand out shmura matzah to passersby near Lincoln Center in Manhattan, April 12, 2022. (Jackie Hajdenberg)

For their late leader’s milestone 120th birthday, Chabad Jews stage a worldwide celebration

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTA
Published April 13, 2022
Idit Silman, member of the Yamina party, speaks to Yair Lapid, member of the Yesh Atid party, at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, June 13, 2021. (Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times)

Israel’s governing coalition in crisis as right-wing Knesset member resigns, citing Passover food in hospitals

PHILISSA CRAMER
Published April 6, 2022
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is drawing admiration from Jews who see him as a heroic figure. (Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

For many Jews watching Ukraine’s war, Vlodymyr Zelensky is a ‘modern Maccabee’

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published February 28, 2022
School board members in McMinn County, Tennessee, objected to Art Spiegelman's "Maus" because of its language and images. (Philissa Cramer)

Tennessee school board removes ‘Maus,’ iconic Holocaust novel, from its curriculum

PHILISSA CRAMER
Published January 27, 2022
Kendall Roy, one of the scions of the Waystar fortune, enters the home of investor Josh Aaronson on HBO's "Succession," with a mezuzah behind him. (Screenshot)

Adrien Brody brings a Jewish character — and antisemitism — to HBO’s ‘Succession’

Philissa Cramer
Published November 8, 2021
Jon Hamm and Larry David discuss Yiddish words during the first episode of Season 11 of "Curb Your Enthusiasm." (Screenshot from HBO)

Larry David gives Jon Hamm a Yiddish lesson in very Jewish start to new season of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’

Philissa Cramer
Published October 25, 2021
Jean Meltzer aimed to subvert traditional Jewish stories in her debut novel "The Matzah Ball." (Lisa Damico/Mira Books; collage and illustration by Grace Yagel)

The author of ‘The Matzah Ball,’ a Hanukkah novel, wants Jews to read more romance

Philissa Cramer
Published October 19, 2021
Jurgen Krauss, who bakes challah for his family's synagogue, shows off his Passover-inspired pavlova in "The Great British Baking Show" tent. (Screenshot from Netflix)

Jürgen brings Passover to the ‘Great British Baking Show’ with charoset-and-matzah-topped pavlova

Philissa Cramer
Published October 15, 2021

Texas official to teachers: State law requires teaching ‘opposing’ views on the Holocaust

Philissa Cramer
Published October 14, 2021
(Sefaria/Wikimedia Commons)

A pioneering German translation of the Talmud, finished in 1935, is now accessible online

Philissa Cramer and Joe Baur
Published October 14, 2021
Rivka Taub Rivera, a physical education teacher at a New York City public school, began her maternity leave early to avoid having to comply with a vaccine mandate that went into effect for city teachers on Oct. 4, 2021. (Courtesy Rivera)

These Jewish NYC schoolteachers want a religious exemption from the city’s vaccine mandate

Philissa Cramer
Published October 4, 2021

Effort to recall California’s governor fails, but scrutiny on Dianne Feinstein could be lasting effect

Philissa Cramer
Published September 15, 2021
From left: Comedian Eric Andre, Desus Nice and The Kid Mero are seen in The Village Temple in New York City during an episode of "Desus & Mero." (Screenshot from YouTube)

Desus and Mero get a bar mitzvah (of sorts), with the help of Eric Andre and an NYC rabbi

Gabe Friedman and Philissa Cramer
Published August 6, 2021

US officials denounce antisemitism after swastika is found in State Department elevator

Philissa Cramer
Published July 28, 2021

Jackie Mason was a Jewish American comedy icon. These videos show why.

PHILISSA CRAMER
Published July 25, 2021
Jewish influencers and users of Instagram, the visual social networking app that is widely used for activism, say it became a challenging place during the recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Screenshot)

“Not good for my mental health’: Jewish Instagrammers struggle amid Israel-Gaza conflict and antisemitic violence

Philissa Cramer, JTA
Published May 21, 2021

Jerusalem in tumult, 9 dead in Gaza, as Israel and Hamas exchange fire

Philissa Cramer
Published May 10, 2021

What to know about the Sarah Halimi case and why it matters

Philissa Cramer and Cnaan Liphshiz
Published April 29, 2021
Stanley Teich, back row, left, seen here at a grandchild's bat mitzvah, died of COVID-19 in April 2020, an early casualty of the pandemic in the United States. (Courtesy of Carol Ackerman)

After losing her father, this NY paramedic went back to work responding to COVID calls

Philissa Cramer
Published March 22, 2021
21.The-Scrolls-Fragments-before-conservation-in-the-IAA-Lab.-Shai-Halevi-Israel-Antiquities-Authority-scaled-e1615925571358.jpg

Ancient biblical scroll fragments discovered in Israeli Cave of Horror

Philissa Cramer
Published March 16, 2021
Yaphet Kotto

Yaphet Kotto, ‘Homicide’ and ‘Alien’ actor who was one of the first Black Jews on screen, dies at 81

Philissa Cramer
Published March 16, 2021
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