Marriage Among Siblings and Close Relatives: Biblical Faith and Historical Reality

 

Throughout history, marriage between close relatives, including siblings and half-siblings, has been a complex and controversial subject. To fully understand this phenomenon, it is necessary to consider both biblical faith and historical reality.

Biblical Faith Perspective

In the Bible, early human societies, according to traditional interpretations, were limited to small family groups. Figures such as Adam and Eve, and their descendants, are described as having established the initial human population. Within this context, marriages among close relatives were a practical necessity for the survival of humanity. The early laws regarding consanguinity—relationships by blood—appeared later, particularly in the Mosaic Law, which prohibited marriages between certain close relatives to uphold religious commandments and moral order.

Historical Reality

Historically, before the formalization of religious laws, marriage among close relatives was not uncommon, especially in noble or royal families. Such unions were often motivated by social, political, or economic reasons: to preserve wealth, consolidate power, or maintain bloodlines. Ancient civilizations did not have the same understanding of genetics or hereditary diseases, so the focus was primarily on strategic alliances rather than health concerns.

📜 Relations Between Siblings and Half-Siblings — Biblical and Historical Context

		Period / Figure Source Situation How It Was Seen / Consequence Adam, Eve and their children Genesis 4–5 Children had to marry sisters/nieces (implied). Necessity to populate humanity. Abraham and Sarah Genesis 20:12 Marriage between half-siblings. Accepted before the Law. Lot and his daughters Genesis 19:30–38 Daughters intoxicated Lot to conceive. Implicitly condemned; Moabites and Ammonites born. Amnon and Tamar (David’s children) 2 Samuel 13 Amnon forced his half-sister Tamar. Scandal and tragedy in royal house. Mosaic Law Leviticus 18; 20 Prohibition of relations between close relatives. From then on, completely forbidden in Israel. Ancient Egypt (Pharaohs) History Royal sibling marriages (e.g., Cleopatra VII married two brothers). Normal practice to preserve “divine purity” of the bloodline. Mesopotamia (Sumerian/Babylonian kings) History Records of consanguineous unions among rulers. Seen as consolidating power and inheritance. Ancient Greece (mythology & some royals) Mythology/History Gods and kings with incestuous unions (e.g., Zeus with Hera, his sister). Accepted in myth, socially taboo. Ancient Rome (imperial families) History Some noble/imperial families with consanguineous marriages. Rare, but tolerated in circles of power.

👉 Clear takeaway:

• In the Bible → initially tolerated, later prohibited under Mosaic Law.
• In History → practiced especially among royal/noble families for political or dynastic reasons, even when socially questionable.

 Modern Understanding and Law

Today, laws prohibiting marriage between siblings, half-siblings, or other close relatives serve two main purposes. First, from a health perspective, these laws aim to prevent genetic diseases that are more likely to occur when individuals with closely related DNA have children. Second, they reflect ethical and religious principles derived from biblical teachings and societal norms. The prohibition aligns both with modern scientific understanding and with historical faith-based moral codes.

Conclusion

Marriage among siblings and close relatives is a subject that bridges faith, history, and science. In the biblical context, it was initially a practical necessity, later restricted by laws to align with divine command and societal ethics. Historically, such marriages occurred for strategic purposes, but today, they are prohibited mainly to prevent health risks and to respect religious and moral traditions. By considering both biblical faith and real historical practices, we gain a fuller understanding of why these prohibitions exist and how they have evolved over time.

SAISI

Courting a Woman: Has the Art Been Lost?

 

Does a man still have the right to court a woman today without being accused of violence?

Sadly, many men no longer know how to engage in the wonderful tradition of courtship. Even a friendly or suggestive glance can, in today’s climate, be misinterpreted as aggression. This reality is rooted in a broader context: women have historically been, and remain, victims of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Protecting women is essential, and measures—especially those heightened during Covid-19—have been crucial in addressing these injustices.

Yet, heightened awareness and legal protections can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or, occasionally, misuse of the system. In my experience as a judicial expert, I have observed cases where claims were not always made in good faith. Thankfully, many judges act with professionalism and fairness, taking context and evidence into account—but this is not consistent across all regions of France.

The result today is a certain instability in how men can express admiration or affection. Compliments that once might have been received as flattering can now be seen as offensive or even abusive. Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and other international forums amplify this problem, exposing men to public criticism and misinterpretation more than ever before.

External factors further complicate the situation. Global conflicts, such as the war between Russia and Ukraine or the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, have created widespread uncertainty and stress. History shows that societies living under prolonged conflict—from the World Wars to the Cold War—experience increased social anxiety, mistrust, and difficulty forming meaningful personal relationships. Stress and insecurity are powerful disruptors of human connection.

At the same time, popular beliefs about life, success, and happiness—whether from social media, cultural norms, or historical ideals of rational self-control—often add pressure rather than relief. Humans have always sought external validation to define their worth, from the Enlightenment era to today, and this continues to complicate the pursuit of authentic relationships.

Many now turn to dating apps to avoid loneliness. Historically, men bore the financial costs of these platforms, but today women often share expenses, which seems fair. Yet, meaningful human connection remains elusive for many. Why?

1.     Digital conversation cannot fully replicate face-to-face interaction.

2.   Even single women often struggle to form genuine connections online.

3.   Social and emotional education has not prepared us for these new ways of meeting people.

Humanity faces a digital inheritance. The next generation will grow up navigating these complexities, building the future based on the values and habits passed down to them. Much of today’s misunderstanding and emotional struggle is the legacy of previous generations.

The pandemic amplified these dynamics, exposing both societal strengths and weaknesses. Yet, history reminds us of human resilience: after the 1918 Spanish flu, and following the devastation of the World Wars, communities rebuilt social bonds, trust, and intimacy. Crises may challenge us, but they cannot extinguish the human desire for connection.

Despite conflicts, misunderstandings, and evolving social norms, one thing remains constant: humans seek companionship, emotional connection, and love. Courtship may have changed, and digital life has transformed the way we meet and interact, but the fundamental human need to connect endures.

This is my reflection—a synthesis from years of observing modern society, the evolving nature of courtship, and the many historical and contemporary factors that shape human happiness.

SAISI

Trump, Putin, Netanyahu: The Illusion of Power and the Reality of War

 

Donald Trump has long claimed that he could end the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours” if he were back in power. He presents himself as a man who can dictate peace by sheer force of will. Yet the reality today proves otherwise: he does not hold the influence he imagines, neither over Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine nor over Benjamin Netanyahu’s brutal campaign in Gaza.

Putin the Dictator

Vladimir Putin has shown, time and again, that he is a dictator who sustains his power through repression at home and destruction abroad. The war in Ukraine, which began with his full-scale invasion in February 2022, has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced. Despite global sanctions and international condemnation, Putin continues his campaign, revealing that no outside figure—Trump included—can simply “order” him to stop.

Netanyahu: The Other Face of the Same Brutality

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister, has taken a similar path of destructive obstinacy. His government’s relentless bombardment of Gaza after October 7, 2023, has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, the majority women and children. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened. The international community watches in horror, but does nothing effective. The brutality inflicted on Palestinians today echoes the darkest chapters of history, with Netanyahu’s policies resembling—shockingly—the persecution his own people once suffered under Hitler. This is not “self-defense”; it is systematic annihilation.

The Myth of Power in Washington

Trump pretends he could stop these massacres overnight. But what has he done? He speaks, he boasts, yet the wars rage on. The United States, despite being a superpower, has proven unable to halt the bloodshed. The same goes for Europe, the United Nations, and other global organizations. They issue statements, they send aid, they impose sanctions—but none of it stops the killing. The truth is simple: these leaders—Putin and Netanyahu—act with impunity, and Trump’s words mean nothing against their actions.

Money: Created for Society, Misused for Control

Money was not created to enslave humanity. At its origin, it was meant as a tool to better organize society, to simplify exchange, to serve communities. But today it has become a mechanism of domination. Humanity now treats money not as a means, but as the measure of human worth. This is a tragic distortion. Life is not built on money—it is built on solidarity, compassion, dignity, and love for one another. When money replaces these values, society loses its soul.

The Real Power Lies With the People

Putin and Netanyahu are condemned not only by history, but by humanity itself, for the massacres they orchestrate. Yet the responsibility does not end with them. Ordinary people, across nations, continue to tolerate this reality. There is enough money, enough resources in the world to end misery and rebuild societies. But wealth is concentrated in the hands of the few, while billions suffer. People know this, but they remain silent. They complain, but they do not act.

A Call to Wake Up

The wars in Ukraine and Gaza expose a painful truth: the so-called powerful are nothing without the passivity of the people. Trump cannot stop them. Washington cannot stop them. The United Nations cannot stop them. Only a collective awakening, a refusal to accept war, occupation, and exploitation, can end this cycle.

Money exists in abundance; what is missing is courage, justice, and solidarity. Humanity must reclaim its true wealth: not currency, but the capacity to share, to care, and to love.

Until the people take ownership of their future, misery will remain the norm, and the illusion of power will continue to shield dictators and warmongers from accountability.

SAISI

---

Manifesto for Humanity

War is not power, it is destruction.

Money is not life, it is only a tool.

Real power belongs to the people who awaken.

Putin, Netanyahu, and all who rule through fear have already lost legitimacy.

Trump cannot end wars in 24 hours, because no one owns human dignity.

Our mission is simple and urgent:

End misery, stop wars, and return the planet to the people.

Life is not measured in euros or dollars, but in sharing, in love, and in justice.

The time for waiting is over.

The future begins the moment humanity awakens.

SAISI NEWS - ME

"Trump's Policies and Their Ripple Effect on LGBTQ+ Rights Across Europe"

 

In the early months of 2025, the Trump administration has enacted several policies that have not only impacted the United States but have also sent ripples across the Atlantic, affecting LGBTQ+ communities in Europe. These developments have prompted European leaders and activists to reassess their strategies in safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights.

U.S. Policies Influencing European Stances

The Trump administration's recent actions, such as the executive order to defund sex education programs that include references to transgender individuals, have been met with criticism from various quarters. European leaders are closely monitoring these developments, as they could influence domestic policies and the broader discourse on LGBTQ+ rights.

The Global Backlash Against 'Gender Ideology'

The term 'gender ideology' has been increasingly used by right-wing leaders globally to justify policies that undermine LGBTQ+ rights. In Europe, this rhetoric has found resonance among certain political factions, leading to legislative actions that threaten the progress made in LGBTQ+ equality.

Impact on LGBTQ+ Organizations and Activism

European LGBTQ+ organizations are facing challenges as they navigate the shifting political landscape. The influence of U.S. policies has led to a tightening of resources and increased scrutiny, affecting their ability to operate effectively.

The Role of Public Opinion and Media

Public opinion in Europe regarding LGBTQ+ rights is being shaped by the unfolding events in the U.S. Media coverage plays a crucial role in either supporting or challenging these narratives, influencing public perception and policy decisions.

The interconnectedness of global politics means that actions in one country can have far-reaching implications. As the situation develops, it is essential for European nations to remain vigilant and proactive in defending the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that progress is not reversed in the face of external pressures.

Saisi

The Disappearance of €44 Million in France: Political Privileges and Public Accountability

 

France is often criticized for its national debt and public spending, but a far more concrete issue has recently emerged: €44 million has reportedly disappeared, raising serious questions about government accountability and financial oversight.

1. Privileges of Former Presidents

Former Presidents of the Republic (e.g., Hollande, Sarkozy, Chirac, and eventually Macron) continue to cost taxpayers over €1 million per year in post-office benefits, including:

• An official office in Paris, fully funded by the State,
• Several staff members (secretaries, advisers, assistants),
• Chauffeur-driven vehicles,
• Lifetime police protection.

These privileges are permanent and illustrate how a small group of political elites can absorb enormous resources annually.

2. Privileges of Former Prime Ministers

Former Prime Ministers also maintain substantial benefits after leaving office:

• Chauffeur-driven car for life,
• Secretary for up to 10 years or until age 67,
• State-funded police protection, almost automatically,
• Exit indemnity: a one-time payment equal to three months’ salary (~€44,730 gross).

Annual cost per former Prime Minister ranges from roughly €60,000 to over €200,000, depending on individual staff and vehicle usage.

Notable recipients in 2023 included:

• Bernard Cazeneuve: ~€200,000 (staff + transport),
• Dominique de Villepin: ~€197,540,
• Lionel Jospin: ~€153,620,
• François Fillon: ~€140,039.

3. Former Ministers

Unlike Prime Ministers, most former ministers (Education, Justice, Culture, etc.) receive minimal post-office benefits:

• Transitional allowance: three months of gross salary (~€30,000 total),
• Privileges: almost none—no official car, staff, residence, or free travel,
• Police protection: only if their former role exposed them to threats.

Their cost to the State is negligible compared to former Presidents and Prime Ministers.

4. The Missing €44 Million

Amid these lavish privileges, reports indicate that €44 million have disappeared from public funds. Questions naturally arise:

• Where did this money go?
• Was it mismanaged, lost, or embezzled?
• Did it disappear through government budgets, public contracts, or corruption?

The scale of this missing sum highlights the contrast between public oversight and elite privileges. While millions are guaranteed annually to a few political figures, other large amounts can vanish without immediate explanation.

5. Summary Table: Approximate Annual Costs to the State

Position	Post-Office Benefits	Approx. Annual Cost to State
Former Presidents	Office, staff, chauffeur, police	€1,000,000
Former Prime Ministers	Chauffeur car, secretary, police	€60,000–€200,000
Former Ministers	3-month severance, optional police	€30,000 or less

Conclusion

France’s political elite enjoy lifelong benefits that cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands to over a million euros annually, yet €44 million can disappear, raising urgent questions about transparency, accountability, and public trust. Understanding the scale of these privileges alongside missing funds demonstrates why greater scrutiny of government spending is essential.

Saisi

Warning to Translators and Interpreters: A New Emotional and Financial Scam Targeting Our Profession

 

In recent months, a new form of scam has emerged, targeting sworn translators and interpreters with increasing frequency. This scam blends emotional manipulation, false urgency, and vague payment promises, all designed to undermine our professional integrity and extract unpaid work or sensitive data.

How the scam works:

1.     The scammer contacts you with a seemingly simple request — often the translation of a birth certificate or similar.

2.   They ask for a quote and express urgency, giving the impression of trust.

3.   After receiving a fair and transparent quote, they begin to negotiate, claiming they can’t afford the full price:

“That’s exactly what I have left in my bank account...”

4.   They "accept" your offer but later contradict themselves, pretending a lower amount was agreed, aiming to destabilize you.

5.    When confronted, they reply vaguely, play the victim, or try to make you feel guilty — and in some cases, vanish with preliminary translations or your professional details.

What’s at risk:

• Identity theft (your name or accreditation being used to deceive others)
• Unpaid work (they may trick you into sending drafts without payment)
• Sensitive information leaks (such as your bank details or signature)
• Reputation damage (they could impersonate you to others)

How to protect yourself:

• Never lower your prices out of pity. Your professional value is not negotiable.
• Always require full payment in advance — no exceptions.
• Do not send drafts or signed versions before payment is received.
• Keep records of all communications, including timestamps and email headers.
• Report the attempt to cybermalveillance.gouv.fr or the French financial intelligence unit (TRACFIN) if money laundering is suspected.
• Notify your Court of Appeal if someone is using your sworn translator credentials without permission.

Final thoughts:

Empathy must not override prudence. We are not charities — we are professionals. Staying informed and connected is the best way to defend our profession against these increasingly subtle scams.

If you’ve experienced something similar, please share your story. Together, we can make our community more resilient.

SAISI

“Complément d'enquête” (Rachida Dati, France’s Minister of Culture): A Reporting Team "Violently Attacked", Legal Complaint Filed

 

How has Rachida Dati, a prominent figure from the Sarkozy era and a diversity icon of the 2000s, managed to remain essential to French political life? For several months, journalists investigated the Minister of Culture — her successes, her failures, and her legal troubles.

What does “Complément d’enquête” reveal about possible ties between Dati and GDF Suez?

In the episode aired on Thursday, June 5 at 11 p.m., France 2 retraces the career of the Minister of Culture and delves into potential conflicts of interest involving the French energy giant.

“You’re pissing me off, I don’t speak with thugs…” — this, essentially, was the only exchange between Rachida Dati and the Complément d’enquête journalist behind the profile aired in the late evening on June 5.

Titled “Rachida Dati: The Relentless Climb”, the 58-minute documentary focuses largely on a well-known chapter of the former Justice Minister’s story: the political rise of a young woman from a family of 11 children, raised in public housing in Chalon-sur-Saône, who would go on to become the first Minister of Justice from an immigrant background to occupy Place Vendôme.

Described in the film’s narration as a “political artist,” Dati is praised by figures such as former Senator Pierre Charon and former Areva president Anne Lauvergeon. But the final third of the documentary addresses a new and serious allegation: did Rachida Dati receive payments from GDF Suez to promote the gas industry’s interests in the European Parliament, where she served as an MEP for ten years (2009–2019)?

Her portrait — as admired by the right-wing electorate as she is feared by her political rivals — is far from flattering. Former Health Minister Agnès Buzyn recounts her own clashes with Dati during the 2020 Paris mayoral campaign. Speaking on camera, Buzyn says that after refusing an alliance, Dati — then mayor of Paris’s 7th arrondissement — changed her attitude and adopted a “violent tone” in text message exchanges. Dati allegedly warned her she would “unleash the dogs” and “destroy [her] campaign.”

No Charges Filed to Date

The Complément d’enquête team revisits several legal matters linked to Dati’s career. Among them: her indictment for passive corruption and influence peddling in favor of Renault-Nissan. However, the most striking revelation — brought to light in collaboration with Le Nouvel Obs — involves suspicions of conflict of interest with GDF Suez dating to the mid-2010s.

“She was never a rapporteur on anything related to energy,” questions former Minister and MEP Corinne Lepage. “That alone points to a new interest in the subject. Why, all of a sudden in 2012, does she ‘discover’ energy? Her strong bias in favor of the gas industry raises serious questions.”

Even more troubling, the journalists unveil accounting records that they believe suggest a financial link between Dati and the energy firm. These documents reportedly come from the law firm STC, co-founded by Xavier de Sarrau, described as close to former President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The documents show that GDF Suez made two gross payments of €149,500 to the law firm in July 2010 and February 2011. These sums were allegedly forwarded by check to Rachida Dati in October 2010 and February 2011 respectively, each labeled “Dati fee GDF Suez.”

The Complément d’enquête and Nouvel Obs teams also reference a spiral notebook seized from the office of Dati’s assistant at the 7th arrondissement town hall. In it, handwritten notes read “GDF 250” next to “Renault 300.” According to the reporters, this is evidence that “250” refers to €250,000 excluding VAT — allegedly paid to Dati in two installments in 2010.

These findings appear to align with invoices seized by investigators during a 2019 search of the 7th arrondissement’s town hall (where Dati has served as mayor since 2008). As of today, no charges have been filed against the current Minister of Culture regarding the GDF Suez affair.

SAISI