JERUSALEM (AP) Israel's governmental watchdog agency said Monday it would launch an investigation into the deadly stampede at a religious festival over the weekend that left 45 ultra-Orthodox Jews dead. “This is an event that could have been prevented,” State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman told a press conference in Jerusalem. “I intend to open a special review that will … [Read more...] about Israeli Watchdog To Investigate Deadly Festival Stampede
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Religious Festival Stampede in Israel Kills 45, Hurts Dozens
By JOSEF FEDERMAN Associated Press JERUSALEM (AP) A stampede at a religious festival attended by tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews in northern Israel killed at least 45 people and injured about 150 early Friday, medical officials said. It was one of the country's deadliest civilian disasters. The stampede began when large numbers of people thronged a narrow … [Read more...] about Religious Festival Stampede in Israel Kills 45, Hurts Dozens
Kidnappers in Haiti Release 9 People Including Priests, Nuns
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) Kidnappers in Haiti have released five priests, two nuns and two other people who had been held for nearly three weeks, Roman Catholic authorities said Friday. The France-based Society of Priests of St. James, which runs missions in Haiti and Brazil, issued a statement expressing “our joy and our great satisfaction to find them safe and … [Read more...] about Kidnappers in Haiti Release 9 People Including Priests, Nuns
1st Ever Woman Spiritual Leader of Orthodox Synagogue Appointed in Israel
(The Jerusalem Post) The Shirat Tamar Synagogue in Efrat has appointed Rabbanit Shira Marili Mirvis as its sole spiritual leader and halachic [Jewish law] authority, the first woman ever to serve in such a role in Israel. Until this week, Orthodox women have been appointed as spiritual leaders in Orthodox synagogues and in other communal positions of spiritual leadership, … [Read more...] about 1st Ever Woman Spiritual Leader of Orthodox Synagogue Appointed in Israel
Attackers Shoot Italian Bishop-Elect in His Home in South Sudan
by Claire Giangravé and Fredrick Nzwili (RNS) An Italian Roman Catholic priest sent two months ago to lead the Diocese of Rumbek, in South Sudan, was seriously injured Monday (April 26) by gunmen who stormed the priest’s residence and fired at least 13 bullets. The attack on the Rev. Christian Carlassare sent shock waves through the Christian community in South Sudan and … [Read more...] about Attackers Shoot Italian Bishop-Elect in His Home in South Sudan