Dario Salvi

Sirens bring Israel to a halt to mark Yom Ha-Shoah. At Yad Vashem, Prime Minister Bennett does not mention Iran, but speaks about divisions among Jews, noting that today's conflicts cannot be equated to the “unprecedented” tragedy that took place during the Second World War. Meanwhile, a study by Tel Aviv University shows “significant rise” of anti-Semitism in 2021 in the world.

In the country there is a food crisis, additional funds are urgently needed for the supply of raw materials and price controls. The government wants to strengthen domestic production and study aid for the most vulnerable. About 23% of the total population lives in poverty, the unemployment rate has reached 14%. The AsiaNews campaign.

According to the USCIRF, the Islamic Republic engages in “systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom”. The latest case involves the arrest of a 49-year-old convert, Rahmat Rostamipour, on Easter Monday. Other countries of concern are Saudi Arabia, North Korea and Myanmar.

In spite of the clashes of recent weeks, life in the Strip "flows normally", schools and markets are open. Even the activities in the parish are "full to capcity". Fr. Romanelli reports the Russian war in Ukraine does not seem to affect "everyday life for now". The wish for an end of Ramadan celebration "in peace" and a "solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

The pope mentions countries devastated by conflicts, like Ukraine to Cameroon. He calls for a truce at a time when “weapons are increasingly taking the place of words”. During the Regina Coeli, he said he fears “perfect Christians” because the “adventure of faith” includes “lights and shadows”. In his homily for the Mass of Divine Mercy, Francis notes that Jesus did not say “words of defiance” because he “understands Thomas’s difficulty” and does not treat him “with harshness”.

Talks for a possible reconciliation between the Assyrian Church of the East and the Ancient Church of the East are scheduled for 9 May. The schism consummated in 1968 will be difficult to overcome, especially overt thorny issues like the patriarchal see (Baghdad or Erbil) and the choice of patriarch. A source told AsiaNews that the first thing is to “prepare our hearts” for unity.

The Burj Al Arab is the most instagrammed hotel in the world, with over 2.6 million pictures posted in early 2022. International travel and tourism restart after pandemic restrictions are lifted. A record was set on 24 February with 131,745 rooms sold in Dubai hotels. However, the Ukraine war casts as shadow and could still negatively impact the sector.

Fresh clashes broke out today in Jerusalem’s Old City between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, with at least 20 wounded and seven arrests. Israel carried out attacks in Gaza overnight in response to rocket fire. For Adel Misk, the situation is “getting worse”, fuelled by repeated “provocations”. Al-Aqsa is “a red line that no one can cross”.

Experts warn mothers and unborn children is in danger. Those most at risk are Syrian refugees who have fled the war. Since October, one-third of children in need of care have not had access to health care. 40% of doctors and 30% of midwives have left the country.

In 2004 she set up an organisation with her retirement money to provide legal aid and protection for migrant workers. In recent years, she fought against sexual slavery and human trafficking. Her work was recognised in Asia and the United States.

A measure intended to ease tensions in Jerusalem's holy sites, the scene of clashes between police and Muslim. The opposition accuses Bennett of giving in to extremists. The reply: a measure similar to those taken in the past by Netanyahu. Regional diplomacy moves to favour a de-escalation. First violence in months from the Gaza Strip.

In refugee camps people struggle to meet their daily needs, lacking basic goods starting with food. International groups too are struggling to help two million people. The armed groups that control the area have targeted journalists and activists. Football (soccer) has become a metaphor for the ongoing power struggle.