The SESAME project was conceived with CERN in Geneva as a model and took 20 years to get off the ground. The first synchrotron, which accelerates electrons and produces light used to study matter, has been operational since 2017. Whilst wars and crises have directly affected member countries in the Middle East, the laboratory has continued to operate.
The cardinal who recently left his post in Damascus reflects with AsiaNews on his long service in the country amid the suffering of children and the faces of friends who have disappeared. A nation ‘destroyed and humiliated’ that must find the basis for rebuilding its future in the ‘ecumenism of suffering’. The few remaining Christians have the task of ‘being the glue’. Advice for the next generation of Vatican diplomats: ‘Live with the people, learn to adapt to reality’.
Akin Gurlek becomes minister in the government reshuffle ordered by the president. The interior minister also changes. The opposition CHP party is critical, having been targeted by the prosecutor over the past two years with arrests and trials. The swearing-in ceremony in Parliament was marked by protests from the opposition and clashes that led to the suspension of proceedings for a few minutes.
After initially being placed on the list of NGOs that Israel wanted to submit to reregistration, with the risk of suspension, Caritas Jerusalem is back in business, and today continues (and expands) its activities in Gaza. Secretary General Anton Asfar and young employee Fatena Mohanna describe the human cost of the war and the resilience of those who remain. For Christians in the Holy Land, “It's our little cross to bear.”
On the feast of the great Maronite saint, Patriarch al-Rahi said that the use of force is the prerogative of the state. A musical event was cancelled in solidarity with the 14 victims of the collapse of a building in the north. A three-year-old child was also killed in the latest attack by the Jewish state.
The entire area of the ancient city of Samaria north of Nablus has been expropriated and separated from the nearby Palestinian village in the name of promoting only the Jewish period of its history. Meanwhile, the Knesset is discussing the establishment of an authority to extend control over archaeological assets even in areas assigned to the Palestinian Authority.
Amidst general silence, the cradle of Christianity is being emptied of its Christian population. Communities are now ultra-minorities. Vincent Gelot, representative in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan for the NGO, is launching a campaign to root the faithful in the land of their ancestors. Their disappearance is also a loss for the West and for the confessional mosaic of which they are a part.
The latest settler attacks in Palestinian areas include uprooted olive groves, torched cars, insults sprayed on the walls of houses, and attacks on students. “Attention only comes when there is a serious attack or a tragic event!” Father Bashar laments. However, “the situation is difficult for us every day.” Lebanon accuses Israel of spraying toxic substances on fields and farmland in its southern villages.
The award was also given to the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan for their peace process and to the Palestinian NGO Taawon for its humanitarian work. In his message, Pope Leo XIV said that fraternity is “not a distant ideal, but an urgent necessity.” Yaftali’s work for girls’ education, which has been severely restricted under the Taliban after they returned to power in 2021, was recognised. Her appeal is for the world not to forget Afghan women.
Declassified documents reveal trafficking of very young girls linked to the US businessman who died in prison in 2019. Prosecutors are examining "millions" of documents, while politicians and lawmakers are calling for the urgent establishment of a parliamentary commission. But the Disinformation Combat Centre (established by the ruling AKP) disputes the figure of over 100,000 missing children.
Sayyid Rahim Abu Ragheef rejects al-Maliki's candidacy, calling it ‘reckless’ and “irresponsible” in a theatre of internal and regional crisis. Tensions between Iran and the United States and the political stalemate blocking the election of the president are cause for concern. Citizenship and the protection of minorities are the foundation of the nation. ‘Responsibility’ is needed in relations with Tehran.
The agreement between Damascus and Kurdish militias is not enough to stem the violence in the country. 21-year-old Eliah Simon Tekla shot dead in his car parked in front of his home. Since Assad's fall, over 70 Christians have been killed for their faith. Christian minister: ‘I see people's suffering... and I feel responsible for their pain’.
In the latest instalment of AsiaNews' reportage from the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, the testimony of the priest from Goa, a friendly face and memory of the local Christian community. He records every celebration and his intentions in a diary: to date, he has administered almost 8,200 baptisms and 750 marriages. Faith stronger than difficulties and critical factors. His desire? ‘A holy life and to continue in prayer.’
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