Politics
Israeli rabbinate under scrutiny as religious issues threaten government’s wartime unity
By David I. Klein — March 21, 2024
(RNS) — A complaint against the rabbinate's control of who is deemed Jewish comes as cracks are beginning to show in the sense of unity fostered by Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7.
Haiti’s crisis is at a tipping point. The world needs to help.
By David Vanderpool — March 20, 2024
(RNS) — The international community has a moral obligation to support Haiti during this crisis.
We need practical — and humane — migration solutions
By Bridget Moix — March 19, 2024
(RNS) — Sincere bipartisan negotiations and solutions on immigration law are overdue.
Netanyahu snaps back against growing US criticism after being accused of losing his way on Gaza
By Ravi Nessman and Tia Goldenberg — March 18, 2024
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The U.S., which has provided key military and diplomatic support to Israel, also has expressed concerns about a planned Israeli assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Poll: Most Americans say religion’s influence is waning, and half think that’s bad
By Jack Jenkins — March 15, 2024
(RNS) — There is also growing concern among an array of religious Americans that their beliefs are in conflict with mainstream American culture.
A Wisconsin ruling on Catholic Charities raises the bar for religious tax exemptions
By Todd Richmond — March 14, 2024
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — U.S. religious institutions enjoy tax exemptions, most notably from property taxes. Debate has raged for decades over whether the exemptions are fair.
Alabama’s IVF protection law redefines embryonic personhood
By Mark Silk — March 13, 2024
(RNS) — A process that is taking place across the country.
Unexpected defeat of referendums shows growing power of Ireland’s traditional Catholics
By Daniel O'Connor — March 13, 2024
DUBLIN (RNS) — At a Mass said in Latin on Sunday (March 10), Ireland’s traditional Catholics declared political victory, days after a pair of referendums aimed at secularizing the Irish Constitution were unexpectedly and resoundingly defeated.
All eyes on Rafah as Ramadan gets underway
By Omar Suleiman — March 13, 2024
(RNS) — Muslims have navigated war, famine and death in Ramadan, but we’ve never watched a genocide in real time.
Rabbi, religious freedom delegation end Saudi trip early after yarmulke incident
By Adelle M. Banks — March 12, 2024
(RNS) — ‘No one should be denied access to a heritage site, especially one intended to highlight unity and progress, simply for existing as a Jew,’ said Rabbi Abraham Cooper.
India’s new citizenship law excludes Muslims. Here’s what to know
By Sheikh Saaliq — March 12, 2024
NEW DELHI (AP) — The implementation of the law has been one of the key poll promises of Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the run-up to the general election, which is scheduled to be held by May.
Texas judge temporarily blocks attempt to shut down Annunciation House
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — March 12, 2024
(RNS) — Ken Paxton attempted to ‘run roughshod over Annunciation House, without regard to due process or fair play,’ Francisco Dominguez, a state court judge, wrote in Monday’s ruling.
Safeguarding Israel with Torah study
By Avi Shafran — March 12, 2024
(RNS) — The question of Haredi conscription is not a matter of political privilege but religious liberty.
Shaun King converts to Islam
By Jack Jenkins — March 11, 2024
(RNS) — The controversial activist cited Palestinian suffering in Gaza as part of the inspiration for his conversion.
The anti-Zionist Jews countering mainstream support for Israel
By Yonat Shimron — March 11, 2024
RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) — Pro-Israel Jews have denounced anti-Zionists as antisemitic and not really Jewish. But the ranks of this group are growing, and their criticism of Israel is catching on among younger U.S. Jews.