Religion
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Saudis’ new Hajj system is making the pilgrimage safer, if less accessible
(RNS) — Hajj is too expensive. Hajj is too crowded. Hajj isn’t regulated well enough. The Saudi government isn’t measuring up as the custodian of the Hajj. Ask North American Muslims who have made the pilgrimage to Mecca since the Saudis took over the travel-booking process for pilgrims coming from the Western world, and chances are they’ve cautiously voiced one…
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Historic Black churches receive $8.5 million in preservation grants
(RNS) — Thirty historically Black churches and projects, including those with ties to Civil Rights leaders who led churches and protests across the United States, are receiving grants totaling $8.5 million from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The awards are part of the third annual Preserving Black Churches grant program that focuses on historic African American sites across the…
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Ultranationalist Rally in Jerusalem Calls for Gaza Expulsion and Settlements
A large ultranationalist demonstration is set to take place next week in Jerusalem, advocating for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and the construction of Jewish settlements in the region.The event, titled “Occupation, Expulsion, and Settlement,” is being organized by the Nachala settlement movement along with other right-wing organizations that have pushed for full Israeli control and settlement in Gaza…
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Fragile Gaza Truce Persists Amid ‘Intense Pressure’ from Mediators
Explosions Rock Bat Yam and Holon as Three Buses Detonated in Suspected Terror Attack No Injuries Reported; Authorities Suspect West Bank Terror Cell Three empty buses exploded in Bat Yam and Holon late Thursday night in what Israeli authorities believe to be a strategically planned terror attack. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the buses had already been parked for…
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Hamas announces plans to release 6 living hostages and return 4 bodies, expediting Gaza prisoner exchanges
A senior Hamas official announced that the group will release six living Israeli hostages on Saturday and return the bodies of four others on Thursday, marking an unexpected acceleration in hostage exchanges. This move appears to be in response to Israel allowing mobile homes and construction equipment into Gaza. The six individuals set for release are the last living hostages…
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Israel to Receive Bodies of Four Captives as Gaza Truce Holds
Hamas will hand over the bodies of four Israeli captives, including members of the Bibas family, in Gaza’s Khan Younis this morning as the fragile ceasefire continues. Authorities in Gaza accuse Israel of blocking the entry of 135,000 mobile homes, most of the 500 bulldozers, and other humanitarian aid promised in the first phase of the truce deal. Lebanese President…
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Beyond Prison Walls: Is Jacob Daskal’s 17.5-Year Sentence Enough for Abuse of Authority?
Jacob Daskal, the former leader of Brooklyn’s Boro Park Shomrim Society—a private Orthodox Jewish crime-patrol group—was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison in October 2023 for the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl. His case remains a significant topic of discussion, not only because of the heinous nature of the crimes but also due to the legal and societal…
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Professional Odor Removal Service in North Myrtle Beach – Enjoy Fresh, Clean Air!
Unpleasant odors can make any home or business uncomfortable. Whether caused by smoke, pet dander, mold, mildew, or lingering food smells, these stubborn odors can be challenging to eliminate. Fortunately, professional odor removal services in North Myrtle Beach provide effective solutions to restore freshness to your space. Why Choose Professional Odor Removal? DIY solutions like air fresheners and deep cleaning…
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Jacob Daskal Sentenced to 17.5 Years for Sexual Abuse of a Minor
Jacob Daskal, the former leader of Brooklyn’s Boro Park Shomrim Society—a private Orthodox Jewish crime-patrol group—was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison in October 2023 for the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl. His case remains a significant topic of discussion, not only because of the heinous nature of the crimes but also due to the legal and societal…
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Hindu devotional singing is having a moment
(RNS) — The winner of the 2025 Grammy Award for best new age, ambient or chant album — a category once dominated by Enya — was an album titled “Triveni,” meaning “the confluence of three rivers” in Sanskrit, an apt description for its weaving of Vedic chants, melodic flute and cello by India’s Chandrika Tandon, South Africa’s Wouter Kellerman and…
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