The International Rescue Committee and Medical Aid for Palestinians say malnutrition has reached critical levels in Gaza, with an estimated 576,000 people experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger, marked by starvation and acute-malnutrition. Last night, President Biden ordered the US military to build a port on the coast of Gaza to accelerate the supply of aid.
Cardinal calls a day of prayer today for peace in Israel / Gaza
Cardinal Vincent Nichols has called a day of prayer today for peace in the Middle East. In a statement, he echoed Pope Francis’ call for a lasting ceasefire, the release of all hostages, humanitarian aid to be allowed through to help those most in need, and for hospitals, schools and places of worship to be protected. He said the day of prayer is a vital part of the observance of Lent, whose three pillars are prayer, alms-giving and fasting, with Fridays the key fast days.
Justin Welby “deeply horrified by Israel’s bombardment and siege of Gaza”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has finally met the Palestinian Christian leader Rev Dr Munther Isaac, whom he had refused to meet earlier because he had shared a platform with Jeremy Corbyn. The archbishop apologised and after their meeting yesterday, issued a strong message of condemnation of Israel’s action in Gaza: “In listening to him, I continue to be deeply horrified by Israel’s bombardment and siege of Gaza. I condemn the killing of Palestinian civilians, the destruction of homes and neighbourhoods, and pushing people to the brink of starvation – there is no moral justification for this. I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire, for aid to reach all those in desperate need, and for the release of all hostages”. He re-affirmed his support for Palestinian Christians and the people of Gaza and prayed for a path towards a just and lasting peace for all.
MCB’s Centre for Media Monitoring reviews reporting of Israel / Gaza war
The Muslim Council of Britain’s Centre for Media Monitoring has published a report saying there is media bias in the coverage of the Israel / Gaza war. The “Media Bias Gaza 2023-24” study reviewed more than 176,000 television clips and 25,000 online news articles in the month after October 7. Among its conclusions are that emotive language describing suffering occurred 11 times more frequently for Israeli casualties than for Palestinian; and most TV channels overwhelmingly promoted Israel’s right to defend itself, overshadowing Palestinian rights by a ratio of 5 to 1.
Archbishop carries an alarm because of violent threats against him
Justin Welby has revealed that he carries an alarm because of threats made against him. Interviewed by The Spectator magazine, the Archbishop of Canterbury said bishops, especially women, have had an enormous increase in abusive language lately between members of the church and by members of parliament. He wasn’t surprised the church was accused of being political, with bishops speaking against the Rwanda bill, but they were not left wing, they were just doing their job as members of the House of Lords. Rising abuse on social media showed that society had lost its moral compass and if churches followed the Bible imperative to be “salt and light”, challenging worldly behaviour, they could strengthen boundaries of what is morally right in society. He admitted to feeling he couldn’t do the job any more at times of intense pressure, but he didn’t see any reason to go before he reached the retirement age of 70 next year.
Government adviser says London has turned into a “no-go area for Jews”
Robin Simcox, the Home Office’s independent adviser on extremism, writes in The Telegraph that London is being turned into a “no-go zone for Jews”, following vociferous protests and the emboldening of extremist networks which have been “unchallenged for too long”. He said there was a permissive environment for radicalisation which needed urgently addressing and there was a failure to tackle groups that “lurked” just below the threshold of being terrorists. Article is here
Jewish students flee Exeter university after Israel stall attacked
Jewish students who set up a stall on Israel and antisemitism at Exeter university, were surrounded by 100 students, their leaflets were ripped up and red juice was split over them and the Israel flag. One said they were broken by the experience. It was their first stall since 7 October and they wanted to put the other side to students who had been protesting for Palestine every week. Since the incident, a student told the Jewish Chronicle that half the group have left campus to go home. A spokesperson for the University of Exeter told the Daily Mail that the University is committed to eradicating any instances of discrimination and harassment.
University holocaust centre supports Jewish communities in Yorkshire
The University of Huddersfield’s “Holocaust Centre North”, a museum and archive of family possessions from survivors and refugees who found their way to Yorkshire, has become a place for connecting Jewish communities across the county. Jewish News reports on how the Centre tells the story of around 150 families and individuals and has grown to become a hub for 350 Jewish people in the Huddersfield area and 30 students at the university, holding the first Shabbat service in the town for more than 60 years. The Jewish News reporter observes there were no protests nearby and the Centre was an accepted backdrop to everyday life at a multi-cultural university.
Unite weighs in on behalf of Methodist missionaries at risk of redundancy
The Unite union is taking up the case of Methodist missionaries who are not ordained and face redundancy by August, a group including doctors, nurses and teachers. Unite says it started receiving enquiries in January when the Church disclosed its redundancy proposals and regards the move as potentially discriminatory because it excludes ordained ministers. Further, it objects to confidentiality required of individuals during consultations. The union is demanding that the Methodist Church enters collective consultations before making any redundancy decisions. The Methodist Church told Premier Christian News in a statement: “We are unable to comment on the discussions taking place regarding our mission partners due to the on-going consultation process.”
Podcast launched on Muslim women and Ramadan
Author and advertising executive, Shelina Janmohammed, is presenting a new podcast from this weekend, on the extra demands and high emotion associated with Ramadan for many women. “Muslim Women Talk Ramadan” lifts the lid on the excitement, apprehension and anxiety as women look forward to a month long festival of fasting during the day and social events in the evening, with extra cooking, cleaning and organising, while still working and making the festival a magical experience for children. Her guests include Baroness Warsi and TV chef Nadiya Hussein.
