WJC News Update – Californian college head speaks out against BDS campaigners

WJC News Update – Californian college head speaks out against BDS campaigners

News updates from the World Jewish Congress website – 19 May 2014

Californian college head speaks out against BDS campaigners

Following months of debate, the chancellor of the University of California at Los Angeles condemned efforts by pro-Palestinian groups to bar student council candidates from participating in trips to Israel.

In Tunisia an ancient Jewish pilgrimage, controversy – and hope – Christian Science Monitor

19 May 2014 Every year hundreds if not thousands of Jewish pilgrims travel to Djerba island in Tunisia, where an ancient Synagogue is believed to contain a stone from the destroyed First Temple in Jerusalem. This year, controversy has come with them. READ MORE »

Only 18 members remain in 2,300-year-old Jewish community in Turkish town – Al Jazeera

19 May 2014 The once thriving Jewish community of Antakya, Turkey has now dwindled to just 18 members as many locals have fled to escape unrest and violence in the area. READ MORE »

Iranian actress’ Cannes kiss sparks outrage – France24

19 May 2014 Iranian actress Leila Hatami angered authorities in her home country after a photograph emerged of her kissing the director of the Cannes Film Festival on the cheek. READ MORE »

The Simpsons are a Jewish conspiracy aimed against Arabs, Egyptian TV alleges – Jerusalem Post

19 May 2014 Is the American hit television show The Simpsons a conspiracy by the Jewish lobby to exert undue political and social influence on the American public? It is, if you ask the host of ‘Al-Tahrir’ television in Egypt. READ MORE »

Pope’s ‘Last Supper’ mass raises Jewish hackles – Financial Times

19 May 2014 A plan by Pope Francis to celebrate mass in a Jerusalem room believed by Christians to have hosted the Last Supper has brought criticism, controversy and conspiracy theories worthy of a Dan Brown novel. READ MORE »

After Argentine court ruling, WJC calls for ‘new momentum’ in AMIA bombing probe

16 May 2014 The World Jewish Congress welcomed Thursday’s ruling by an Argentine federal court declaring that Argentina’s memorandum of understanding with Iran was unconstitutional. READ MORE »

International outcry as Sudan plans to execute Christian woman for ‘apostasy’

16 May 2014 A 26-year-old pregnant Sudanese woman who married a Christian man has been sentenced to death for apostasy after refusing to recant her Christian faith.  READ MORE »