The Thurumbar, a caste providing laundry services who are discriminated even by Dalits, can send their children to study at the Life Empowerment Center in Acharapakkam. Thanks to the latter’s foundress Juliyes, who grew up among this marginalised group, solidarity is also extended to the Irula, an equally poor tribal community.
The cardinal is visiting Christian communities in Gaza, ravaged by more than two years of war. Tomorrow, the traditional solemn Mass will be celebrated, with a focus on rebuilding and healing hearts. The patriarchs and heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem have issued an appeal to Israeli authorities for Gaza’s sick children, asking for them to be cared for at the Augusta Victoria Hospital.
The cyclone reshaped large swathes of the upcountry. The devastation is so great that remapping is necessary. More than half of all landslides occurred in the districts of Badulla, Kandy, and Matale. Experts need high-quality close-up images, with essential assistance from international organisations and agencies.
China’s special envoy Deng Xijun visits Phnom Penh to revive ceasefire efforts. Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy attacks Hun Sen and the Cambodian government for fanning the flames of conflict to mask a "personal conflict" with Thaksin Shinawatra. More than 30 Thai and Cambodian NGOs issue an appeal for a truce, stressing that mostly ordinary people are affected by war.
Viktor Erofeev, a critical anti-war voice since Crimea, presented his latest work. In Russia, repressing guilt has become automatic. The collapse of the Soviet Union is one example and the Orthodox Church, which never apologised for collaborating with the atheist regime, is another. Khrushchev words about Russia's wars in Georgia and Ukraine appear prophetic; meanwhile, the opposition abroad is failing.
Today's news: The US carried out a massive US strike against Islamic State targets in Syria in response to recent attacks. Taiwan police say 27-year-old Chang Wen acted "alone”, resulting in four people dead and 11 wounded. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife have been sentenced to another 17-year sentence for corruption. More than 200 arrests have been made in Myanmar under a new law targeting people who “undermine” elections.
