Yahya Cholil Staquf, a leader in Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), travelled to Tel Aviv on a "private mission". According to extremists, he is undermining Indonesian support for a Palestinian state. Israel’s decision to stop issuing tourist visas to Indonesians remains controversial.
Three people died in the past week. Refugees fled neighbouring Myanmar to escape persecution. More than 3,000 houses destroyed. Wells and lavatories have become unusable. Diseases and infections are spreading in the camps. The Red Crescent Society recalls Muslim employees from the Eid-ul-Fitar break.
In addition to sharing iftar, the meal that breaks the fast during the Islamic holy month, with Muslims, Indonesian Catholics tried to show closeness and solidarity via seminars, youth meetings but also bazaars, selling basic necessities at very low prices to help less fortunate families. “I pray the month of Ramadan may always generate love, peace and harmony in our society,” said the archbishop of Palembang.
"Man without woman – as a mother, a sister, a wife, a colleague, a friend - that man alone is not an image of God". "Jesus doctrine on woman changes history. Women before Jesus is one thing, women after Jesus is something else”.
The group includes 51 students from Indonesia’s oldest Catholic seminary. The first performances were held in Magelang with the participation of local university students. Concerts in Yogyakarta and Jakarta were sold out. For the choir coordinator, “months of preparation have served this: to build their capacity to communicate with others."
In his message for World Day of the Poor, Francis writes that poverty is caused by sins like selfishness, pride, greed and injustice, whilst society “elevates riches as the primary objective”. Believers cannot limit their concern to providing assistance but need to show "loving attentiveness".
The People's Peace Network document indicates the guidelines for a real reconciliation process, in a territory devastated by armed conflicts. Armed groups and authorities are invited "to mutual respect, to sincere dialogue and to truthful negotiations".
With today's signature, the two leaders commit to a lasting and stable peace on the Korean Peninsula. The deal calls for the recovering the remains of prisoners of war. Kim makes an "Unwavering commitment" to denuclearise the peninsula. Trump offers security guarantees to North Korea. China approves; France has doubts. South Koreans “hope” for peace. North Korean refugees are concerned.
The civil war in the northern state has entered its seventh year. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has exceeded 150,000. Some tell of their flight from their homes and of their life in the reception facilities.
Writer Liao Yiwu spoke with Liu Xia, wife of the late dissident Liu Xiaobo, who was left to die in prison from cancer. Under house arrest, Liu Xia was promised by the government that she could leave China for treatment. But nothing has happened so far. Despite her request, Angela Merkel could not meet her. Liao pleads with politicians and ordinary people.
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