Terrasanta.net - Attualità/News

Deal Reached to End Mass Hunger Strike

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Palestinian prisoners and Israel’s Prison Service have reached a deal to end a mass hunger strike which began, for most of them, on April 17th. An estimated 1,600 Palestinians had been refusing food in a bid to have their demands heard. The hunger strike had raised fears of a violent Palestinian backlash.

Fears Grow Over Condition of Mass Hunger Strikers as Talks Begin

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

More than 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails continue to be on hunger strike, with several at risk of imminent death, according to their lawyers. The International Committee of the Red Cross has said it is extremely concerned about the health of six detainees who have been on hunger strike between 25 and 75 days. UN and the European Union officials have also voiced their concern.

Archbishop Celli to Middle East Church Media: Be Unambiguous Witnesses

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

A new Catholic Media Centre has opened in Amman, offering a means not only of informing and educating the faithful in Jordan and the Holy Land, but also of fostering dialogue, friendship and solidarity in the region. The new facility will provide a “precious service” to the local Church according to Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

Post-Arab Spring Youth Yearn for More Opportunities

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

One year after the “Arab spring”, economic concerns, a decent wage and a home of one’s own rise to the first two positions on the agenda of Arab youth, while the desire to live in a democratic country, although still shared by the majority, falls to third place. The picture emerges from an annual report on Arab youth.

Concerns Grow Over Possible Islamist Victory in Egyptian Elections

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

As Egypt’s presidential election approaches and an Islamist candidate receives a boost to his campaign, fears are growing the country’s Christians could face an increase in persecution under a new regime. Last week Egypt's election commission released the final list of 13 candidates eligible to run in next month's presidential election.

Holy Land Attracting Growing Number of Pilgrims from Developing Countries

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Christians from developing countries are increasingly making pilgrimages to the Holy Land as their economies grow. Nigerian pilgrims form large numbers. Since 2007, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission has offered state funding to Christian pilgrims. Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, the pilgrimage office of the Vicariate of Rome, co-operates with the Commission.

The Holy Land Review Spring 2012 Issue Now Available

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Subscribers to The Holy Land Review have now been mailed the Spring 2012 issue. But non-subscribers can also enjoy some of its content in digital format by visiting the appropriate section on this website. Happy reading!

Palestinian and Egyptian Prisoners On Hunger Strikes

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

As Israel last week has released Khader Adnan, a Palestinian prisoner who had been on hunger strike, a large group of Egyptian and Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons embarked on self-imposed starvation to demand their release. At least 1,200 Palestinian inmates of Israeli jails began an open-ended hunger strike.

Caritas and Jordanian NGOs Assisting Thousands of Syrian Refugees

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

As thousands of Syrian refugees flee into Jordan, authorities are opening makeshift 'holding facilities' to accommodate them, while Caritas Jordan is distributing food and household items. Local charities say 500 refugees are passing through the border each day and the situation is worsening.

The Holy Fire Emerges from the Sepulchre of the Risen One

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

A fire that is kindled “by a miracle”, a multitude of the faithful anxiously waiting, from the earliest hours of the morning who then explode in cries of joy when they catch a glimpse of the light inside the edicule that contains the empty tomb of the Risen One. This is the Orthodox ritual of the Holy Fire in the Basilica of the Resurrection, in Jerusalem.