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| WORLD BRIEFS European Union ambassadors to Israel have sent a letter to the Israeli foreign ministry, objecting to Israeli military actions in the West Bank and Gaza. Germany's second female rabbi will be installed this month as leader of a small Jewish community in Bavaria. Israeli human rights activists want Israel to supply gas masks to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in case of an Iraqi attack on the Jewish state. The recent Czech premiere of the Holocaust movie "The Pianist," which was nominated for seven Oscars, including best picture, director and actor, raised more than $3,000 to restore Prague Jewish sites damaged by floods last summer. A recent meeting in Kazakhstan between Jewish officials and the leaders of six Muslim nations has been hailed by some as an important step in interfaith relations - and as a sign that the countries may be willing to serve as a bulwark against Islamic fundamentalism. Israel criticized Belgium’s February Supreme Court ruling that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon could be tried for alleged war crimes once he leaves office. The court also ruled that investigations could proceed against former Israeli army commander Amos Yaron, who now serves as director general of Israel’s Defense Ministry. Along with Sharon, Yaron was named in the original complaint filed with Belgian prosecutors two years ago. Compiled from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency’s free online briefing service. For more information, visit Interfaith service to honor reproductive healthcare providers BY SUSANNE BURKS The New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice will sponsor an interfaith “Convocation for Choice” March 9 in honor of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare Providers. People of all faiths are invited to attend the service, scheduled for 4 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Israel, 4401 Indian School Road NE (corner of Washington NE). Jon O’Brien of Washington D.C., vice president of Catholics for a Free Choice, will be the featured speaker. Katherine Wersen will present a musical prelude on her Tibetan Bells and Bowls. Dr. Sidney Musai Walter, a family therapist in Santa Fe and Buddhist teacher at Hidden Mountain Zen Center in Albuquerque, will open the service with a talk about stress in our lives, in particular the providers’ lives. Many other faith organizations are expected to participate. A catered reception will follow the service, including something sweet, something savory by Sharon Levin of Gourmet to Go, all vegetarian and Kosher. For more information call, 890-1010 or visit www.nmrcrc.org. The writer is a member of the New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice board of directors. | ||||||||
