Malaysian Sikhs observe Nanakshahi New Year

KUALA LUMPUR – Sikhs in Malaysia observed a low key New Year, as per the Nanakshahi calendar named after the founder of the faith Guru Nanak.

More and more Sikhs are becoming conscious of the Sikh New Year that fell Sunday, The Star newspaper said.
There were low-key celebrations in Sikh homes and in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Malaysian Sikhs observe Nanakshahi New Year.

Cartoonist lampoons niqab, angers Muslims in Canada

TORONTO – A controversial cartoon in a Montreal newspaper at the weekend has further fuelled the niqab controversy and angered Muslims in Canada.

The controversy, which was sparked by a Muslim woman’s refusal in November to remove her veil in her French language class in Montreal, has been further inflamed by the controversial cartoon in the [..] Read the original article: here.

Conflict between European artists and Muslims fuels concern about a clash of civilizations

Culture clash: European art provokes Muslims

LONDON – With the West locked in conflicts across the Muslim world, why would anyone throw fuel on the fire?
A small group of Europeans have been doing just that – provoking death plots and at least one murder by turning out art that derides the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran … Read more >>.

Israeli leader regrets crisis with Washington, but apology gets cool reception in Washington

Israeli apology gets cool reception in Washington
JERUSALEM – Israel’s prime minister expressed regret Sunday for a crisis with the United States over plans to expand a Jewish neighborhood in east Jerusalem, even as American officials played down the apology and called for bold Israeli action to get peace efforts back on track.
With tensions … Read more : Israeli leader regrets crisis with Washington, but apology gets cool reception in Washington.

Synagogue opens in German town after 70 years

HERFORD – A new synagogue was opened Sunday in the north-western German town of Herford, more than 70 years after the old synagogue was destroyed under Nazi rule.

“I wish you and all of us that Jewish life in North Rhine-Westphalia and Germany flourishes,” Juergen Ruettgers, the state premier of North Rhine-Westphalia where Herford is located … Read more »»».

Iraq PM edges ahead of rival in partial election count, holds narrow lead over chief rival

Iraqi PM in narrow lead in partial election tally

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s prime minister edged ahead in a tight race in the country’s parliamentary elections Sunday after partial results from all of 18 provinces showed his bloc leading in seven provinces – two more than his chief rival.
The tally strengthens Nouri al-Maliki’s chances of retaining the …. Original article  : Iraq PM edges ahead of rival in partial election count, holds narrow lead over chief rival.

Israeli leader urges calm after new rebuke from US over east Jerusalem construction plans

Israeli leader urges calm over row with Washington

JERUSALEM – Israel’s prime minister tried to play down a serious diplomatic dispute with the United States on Sunday, urging calm after another stern rebuke from Washington over plans to build 1,600 new apartments for Jews in contested east Jerusalem.
Reflecting the high tension, Israel deployed hundreds of security …. Source article  : Israeli leader urges calm after new rebuke from US over east Jerusalem construction plans.

Amended Sikh calendar released in Amritsar

CHANDIGARH – After a controversy over the last few years regarding dates of important religious events in the ‘Nanakshahi’, the Sikh religious calendar, its amended version was Sunday released by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) at Amritsar.

The dates of the previous Nanakshahi calendar did not match with the Vikrami calendar followed elsewhere in the …. Source article  : Amended Sikh calendar released in Amritsar.

Egypt cancels synagogue unveiling, citing Israeli maltreatment of Palestinians

Egypt cancels unveiling of restored synagogue

CAIRO – Egypt canceled the inauguration of a restored synagogue on Sunday citing objections to Israel’s treatment of Muslims in the occupied territories as well as alleged excesses during an earlier ceremony.
Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities spent seven months restoring the ruined Ben Maimon synagogue in Cairo’s ancient Jewish quarter …. Original article  : Egypt cancels synagogue unveiling, citing Israeli maltreatment of Palestinians.

Tripura debates Maneka’s plea against animal sacrifice

AGARTALA – Maneka Gandhi’s appeal to stop animal sacrifice in Tripura’s temples has sparked a debate with animal lovers supporting her while others dead against stopping of age-old traditions.

“We are taking opinion of the royal family, state government, priests and the civil society over Maneka Gandhi’s request to stop animal sacrifice in the temples,” South …. Original source  : Tripura debates Maneka’s plea against animal sacrifice.

Hymns to nature at the Golden Temple

AMRITSAR – Hundreds of Sikhs Sunday recited hymns devoted to the environment in the Golden Temple here to mark the coronation of their seventh guru Hai Rai.

US-based Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) and mini-parliament of Sikhs Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) observed the day as Sikh Environment Day, reciting shabad kirtan (hymns composed [..] Read the original article: here.