jerusalem

Albert Einstein, lacking cash for a hotel bellboy in 1922 Tokyo, penned a note on happiness: "A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness." This simple message, intended as a tip, later sold for $1.56 million at auction, proving his playful prediction correct.

Israel's parliament has greenlit a special tribunal to try and sentence to death Palestinians convicted in the October 7th Hamas-led attack. The bill, passed overwhelmingly, aims to punish those responsible for the deadliest assault in Israel's history. Rights groups, however, voice concerns over fair trial procedures and the ease of imposing the death penalty.

The United Nations condemned on Tuesday the toll from "escalating" Israeli military operations and settler attacks in the occupied West Bank on children, with 70 Palestinian children killed since the start of 2025. Since the start of 2025, when Israel began a large-scale military operation in the West Bank, "at least one Palestinian child has been killed on average every single week" there, adding that another 850 children had been injured during that period.

Hezbollah's deployment of fibre-optic FPV drones along Israel's northern border presents a significant defence challenge. These small, low-flying drones bypass jamming systems, making them difficult to detect and intercept. Israel is racing to develop countermeasures against this evolving threat, which has already resulted in casualties and damage to military assets.

European Union foreign ministers have imposed new sanctions on Israeli settlers and organizations for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, ending Hungary's previous blockade. This move, targeting extremist settler groups and their leaders, comes amid rising violence and settlement expansion. Israel has condemned the sanctions, calling them morally bankrupt and antisemitic.

In a bold move, Israel has expelled two foreign activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who were intercepted during their participation in a Gaza-bound flotilla. Advocates for human rights have denounced this decision, labeling it as a deliberate strike against a peaceful initiative.

A shepherd boy's lost goat led to a monumental discovery in 1947. He found ancient pottery in a cave near Qumran. Inside, he discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls, a hidden library. These scrolls offer a unique window into ancient Jewish life and the Bible's history. Their preservation is a testament to nature and human effort.

Israel's defense ministry has approved a multi-billion dollar deal to purchase two new combat squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from Lockheed Martin and Boeing. This significant expansion of air power aims to bolster the country's long-term military capability and air superiority, with a focus on domestic production and technological advancement.

As a two-month conflict with Iran escalates, cracks are appearing in the US-Israel alliance. While both nations initially targeted Tehran, their post-strike objectives diverge, with Washington seeking negotiation and jerusalem aiming for regime change. This fundamental difference, exacerbated by past events and differing pressures, raises questions about their long-term alignment.

During Holy Week, Pope Leo XIV and the Dalai Lama jointly condemned the use of God's name to justify war, emphasizing that religious traditions fundamentally teach love and compassion. Their powerful, unqualified appeal rejects the seductive arguments of necessity and exception that fuel conflict, urging a moral refusal of violence and a recognition of shared humanity.

Donald Trump's Board of Peace has secured only a fraction of the $17 billion pledged for Gaza's reconstruction and governance. Despite billions pledged by Gulf Arab states, only three countries have contributed funds, totaling under $1 billion. The ongoing war with Iran has further complicated these funding difficulties.

Forget just good looks and humor; a new study reveals that matching your partner's rhythm is key to romantic connection. Researchers found that synchronizing body movements and physiological responses during a first date significantly boosts attraction. Interestingly, women found men who were 'super-synchronizers' particularly desirable, suggesting a deeper, literal chemistry at play.

The term Schrödinger’s XYZ has since slipped into the modern lexicon to describe any situation of uncertainty, and it certainly fits the description for the current imbroglio in the Middle East.

For the first time in centuries, senior Catholic leaders were blocked from jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, sparking global outrage. Israeli authorities cited security concerns amid the Iran conflict, while church leaders and international figures, including Macron, Meloni, and US Ambassador Huckabee, condemned the decision. The incident highlights growing tensions over religious access and wartime restrictions in the city.

In Mizoram, the air was thick with reverence as residents marked Palm Sunday, honoring the majestic entrance of Jesus Christ into jerusalem. Vibrant morning processions unfolded, where joyful Sunday School children and community members proudly waved palm fronds, collectively lifting their voices in melodious hymns and enthusiastic 'Hosannas.

Christians across Patna marked Palm Sunday with solemn processions and special Masses, commemorating Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into jerusalem. Thousands of devotees, carrying palm leaves, participated in vibrant celebrations at various churches, including St Joseph Pro-Cathedral and Queen of Apostles Church. Messages emphasized humility, sacrifice, and submission to God's will, preparing the faithful for Easter.

Good Friday, a solemn day preceding Easter, marks Christians' remembrance of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. Despite its sorrowful nature, the day is termed 'good' for its perceived outcome: forgiveness and reconciliation. Believers observe this pivotal event through prayer, fasting, and special church services, reflecting on sacrifice and anticipating resurrection.

Good Friday offers comfort through the Gospel's message of Jesus' suffering, sacrifice, and love. The Bible provides solace in difficult times, reminding believers of God's faithfulness. These verses offer hope, not by promising an easy life, but by assuring a God who walks with us through every challenge.