Kenyan Roman Catholic lawyer sues Israel over Jesus

From 2,000 year old ‘abuse of power’ claims to gay Jewish gypsy festivals, it’s our world roundup of Jewish news – dated 5 August.

Kenya

A Catholic lawyer is suing Israel over the death of Jesus. Dola Indidis, a former spokesman for the Kenyan judiciary, filed the action at the International Court of Justice at The Hague. Pontius Pilate, several Jewish elders, King Herod and Emperor Tiberius are also named in the lawsuit.

Japan

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso has said his comments about how the country should follow the example of the Nazis in changing the constitution were misinterpreted. Aso has previously had to apologise for saying the ideal country would be one that attracts ‘the richest Jews.’

Australia

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has changed Australia’s election date to avoid Yom Kippur. His predecessor Julia Gillard had set an original date of 14 September, which Rudd called ‘a massive inconvenience’ to Australia’s 110,000 Jews, who would have had to make alternative arrangements.

Pakistan

Former cricketer turned politician Imran Khan has said he will sue the head of a rival party for calling him ‘a Jewish agent.’ Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) stood by the accusations, however, saying: ‘We are ready to present proof that shows Imran Khan has links to a Jewish network.’

 Hungary

An annual north Budapest festival popularly called ‘Jewstock’ after its Jewish roots has featured a strong message this year, with festival-goers wearing T-shirts declaring: ‘Gypsy, Jewish & Gay.’ Hungarian minorities have accused the right-wing government of anti-Semitism and discrimination.

Iceland

Iceland’s 100 Jews have said they are hoping for a repeat of last year, when they gathered for Erev Rosh Hashanah and saw a dazzling display from the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights. Iceland has no synagogue, rabbis, community centre or organised structure.