Three children struck by lightning at Jewish summer camp

From a tragic lightning strike at a Jewish summer camp to offensive ‘Lucky Jew’ statues in Poland, we bring you the latest in Jewish news from around the world – dated 1 July.

United States

Three children were injured after lighting struck a Jewish summer camp in Indianapolis on Saturday. Two nine-year olds and a 12-year-old were hospitalised, with one said to be in a critical condition. A police spokesman said there was no storm or rain in the area when the lightning struck.

Argentina

The Jewish ex-interior minister of Argentina is to be investigated for his ties to the 1994 terrorist attack on a Jewish center in Buenos Aires which killed 85 people. Carlos Vladimir Corach is linked to an illegal payment of £250,000 made to the man charged with providing the bomb.

Australia

The first Australian Jewish innovation hub for entrepreneurs and social innovators was being launched in Melbourne this week. The Eden Project was borne out of a Jewish Innovation Day staged last year and aims to inspire, engage and develop a new generation of Jewish leaders.

United States

The first Jewish mayor of Los Angeles started his first term with a promise to ‘get the basics right.’ Eric Garcetti, 42, took the oath of office as part of inaugural festivities which featured musician Moby. Ivy League-educated Garcetti is the city’s youngest mayor in over a century.

The Vatican

Pope Francis has told representatives of Judaism that ‘humanity needs our joint witness.’ Members of the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations were encouraged by the meeting after the new South American pontiff said he wanted to increase inter-faith dialogue.

Poland

Pressure is mounting on Warsaw authorities to ban the sale of ‘Lucky Jew’ statues near the city’s new Jewish museum, due to open in 2014. The figurines, which have a large hooked nose and carry a coin, have been called ‘anti-Semitic’ by the ADL but are considered good luck by Poles.