Prefer Jewish News on Google
World news-roundup: Madagascar gets first Jewish community
All the latest Jewish news stories from around the world
Country: Madagascar
The remote Indian Ocean island of Madagascar now has its first Jewish community, after 121 people underwent Orthodox conversions at the end of May. The group of men, women and children spent years learning through self-study, online guidance and correspondence with rabbis.
Country: Sweden
A Swedish nun who saved at least a dozen Jews from the Nazis during the Holocaust has been made a saint by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square. Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad had already been recognised as Righteous Among the Nations by Israel’s Yad Vashem 12 years ago.
Country: United States
A New York Governor has ordered all state agencies to divest themselves of firms and organisations linked to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Andrew Cuomo signed the executive order saying: ‘If you boycott against Israel, New York will boycott you.’
Country: Australia
A psychiatrist in Israel has ruled an Orthodox former headmistress ‘unfit to stand trial’ in extradition proceedings. Malka Leifer faces 74 sexual abuse charges against girls while she was a principal in Melbourne. She fled for Israel in 2008 before the allegations became public.
Country: Poland
Building inspectors in Warsaw have closed the city’s Jewish theatre because it is in such a dire state of repair. Inspectors were called in by a private developer who wants to build a skyscraper on the site. The Jewish cultural association sold the plot last year to finance its other work.
Country: Netherlands
A famous Dutch singer who has a Nazi father and Jewish mother has died aged 83. Corry Brokken, considered a feminist role model, studied law and eventually became a judge before returning to the stage in the 90s. She only revealed her unusual family history in a 1999 interview.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
