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The largest election in the world begins in India
Voting begins on Friday in India in what’s being called the largest-election ever in recorded history. Almost 1 billion people are eligible to vote in the election, which will happen over the next six weeks. President Narendra Modi is likely to be reelected for a rare, third term, despite concerns about the growing Hindu nationalist movement he represents, and high unemployment. The World’s Carolyn Beeler spoke with journalist Sushmita Pathak, who talked to voters at the polls in the city of Jaipur.
‘Sacred refuge:’ This cultural center provides a safe space for Jews and Arabs in Jerusalem
FeelBeit is an event space and bar in Jerusalem that brings together Palestinian and Israeli artists to share the stage. Before Oct. 7, 2023, this was already a difficult thing to do. But after, it’s been almost impossible. FeelBeit closed for a while but realized that it was important to reopen their doors. The World’s Marco Werman went there to see what it’s all about.
‘There’s always a day after’: Former chief of staff in Israeli air force talks about an endgame in Gaza
Since the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7 last year, many Israelis have been unhappy and even angry that Prime Minister Netanyahu hasn’t brought home the hostages. There’s also a feeling among many in the military that there’s no strategy for the war in Gaza. That is a problem for former Chief of Staff in Israel’s air force Nimrod Sheffer. The World’s Marco Werman sat down with Sheffer in his home on the outskirts of Jerusalem to get his thoughts on the war in Gaza.
For Palestinians, a grim reality in Gaza obscures the future
The Biden administration says it’s looking for leadership from the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank after the war in Gaza is over. A new technocratic government has been sworn in, but as war continues to rage in Gaza, Palestinians are not hopeful. The World’s Matthew Bell speaks with people in the West Bank city of Ramallah about their vision for the future.
‘Our main goal is to bring our family members back to Israel’ Israeli MP says
Host Marco Werman is in the Middle East this week to gauge the mood of both Israelis and Palestinians six months after the war between Israel and Hamas began. On Oct. 7 last year, Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking over 200 people hostage. Israel hit back with strikes on the Gaza Strip, and the death toll there has been mounting, including thousands of children. Host Marco Werman spoke with Sharren Haskel, of the New Hope party and member of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset for her thoughts on the status of the war today.
Lungs of stone: How Silica has sickened a generation of quartz cutters
Quartz is used for countertops in millions of homes around the world — the manmade stone is popular for its beauty and durability. But for workers who make, cut and install quartz counters, it can be deadly. The World reported from Turkey, Spain and Australia — three stops along the quartz countertop supply chain — to learn more about silicosis, an incurable and often fatal lung disease caused by inhaling dust laden with excessive amounts of a mineral called silica.