Israeli Settlement Ordered Demolished

Israel’s settlements in the West Bank have long been a point of contention with the Palestinians. Now, a legal ruling to demolish one of those settlements could prove to be a test case for many more.

Kosher Phones For Britain’s Orthodox Jews

Orthodox Jews in Britain aren’t afraid of modernity, but they are worried about the negative influences it can have on young people. Rabbis there have now sanctioned a “kosher” phone that blocks the internet and text messages.

Welfare support for Israel’s ultra-orthodox Jews

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The World’s Matthew Bell reports on the debate in Israel over the tens of thousands of ultra-orthodox men who spend their days studying the Torah instead of working. It’s an arrangement often subsidized by the state, and some say it’s setting Israel up for an economic disaster soon. (Photo: Daniel Estrin) Download MP3
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Segregated buses in Israel

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Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish community commands a lot of influence. 15 years ago, rabbis lobbied bus companies to establish the country’s first separated line, because they view public mixing of the sexes as immodest. Now, some women in the community are speaking out against gender segregation on buses and have begun a campaign to end it. Daniel Estrin reports from Jerusalem. Download MP3 (Photo: Daniel Estrin)

• Daniel Estrin’s stories on The World

Women of the Wall

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A group called ‘Women of the Wall’ holds monthly prayer meetings at the Western Wall. Recently, a woman was arrested for wearing a prayer shawl and reading the Torah at the Wall. The group is pushing for more women’s religious rights within Orthodox Judaism. And it’s getting some in Israel really angry, as Linda Gradstein reports. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Women of the Wall homepage