Belgian health minister Laurette Onkelinx was upset when the visiting deputy health minister of Israel refused to shake hands with her. He represents the haredi Torah Judaism party, whose orthodoxy forbids touching members of the opposite sex.In other news, about 15,000 Muslims will be at this weekend’s 37th annual convention of the Islamic Circle of North America in Hartford, Connecticut. The main topic of discussion at the meeting will be how to defend freedom of religion and thereby counter Islamophobic opponents of sharia.
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2 comments:
Regarding the Haredi, on the one hand I do not feel obligated to touch anyone, regardless of social context. If there is a Mohammedan (or anyone else) that I want to pay a token courtesy to I simply place my hand on my heart and give a slight nod. However, the Haredi was a minister and member/dignitary of the Israeli government visiting Belgium and should be mindful of local custom-- a reminder there are dangerous zealots to be found in all religions.
As an aside, when I, a Christian, was staying in Israel, I can assure you that no Jew (Haredi or otherwise) thought twice about asking me for documents/identification or invading my personal space.
Working for the police
Raped three women
The person in question no longer works for the Norwegian police, PST
This does not sound like a Norwegian policeman. There is a certain standard. Three rapes is a lot, in particular for somebody who has been trusted as a policeman. Something to do with culture? Diversity?
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