World news-roundup: Portugal unveils 16th century torah scroll
Here's your weekly snapshot of stories from all around the Jewish world
Country: Portugal
A Torah scroll dating back to the Inquisition has been put on display in the northern Portuguese town of Covilha, ten years after a contractor found it during demolition work. The 98ft scroll is believed to have been used in secret by Jews who had earlier been forced to convert to Christianity.
Country: Belgium
A Catholic charity worker barred from Israel last month said she was denied entry after refusing to give Israeli security services her Palestinian contacts list. Brigitte Herremans, who works for Pax Christi as well as Broederlijk Delen, which support a limited boycott, said: ‘Israel tolerates no criticism.’
Country: Germany
Kosher bratwurst is coming to the former East German state of Thuringen in time for its Onion Festival next month. The governor of the state, which is famed for its aromatic sausage, prompted the move and will take the first bite of the pork-free recipe, which is made under rabbinic supervision.
Country: Poland
The huge archive of documents chronicling the history of the Warsaw Ghetto is to be made available free on the internet, researchers in Poland have said. The Ringelblum Archive contains official letters, press cuttings, diary entries, leaflets, posters, food coupons, tram tickets, photos and drawings.
Country: Canada
A Chabad-affiliated group in Quebec is being investigated for money-laundering after a raid on its offices found $87,000 in cash. It is believed to have been paid in kickbacks by those linked to another investigation into online gambling company Amaya, whose ex-boss David Baazov has been charged.
Country: Guatemala
The compound of cult-like Orthodox Jewish group Lev Tahor has been raided in Guatemala, after its 230 members fled there from Canada in 2014 to avoid child abuse investigations. Israeli authorities approved the raid. Women in Lev Tahor dress in black, head-to-toe, with only the eyes showing.
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