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civil unrest

Ultra-Orthodox clout grows in Israel as draft exemption spurs protests

Illustration accompanying article: Ultra-Orthodox clout grows in Israel as draft exemption spurs protests
  • Ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities are growing in numbers and political and cultural clout in Israel, bringing their vision of faith and civic practices into conflict with other Israelis.
  • Mass protests have erupted over proposed changes to the exemption from the military draft for ultra-Orthodox men, highlighting the most contentious issue facing the country.
  • Ultra-Orthodox parties are likely to be kingmakers in national elections as Israel approaches three years of war on multiple fronts.
  • Ultra-Orthodox doctrine holds that studying scripture and teaching it to family and community is the highest duty, above working or joining the armed forces even in wartime.
 2026-08-19 · 3 MIN READ

Wildfires force over 20,000 to flee along Okanagan Lake in British Columbia

Wildfires force over 20,000 to flee along Okanagan Lake in British Columbia
  • British Columbia declared a state of emergency Saturday as wildfires along Okanagan Lake forced more than 20,000 people from their homes.
  • The Bald Range fire, first reported Friday evening, led to the evacuation of about 8,000 people in and around Peachland, while wildfires along Okanagan Lake destroyed homes.
  • Dozens of people were rescued by aircraft from fast-moving blazes in the province over the weekend.
  • Anette Boulet, who fled Summerland around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, described approaching fire ridges visible through dense smoke as her family evacuated to Penticton.
 2026-08-09 · 3 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Three die in shooting at Seattle food festival near Space Needle