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religious institution

Isha Foundation loses contact with 77 trekkers in Nepal flood

Illustration accompanying article: Isha Foundation loses contact with 77 trekkers in Nepal flood
  • The Isha Foundation, a non-profit spiritual organisation based in McMinnville, Tennessee, lost contact with 77 trek participants on the China-Nepal border.
  • The group, drawn from several countries, was traveling in the Himalayan region when a massive flash-flood struck on August 26.
  • BBC North America Correspondent Helena Humphrey visited the Isha Foundation to learn how the organisation is responding to the loss of contact.
  • Isha community liaison Leslie Crispi, who has completed the pilgrimage herself, described the journey to BBC News as a life-changing spiritual experience for many participants.
 2026-08-28 · 3 MIN READ

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
Illustration accompanying article: For nuns who gave a lifetime to others, basic end-of-life care is scarce