RNS Morning Report - Muslim leaders call closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan politically motivated

Safety vs. politics Last week, Israel shuttered major holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, out of concern, authorities said, for residents’ safety as Iran retaliates. But Muslims told RNS Jerusalem correspondent Michele Chabin that closing Al-Aqsa, the third-holiest site in Islam, during Ramadan was politically motivated, adding that the move could further destabilize the region. “We watched as Jews celebrated Purim in Mahane Yehuda (Market) while we are banned from Al Aqsa,” said Mohammed Mahmoud, referring to revelers who defied orders not to congregate outdoors on last week’s Jewish holiday. Read Chabin’s full story about the controversial closure. Top Stories Muslim leaders call closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan politically motivated JERUSALEM (RNS) — Worshippers' access to Israel’s holy sites came to a sudden halt last week amid safety concerns as Iran retaliated to the joint US-Israeli attack. How one Chinese American healed from growing up in Western evangelicalism (RNS) — The book, releasing April 7, uses the Japanese art of Kintsugi — repairing broken pottery with gold — as a metaphor for a faith that acknowledges wounds rather than hiding them. Where things stand after another weekend of war (AP) — The Islamic Republic's war strategy now has a new commander, and the powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has pledged allegiance. Explosives thrown near New York City mayor’s residence investigated as ‘ISIS-related terrorism’ NEW YORK (AP) – The devices were hurled during raucous counterprotests Saturday near Gracie Mansion during a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” event led by the far right activist Jake Lang. Deportations surge, aid collapses and faith groups in Latin America struggle to respond (RNS) — 'There simply isn’t enough capacity even for the local community. It’s much harder with a population that has been abandoned in places that are extremely difficult,' said Karen Perez, the country director for Jesuit Refugee Service in Mexico. Opinion The goal of National Women’s History Month should be to make misogyny history (RNS) — Imagine what women could accomplish if they did not have to contend with misogyny every day. Whom Does Your God Love? A Jewish Case for the Stranger. With Shai Held. Who is the stranger in the Bible? Some Americans would be surprised. ICYMI ‘A lie from the pit of hell’: Episcopal leaders push back on rumors of fatal decline CHARLOTTE, N.C. (RNS) — More than 850 Episcopal Church leaders gathered in Charlotte to talk about the future of the church and what the denomination still has to offer. Forbidden love finds a way in new memoir about Israeli-Palestinian couple (RNS) — A Jewish human rights lawyer living in Israel fell in love with one of her clients — a Palestinian Muslim living under occupation. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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