An extraordinary music festival once again in Montana.
It’s that time of year again: from July 25 to 28, a cattle pasture in the Montana outback is transformed into the venue for the Red Ants Pants Music Festival. The venue, created by women’s pants manufacturer Sarah Calhoun, is THE event for music lovers – and fundraisers for women’s projects and community projects every year. More here.
75 years SERVAS International: an old idea stays young.
Founded in July 1949 by the US-American conscientious objector Bob Luitweiler, the network is dedicated to bringing together travelers and hosts from all over the world. Interpersonal encounters are to build understanding, tolerance and world peace. More here.
The Family Search Library in Salt Lake City
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormons, operates the Family Search Library in the US state of Utah: the world’s largest genealogical data collection. Visitors can search for their ancestors – free of charge. Genealogical research is also possible via home computer. More here.
Encounter with a group of Jewish “Reconstructionists”
Guest post by Volker Seitz on the occasion of the European Championship
The enthusiasm for soccer in Africa is almost limitless. There are even two championships on the continent: the Africa Cup and African Nations Championship. Only players who play in the national leagues of their home countries are eligible for the latter. More here.
27 years ago: death of singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley
On June 4, 1997, the body of Jeff Buckley was found on the banks of the Mississippi. Accident or suicide? He was 30 years old. Unforgotten: his version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”.
On World Radio Day: a journey through time of the German-Polish city of Breslau/Wroclaw
With the “Schlesische Funkstunde”, the German city of Wroclaw made radio history before the Second World War. After the war, Wroclaw, now Polish, remained a haven of culture and civil disobedience. The Jewish community was also revived. From my archive on World Radio Day. On February 13, 1946, United Nations Radio broadcast for the first time. More here.
60 years ago: Rescue of Czech Torah scrolls to London
1564 Torah scrolls from communist Czechoslovakia were brought to the Westminster Synagogue in London on February 4, 1964. There they were restored and given on permanent loan to Jewish communities all over the world. The Westminster Synagogue and the Memorial Scrolls Trust celebrated the 60th anniversary of their arrival with a celebratory service. More here.
Berlin filmmaker Renate Sami has died.
Renate Sami
May 1935 – December 24, 2023
Renate Sami lived through ’68 as well as the leaden Germany of the 1970s. And not only witnessed it: she was involved in left-wing political circles. She was not only a filmmaker, but also an actress and screenwriter and knew her way around a camera. More here.
Guest post by Volker Seitz on the “World Persecution Index” 2024
Christians are persecuted for their faith in many countries. Every year, the “World Persecution Index” lists the 50 countries in which Christians are most at risk. The Index also describes what persecution and discrimination actually look like and how they affect people. Nigeria is once again in the top places. More here.