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Religious Freedom in Sweden Under Threat

Gothenburg, Sweden

On January 26, Rabbi Alexander and Leah Namdar, Chabad representatives to Sweden, were served at their home with a notice by Gothenburg’s school authorities: Four of their children presently studying at an international online school must be delivered to a Swedish school by February 1. Failure to do so may result in a fine of 16000 crown—the equivalent of $2400 per week.

Students Trade Winter Break for Jewish Experience

The Snorkel and Study program from Bais Chana Women’s International brings students and young professionals to Key Largo, Fla., for a text-intensive winter break Jewish experience.

For the past four years, graduate student Kelly Scovone has vacationed in Key Largo, Fla., during her mid-winter break. She settles in an oceanfront condo with full amenities, a 15-minute drive to a deep water marina that features snorkeling, scuba diving, and water skiing. But although there are boundless opportunities for adventure right at her fingertips, she barely ventures into the great outdoors at all.

Photos: Canadian Foreign Minister Visits Kfar Chabad

On a visit to Israel, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird told an audience of 350 at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum that “Israel has no greater friend in the world than Canada.” He then surprised them by saying “Canada does not stand behind Israel… .” After a slight pause he continued: “Canada stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel” in any threats and challenges it may face. He was met with warm applause.

PSA: Today Last Chance to Reduce Parking Tickets

If you have an upnapid New York City parking ticket, today is the last chance to have the fine reduced. The popular program, which reduces parking tickets by one third if you wave your right to contest the ticket, was axed by Mayor Bloomberg, and will expire tonight, Tuesday, at midnight.

Online School Alumni Reunite

They say “Once an OS student, always an OS student.” The first ever alumni reunion proved just that! On Sunday, the Nigri International Shluchim Online School alumni students, from around the US, enjoyed an Online School reunion. Where was it held, you ask? Online, of course! While some students joined together in the Shluchim Office for this event, others logged in from their homes and dorms around the USA.

Boruch Dayan Ha’emes: R’ Shimon Aron Simpson

With sadness we inform you of the passing of Rabbi Shimon Aron Simpson, of blessed memory, son of Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson, OBM. Rabbi Simpson is survived by his children: R’ Yosef Yitzchok, Menachem Mendel, Shaina Raizy and Frumie; and siblings: R’ Sholom Mendel Simpson, R’ Leibel Simpson, Mrs. Miriam Gorden, Mrs. Krainy Rosenfeld and Mrs. Esther Goldman.