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Religion & Ethics

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

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Sunday: British embassy in Israel; Diwali; Iranian hijab protests.

British embassy in Israel; Diwali; Iranian hijab protests.

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, British embassy in Israel; Diwali; Iranian hijab protests.

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week with Edward Stourton.

Although the Middle East may not currently be high on the prime minister's list of priorities, faith leaders have increasingly been speaking out about her controversial proposal to move the British Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, and it’s one of the most sensitive issues in their long running conflict. As the BBC's religion reporter Harry Farley explains, if the British Embassy was relocated, it would break with decades of UK foreign policy, which until this point has been that the divided city should host consulates, rather than embassies, until a final peace agreement is reached.

Thousands of Ukrainians who fled the war and came to live in the UK with host families for six months are now having to find somewhere new to live. For many host families, it's been a positive experience, but others have found it really difficult sharing their home with their Ukrainian guests. We hear from one refugee who now has to find a new home, and the charity that's helping.

In Iran the authorities are doing everything they can to suppress the protests that have blown up since a young woman died after being arrested for - allegedly - violating the law on hijab-wearing. But it hasn't worked. We discuss what the continuing protests mean for the Iranian regime.

And across the UK, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains are busy preparing for the festival of Diwali which is just over a week away now. Diwali means 'a row of lights' in Sanskrit and symbolises good over evil and inner light over spiritual darkness. We hear a selection of musicians who will be featured on Radio 3 as part of a special celebration of the festival. 

Presented by Edward Stourton.
Produced by Julia Paul and Amanda Hancox.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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British embassy in Israel; Diwali; Iranian hijab protests.

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