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Faranak Amidi presents global stories from the Fifth Floor, home to the BBC’s 40 Language Services.

Faranak Amidi presents global stories from the Fifth Floor, home to the BBC’s 40 Language Services

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The Fifth Floor: Israel’s Orthodox Jews and the army

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Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protest against proposed end to military conscription exemption

15/03/2024 GMT

Israel’s Orthodox Jews and the army

BBC World Service - The Fifth Floor, Israel’s Orthodox Jews and the army

Protests in Israel over the army exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews

Protests in Israel over the army exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews.

The war in Gaza is forcing Israeli society to confront a long-standing conflict over who serves in the army. Ultra-Orthodox Jews enjoy an exemption, but many Israelis now say this should end. Both sides took to the streets to protest, while the Israeli Supreme Court hears a case related to this matter, as BBC Arabic’s Michael Shuval reports. 

Ukraine's Ushanka hat sell off 
The Ukrainian government plans to auction 40,000 ushanka hats it bought in the early 2000s.  The warm winter hats became popular after the 1917 Russian revolution and spread across the Soviet Union for leaders and civilians alike.   BBC Ukrainian's Dmytro Vlasov explores the history of the hat, and why they're being sold now. 

Thailand's cannabis law reversal 
Thailand’s new government plans to reverse a law decriminalising the recreational use of cannabis which was passed only 18 months ago.  BBC Thai’s Tossapol Chaisamritpol explains the societal pressures behind the switch, and met some of the growers who will be affected if the ban goes ahead.  

China’s looming pension crisis 
As China’s birthrate declines and a growing number of people reach old age and retirement, the country faces a looming crisis – the labour force will be smaller, and the cost of caring for the elderly will be higher. For BBC Chinese, Chen Yan explores the potential impact on the economy – and, in the words of one expert, on China’s destiny. 

Observing the 'Day of Silence' and Ramadan in Indonesia 
Nyepi or 'Day of Silence' is an important Indonesian public holiday, mainly observed in Bali.  It's a day reserved for quiet self-reflection, and this year, the Hindu celebration coincided with the first day of Ramadan. BBC Indonesian's Amahl Azwar met some of those making sure the two forms of worship can run smoothly together.

(Photo: Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protest against proposed end to military conscription exemption. Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)

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