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Holy Week Tensions Rise as Israel Blocks Cardinal from Entering Sacred Jerusalem Site

  Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, holds a prayer service to mark Palm Sunday, following the cancellation of the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives, amid restrictions on gathering in large groups, in Jerusalem, March 29, 2026. Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, prompting widespread criticism from Christian leaders and governments worldwide. Authorities cited security concerns linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, noting that all holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City had been temporarily closed due to the threat of missile strikes. The Latin Patriarchate condemned the move as an unprecedented disruption of centuries‑old tradition, marking the first time church leaders were unable to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at the historic site. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated that the ...

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New Union Demands Cast Doubt on LCBO Strike Resolution

 

The tentative agreement reached between the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) to end the ongoing strike is now in jeopardy. Despite initial optimism, the union has raised concerns over the LCBO’s refusal to sign a return-to-work protocol, a crucial step for the workers to resume their duties.

The strike, which began on July 5, has seen over 9,000 LCBO employees walk off the job, leading to widespread store closures across Ontario. The tentative deal, announced on July 19, included wage increases and other benefits. However, by the afternoon, the union accused the LCBO of bad faith bargaining, claiming the employer introduced new demands post-agreement.

The LCBO, on the other hand, has stated that the union’s additional demands were unexpected and should have been addressed during the initial negotiations. The board plans to file an unfair labour practice complaint against OPSEU.

As both parties return to the bargaining table, the future of the agreement remains uncertain, leaving Ontarians to face continued disruptions in liquor store services.


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