Swiss Identity

Bringing medical aid to Bethlehem’s babies

This content was published on Dec 25, 2009 This year the donations are more needed than ever as the children’s hospital – the only one in the West Bank – embarks on the second phase of an ambitious expansion and renovation project. The Christmas givings are vital, covering around one-third of the hospital’s budget, as its head of communications Erwin Schlacher explained to…

Culture

The sounds of Christmas of yesteryear

This content was published on Dec 25, 2009 Before radio and gramophones appeared, automatic musical instruments such as orchestrions, which simulated the sound of a small orchestra, were very popular. The wealthy could afford their own private entertainment, such as Swiss musical boxes. Oberhofen, a village on Lake Thun, is home to a collection of around 300 automatic musical instruments, which belong to…

Demographics

Federer remains the man to beat

This content was published on Dec 25, 2009 René Stauffer, a journalist with Zurich’s Tages-Anzeiger newspaper and author of “Quest for perfection: The Roger Federer Story”, believes that while one should never bet against Federer, 2010 could be his last shot at the Grand Slam. Federer himself admits he’s had an emotional season. On court he finally won the French Open – sealing…

Culture

Christians flock to churches in the Arab world

This content was published on Dec 24, 2009 Swiss bishop Paul Hinder, who has pastoral responsibility for the area of three million square kilometres, tells swissinfo.ch that although freedom of religion varies from country to country, Christians are managing to practise their faith. He says that while Switzerland’s image in the Arab world has been tarnished by the vote to ban minarets, the…

Demographics

Current affairs

This content was published on Dec 23, 2009 In Bethlehem for Christmas, Swiss carols and outlook for the ski season.

Lausanne library gives bookworms a treat

This content was published on Dec 23, 2009 The library announced on Wednesday that the internet giant Google had completed the scanning of all the works held in the library which were published before 1870, and are thus copyright free. It is the fifth European library to be scanned by Google, and the first in a French-speaking area. Scanning only started just over…

History

Swiss Muslims put their problems on the table

This content was published on Dec 22, 2009 Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf met six representatives of Islamic organisations in Bern on Monday, to discuss the situation of Muslims in the light of the anti-minaret vote passed by the Swiss public on November 29. It was the third such meeting since the anti-minaret initiative was launched, but the first since it was passed. Follow-up…

Demographics

Belgium takes Swiss dispute to The Hague

This content was published on Dec 22, 2009 The Belgian government and other Sabena shareholders are appealing for money from the now-defunct Swissair Group, which they say caused the bankruptcy by missing a major payment to Sabena. The airline’s shareholders sued over the matter in Belgian court and Brussels argues Switzerland failed to enforce Belgian civil court rulings. In the case taken to…

Education

Wauwil is Switzerland’s first “child friendly” town

This content was published on Dec 22, 2009 Located about 30 kilometres northwest of Lucerne, Wauwil has a population of around 1,700. From here the Alps glimmer on the not-too-distant horizon. Meanwhile, motorists seem to slow down as soon as you even consider crossing the street – a nice surprise in contrast to city life. An enormous guest house dominates the centre of…

Demographics

Federer ends year with top men’s player award

This content was published on Dec 22, 2009 The International Tennis Federation on Tuesday named Federer and top ranked Serena Williams as world champions for 2009. The Swiss completed a career Grand Slam this year by winning the French Open and captured a record 15th major title after triumphing at Wimbledon. He also regained the top ranking from Rafael Nadal. Serena and Venus…

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Bringing medical aid to Bethlehem’s babies

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The sounds of Christmas of yesteryear

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Federer remains the man to beat

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Christians flock to churches in the Arab world

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Current affairs

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Lausanne library gives bookworms a treat

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Swiss Muslims put their problems on the table

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Belgium takes Swiss dispute to The Hague

More

Wauwil is Switzerland’s first “child friendly” town

More

Federer ends year with top men’s player award

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