THE CURRENT WOES OF THE SAMARITANS are surveyed in the Toronto Star. I knew about the problem with finding brides, but not about the communications towers and the tahini:

Samaritans run out of brides

Israeli radio towers seen as latest threat in West Bank village
Jun 30, 2009 04:30 AM
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Oakland Ross
MIDDLE EAST BUREAU

KIRYAT LUZA, West Bank- It is no easy matter to be a Samaritan, much less a good one, in these stressful times.

The list of their grievances is considerable: apparent health problems, an export embargo on their famous tahini, and, most worrisome, a shortage of brides.

Samaritans must endure the mysterious scourge of the seven nearby communications towers – most of them Israeli-built and controlled – whose electromagnetic radiation is deemed to be a health hazard.

"Our people suffer headaches because of this," grouses Husney Kohen, one of this venerable community's 12 hereditary priests. "Maybe this will eliminate us from existence."

Samaritans also have to contend with the rejection of their renowned tahini, made from ground sesame seeds.

"Our sauce is kosher," says Kohen, an elegant 65-year-old dressed in a grey robe. "It is the very best in the world."

For the past 18 months, Israeli customs officials have barred import of the sauce, made in a local factory that provides a livelihood for 10 Samaritan families – or did.

"The Israelis tell us it's a security issue," Kohen complains. "Why? This is another obstacle in the life of the Samaritans."

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