WASHINGTON (JTA) — A bill that would require employers to accommodate their employees' religious needs was introduced Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Workplace Religious Freedom Act has failed to pass several times in previous years. But the act's advocates say it now has bipartisan support.

Amazon.com asked not to sell 'Protocols'

NEW YORK (JTA) — Rabbi Michael Melchior, Israel's cabinet minister for world Jewish communities, has appealed to Amazon.com to stop selling "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion."

Melchior calls the book a forgery and a distortion of history.

The Seattle-based online bookseller agreed recently to run a disclaimer that the book about an international Jewish conspiracy is "racist propaganda." But the company officials say they will not act as a censor and will continue to sell the book.

U.S. increases aid to the Palestinians

WASHINGTON (JTA) — The U.S. Agency for International Development has increased aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip this year to $85 million from $75 million.

An agency official said last week that the aid will go to improve the quality of life for Palestinians, including bringing water to at least 70 more West Bank villages.