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News from Israel

Shin Bet chief to Edan Alexander: You were freed thanks to Witkoff, not us

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar reportedly told captivity survivor Edan Alexander: "I want to apologize to you for falling into captivity partly because of us, and for being freed thanks to Witkoff and not us."

Magen David Adom: No reports of injuries in most recent sirens

Missile from Yemen successfully intercepted

Sirens sounded in central Israel

IDF identifies launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory

Initial report - The IDF has identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory, IAF aerial defense systems are operating to intercept the threat.The public is requested to follow the Home Front Command’s defensive guidelines.

Yemeni Minister: Explosion in Sanaa warehouses caused by failed Houthi launch attempt

Yemen's Minister of Information in the UN-recognized government, Muammar al-Eryani, wrote in a post on X that an explosion that occurred on Thursday evening in warehouses in northern Sanaa resulted from a failed missile launch by the Houthis from the area of the airport in the capital."The Houthis are turning essential facilities and residential areas into launch platforms for drones and missiles, using civilians as human shields and violating international humanitarian law," the minister wrote, following earlier reports of a series of explosions in Houthi weapons warehouses in the area of Yemen's capital.

Iranian FM: Zero bombs = deal, zero enrichment = no deal

Ahead of next round of nuclear talks with the US, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi again reiterates his country’s stance on nuclear enrichment.

Man killed in accident in Be'er Sheva, another man seriously injured

A man around 25 years of age was killed in an accident involving two vehicles in Be'er Sheva. A Magen David Adom (MDA) team that arrived at the scene pronounced him dead.Another man, approximately 30 years of age, was seriously injured in the accident and was evacuated to Soroka Hospital.

Suspected 'Price Tag' attack: Activists set fire to homes and vehicles in Bruqin

Around 40 right-wing activists enter the village of Bruqin, from where the terrorist who murdered Tze’ela Gaz came, and set fire to homes and vehicles. IDF troops arrive at the scene late.

Qatar condemns murder of Israeli embassy staff in Washington

Qatar on Thursday condemned the murder of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington.“The state of Qatar condemns and denounces the shooting incident in front of the Jewish museum in Washington that led to the killing of two Israeli embassy employees,” the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement and offered the country’s “condolences” to the families of the victims.

Calendar

Candle Lighting Times

Shabbos Times for New York City, New York, USA

Candle lighting: 7:56pm on Friday, May 23
This week’s Torah portion is Parshas Behar-Bechukosai
Shabbos Mevorchim Chodesh Sivan: Saturday, May 24
Havdalah (72 min): 9:27pm on Saturday, May 24
Yom Yerushalayim: Monday, May 26

Shabbat Candle Lighting times for New York

Shabbos Times for Chicago, Illinois, USA

Candle lighting: 7:54pm on Friday, May 23
This week’s Torah portion is Parshas Behar-Bechukosai
Shabbos Mevorchim Chodesh Sivan: Saturday, May 24
Havdalah (72 min): 9:25pm on Saturday, May 24
Yom Yerushalayim: Monday, May 26

Shabbat Candle Lighting times for Chicago

Yeshiva World News

The Yeshiva World

FDA Panel Split on COVID-19 Booster Update Amid Policy Confusion

Government advisers were split Thursday on whether drugmakers need to update their COVID-19 vaccines for next season, a decision overshadowed by confusion over a new Trump administration policy that may limit which Americans can get the shots. The Food and Drug Administration’s outside experts have met annually since the launch of the first COVID-19 vaccines to discuss tweaking their recipes to stay ahead of the virus. The challenge is trying to gauge how the virus might evolve before fall vaccinations begin. “We all want to make the perfect choice and that’s probably not possible,” FDA’s Jerry Weir told the panel of outside experts. Some of the panelists voiced support for a switch to a newer coronavirus subtype named LP.8.1. It’s currently the dominant version and part of the same family that circulated last year — known as the JN.1 branch of the virus family tree. “We cannot predict the future, but it seems like LP.8 would be more likely to provide us better coverage,” said Dr. Eric Rubin, a Harvard infectious disease expert and editor of the New England Journal of Medicine. Other panelists noted that subtype is such a close relative that last year’s shots seem to offer cross-protection, at least for now but with no guarantee there wouldn’t be a different version circulating by the time a vaccination campaign ramps up in the late summer or early fall. Several advisers noted that people who want to get ahead of a summer surge like the U.S. typically experiences could seek out the current vaccines. Hanging over the meeting was an FDA announcement earlier this week that upended the prior U.S. policy of recommending annual COVID-19 boosters for all Americans ages 6 months and older. Instead, the FDA said routine vaccine approvals will be limited to seniors and younger people with underlying medical risks, pending new research for healthy adults and children. While that change has big implications for a fall vaccination campaign, FDA leaders repeatedly sidestepped questions from advisers about whether recommending an updated formula would trigger restrictions outlined in the new policy. “I don’t have an answer today,” said Weir. “I think a lot of this is still under discussion.” FDA staffers also wouldn’t confirm whether the advisers would be given a chance to meet about the new standards later. FDA vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad said in opening the meeting that the agency wants “to give people a little more time to digest” the new policy and is open to feedback from its experts — although apparently not in Thursday’s public forum. Last fall’s recipe was tailored to the so-called JN.1 family of omicron descendants. The advisory panel voted unanimously that the family still is the right overall target, but left the FDA to decide which specific subtype to choose. Novavax brewed shots targeting the parent JN.1 variant and said Thursday it was a good choice for this fall as well. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines last year targeted a subtype called KP.2 and company representatives told the FDA meeting that it showed cross-protection, but that they favored an update. The debate reflected an international difference of opinion on the closely related virus strains. The World Health Organization recently issued guidance that last year’s version remained OK but that vaccine-makers could also choose an update, while the European […]

Y38 Draws Unprecedented Interest

Y38 is Yeruhsalayim’s newest landmark on the Yirmiyahu-Shamgar intersection There’s a new iconic intersection in Yerushalayim. It’s the vibrant crossroads of Yirmiyahu and Shamgar, where the pulse of the modern city beats strongest. Here Yerushalayim’s past meets its future. Just off this famous corner, Y38, a sophisticated residential building rises. Since its launch, Y38 has captured the imagination of discerning buyers, with over 60% of units already claimed in record time. This exceptional response validates what Ir Shalem Group envisioned: a profound hunger for luxury living that honors Jerusalem’s character while embracing contemporary needs. Designed by the renowned Feigin Architects, whose portfolio includes prestigious projects like the Waldorf Astoria, Y38 challenges conventional Jerusalem architecture while paying homage to the city’s timeless character. The striking 40-unit boutique building features a distinctive façade that harmoniously blends contemporary design with Jerusalem stone, creating an immediate visual impact. Beyond its prime location at the nexus of convenience – with dozens of shuls, bakeries, and trendy boutiques down the block – Y38 offers a living experience crafted for the discerning resident. Each of the 3-6 room apartments boasts thoughtfully designed spaces with high ceilings and full-height windows that frame Jerusalem’s famous blue skies. Large balconies, with space for a sukka, extend living spaces outdoors, while premium finishes and state-of-the-art systems elevate daily life. The building’s amenities rival those of luxury hotels, including a sophisticated business lounge, fully-equipped fitness center, relaxing spa, and a resident’s hall for celebrations. For added convenience a beautiful on-site shul and private mikvas are available all without leaving the building, while three levels of underground parking ensure seamless vehicle accommodation. Y38’s location perfectly serves the English-speaking community that has long favored this neighborhood. From Ganei Romema to Ganei Geula, Shefa and Tnvua the area has evolved into a comfortable enclave where residents connect through shared language and values, united by their love for Eretz Yisrael. The development’s innovative features include VRF air conditioning with individual room controls, smart home technology, electric underfloor heating, and charging stations for electric vehicles. Security and convenience are enhanced through motorized smart locks with multiple access options and a sophisticated intercom system. As a testament to Ir Shalem Group’s commitment to excellence, Y38 represents more than just an address – it’s a statement of arrival, a private retreat in the city’s center where modern luxury meets traditional Jerusalem living. With its perfect blend of location, design, and amenities, Y38 sets a new standard for sophisticated urban living in Jerusalem’s evolving landscape. For more information >>>

Trump Revokes Harvard’s Student Visa Program Over Refusal To Out Pro-Terror Students

The Trump administration has terminated Harvard University’s certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively barring the institution from enrolling international students for the 2025-2026 academic year. The decision, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday, requires current international students at Harvard to transfer to other institutions or face loss of their legal status in the United States. The move follows a series of disputes between the Trump administration and Harvard, centered on allegations of noncompliance with federal demands for records related to student protests and disciplinary actions. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said that Harvard failed to provide adequate information regarding visa-holding students allegedly involved in “pro-terrorist conduct” during campus protests. Noem’s letter to Harvard said that the revocation serves as a warning to universities that the administration will enforce compliance with its policies. Harvard, which hosts approximately 6,800 international students—about 27% of its student body—called the administration’s action “unlawful” and vowed to support its affected students and scholars. “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University – and this nation – immeasurably,” university spokesman Jason Newton said in a statement. The university is working to provide guidance to its international community amid the abrupt policy change. The SEVP, administered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allows institutions like Harvard to enroll noncitizen students on F-1 and J-1 visas. The program requires universities to report data on enrollment, academic progress, and disciplinary records through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to ensure visa compliance. DHS claims Harvard’s response to requests for records, including footage of protests and details of student disciplinary actions, was “insufficient, incomplete, and unacceptable.” This is just the latest escalation in the administration’s ongoing conflict with Harvard, which has included the termination of $2.65 billion in federal research grants and threats to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status. The administration has accused Harvard of fostering antisemitism and liberal bias, citing its handling of pro-Palestinian protests and its refusal to implement demanded reforms to admissions and hiring practices. However, a federal judge in California issued a nationwide injunction on Thursday, blocking the Trump administration from terminating the legal status of international students while a court case challenging earlier visa revocations is pending. The ruling may provide temporary relief to Harvard’s international students, though the long-term implications remain unclear. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Weight-Loss Drugs May Lower Cancer Risk In People With Diabetes, Study Suggests

Excess body weight can raise the risk of certain cancers, leading researchers to wonder whether blockbuster drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound could play a role in cancer prevention. Now, a study of 170,000 patient records suggests there’s a slightly lower risk of obesity-related cancers in U.S. adults with diabetes who took these popular medications compared to those who took another class of diabetes drug not associated with weight loss. This type of study can’t prove cause and effect, but the findings hint at a connection worth exploring. More than a dozen cancers are associated with obesity. “This is a call to scientists and clinical investigators to do more work in this area to really prove or disprove this,” said Dr. Ernest Hawk of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who was not involved in the study. The findings were released Thursday by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and will be discussed at its annual meeting in Chicago. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was led by Lucas Mavromatis, a medical student at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine. “Chronic disease and chronic disease prevention are some of my passions,” said Mavromatis, a former research fellow with an NIH training program. GLP-1 receptor agonists are injections used to treat diabetes, and some are also approved to treat obesity. They work by mimicking hormones in the gut and the brain to regulate appetite and feelings of fullness. They don’t work for everyone and can produce side effects that include nausea and stomach pain. In the study, researchers analyzed data from 43 U.S. health systems to compare two groups: people with obesity and diabetes who took GLP-1 drugs and other people with the same conditions who took diabetes drugs like sitagliptin. The two groups were equal in size and matched for other characteristics. After four years, those who took GLP-1 drugs had a 7% lower risk of developing an obesity-related cancer and an 8% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who took the other type of diabetes drug. There were 2,501 new cases of obesity-related cancer in the GLP-1 group compared to 2,671 cases in the other group. The effect was evident in women, but not statistically significant in men. The study couldn’t explain that difference, but Mavromatis noted that differences in blood drug concentration, weight loss, metabolism or hormones could be at play. (AP)

PHOTOS: The Bobover Rebbe On Lag BaOmer

WATCH: Oklahoma Iman In English: “Jews Have Always Attacked Women & Children

An inman in the heart of Oklahoma told his congregation that throughout history, “the cowardly Jews just want to attack women and children.” “This is how they were and this is how they will aways be,” he said during a Friday sermon in Norman, the third most populous city in the state. MEMRI, the Middle East Media Research Institute, which often translates similar videos from Arabic to English, published the video with subtitles—no translation needed in this case. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Refael Passed Away His Family Is Pleading for Help

The Gold family has suffered the unimaginable. After five years of fighting a brutal battle with cancer, their precious son Refael passed away this past Pesach.

WATCH: Yair Golan Pushes An Elderly Man In Kiryat Shmona

Democrats chairman Yair Golan was videoed on Thursday evening in a physical confrontation with a resident of Kiryat Shmona, during a conference in the city. In the footage, residents of the city are seen condemning Golan for the statements he made on Tuesday, implying that “IDF soldiers kill babies as a hobby.” Golan started yelling back at one of the protesters who called on him to remove his military ranks. Golan then approached the elderly man and pushed him. Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich stated: “Yair Golan’s true and violent face continues to be revealed. It starts with calling the pioneers of Homesh subhuman, continues with inciting against IDF soldiers that they are ‘baby killers,’ and ends with physical violence against an elderly man.” In the video below, another Kiryat Shmona resident yells at Golan to leave the city.”You’re not wanted here!” he yelled at him. “No one wants you here. Go home!” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Medicaid and SNAP Face New Work Rules Under Trump-Backed Budget Plan

The U.S. social safety net would be jolted if the budget bill backed by President Donald Trump and passed Thursday by the House of Representatives becomes law. It would impose work requirements for low-income adults to receive Medicaid health insurance and increase them for food assistance. Supporters of the bill say the moves will save money, root out waste and encourage personal responsibility. A preliminary estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by 8.6 million over a decade. The measure, which also includes tax cuts, passed the House by one vote and could have provisions reworked again as it heads to the Senate. Here’s a look at the potential impact. Work would be required for most people to get Medicaid health insurance Starting next year, many able-bodied Medicaid enrollees under 65 would be required to show that they work, volunteer or go to school in exchange for the health insurance coverage. Some people who receive Medicaid were worried Thursday that they could see their coverage end, even if it is not immediately clear whether they might be covered by an exception. Raquel Vasquez, a former cook who is battling two types of cancer and has diabetes, said she believes she could be affected because she has not been able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. “I cannot even afford this life now because of my disabilities,” said the 41-year-old Bakersfield, California, resident. “But my country won’t even help me.” About 92% of people enrolled in Medicaid are already working, caregiving, attending school or disabled. That leaves about 8% of 71 million adult enrollees who would need to meet the new requirement. An estimated 5 million people are likely to lose coverage altogether, according to previous estimates of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office. Only Arkansas has had a work requirement that kicks people off for noncompliance. More than 18,000 lost coverage after it kicked in 2018, and the program was later blocked by federal courts. “The people of Arkansas are generous and we want to help those who cannot help themselves, but we have no interest in helping those who are unwilling to help themselves,” said Arkansas Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, a Republican. “I’m glad the federal government is starting to align with our thinking.” Work requirement could hit harder in rural areas Increased eligibility checks and red tape related to work requirements may result in some people wrongly getting booted off, said Eduardo Conrado, the president of Ascension, a health care system that operates hospitals across 10 states. That could spell trouble for rural hospitals, in particular, who will see their small pool of patients go from paying for their emergency care with Medicaid coverage to not paying anything at all. Hospitals could have to eat their costs. “Adding work requirements is not just a policy change, it’s a shift away from the purpose of the program,” Conrado said of the rule. That is also a concern for Sandy Heller, of Marion, Massachusetts. Her 37-year-old son, Craig, has Down syndrome and other complicated medical needs. She worries the changes would make it harder for hospitals in out-of-the-way places like hers to stay afloat and offer the services he could need. If they don’t, he would have […]

Massive Medicare Audit Push Could Spell Trouble for Nursing Home Operators

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is launching a sweeping crackdown on billing practices across all Medicare Advantage (MA) plans—an aggressive move that could ripple through the nursing home industry and reshape how skilled nursing operators navigate federal reimbursement. In a major policy shift announced Wednesday, CMS revealed plans to dramatically scale up audits of all MA plans to recover billions in alleged overpayments. Nursing home operators that contract with these plans—and rely on timely, predictable reimbursements—could soon find themselves in the crosshairs of intensified federal scrutiny. Until now, CMS has been auditing only about 60 MA contracts a year. That number is about to explode: starting this year, the agency will expand its audit scope to all 550 eligible Medicare Advantage plans annually. The audits will cover a backlog stretching back to the 2018 payment year, and some cases could trigger sizable clawbacks. “While the administration values the work that [MA] plans do, it is time CMS faithfully executes its duty to audit these plans and ensure they are billing the government accurately,” said CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, M.D. For skilled nursing facility (SNF) owners, this could mean long-awaited audits being resurrected—dragging old claims back into dispute and creating headaches around documentation and compliance, particularly in cases where MA plans retroactively adjust payments or delay authorizations. CMS says the initiative is part of a broader push to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse. It’s backing the effort with serious muscle: a newly expanded army of 2,000 medical coders—up from just 40—tasked with verifying flagged diagnoses and reviewing patient records. And it’s not just CMS leading the charge. The Department of Justice is already criminally investigating UnitedHealth Group over MA billing practices, while the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General will be responsible for recovering any identified overpayments. But while the federal government aims to recoup potentially billions in inflated MA charges, some industry insiders fear legitimate providers may get caught in the dragnet—especially smaller operators who rely on MA reimbursements to stay afloat. At the heart of the issue are “risk scores”—a method by which MA plans receive increased payments for sicker patients. CMS says some plans are gaming the system through “upcoding,” or inflating diagnoses to receive higher payments. Nursing homes that partner with such plans—especially through managed care arrangements—could find themselves unwittingly entangled in audit findings. A March report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) estimated that MA plans may be overcharging CMS by as much as $43 billion annually. With the government eager to close that gap, industry experts say audits are likely to get much more aggressive—and less forgiving. The new audit approach won’t just affect insurers. Operators who provide clinical documentation, generate patient diagnoses, or submit data to MA plans may soon need to tighten internal review processes. Failing to do so could put them at odds with CMS or expose them to indirect financial losses if plan payments are reversed. Healthcare strategy firm Capstone said the move poses a particular risk to large carriers like Humana, UnitedHealth, CVS/Aetna, and Elevance Health—but also noted that downstream providers could suffer collateral damage if MA plans restructure contracts in response. For nursing home owners, the message is sobering: CMS is ramping up enforcement, and any facility that depends on Medicare Advantage reimbursements […]

Supreme Court Allows Trump to Fire Members of “Independent” Federal Agencies

The Supreme Court just granted permission to President Trump to allow him to fire members of so-called “independent” federal agencies.

💥AG SEC: We’re Removing Junk Food & Sugary Drinks From Food Stamp Eligibility

Massive Explosion at Houthi Weapons Depot Near Sana’a Kills 19

A massive explosion erupted in one of the Houthi’s main weapons depots northeast of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a. According to Saudi Al-Hadath, at least 19 people were killed.

Arkia’s New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner To Challeng El Al’s US-Israel Route Dominance

Israeli airline Arkia has debuted its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner plane, as it seeks to challenge El Al’s near-monopoly on direct US-Israel routes.

RFK Jr.: Trump, a Populist, Stands Up to Industry for Middle Class, Working Poor

RFK JR: “President Trump is a populist president. He is blamed for giving money to billionaires. We hear about that all the time, but he is on the side of the middle class, the working class, the poor in this country… “I’ve never seen a president Democrat or Republican that is willing to stand up to industry when it is the right thing to do…”

Fewer Organized Hate Groups, But Their Views Are Spreading, Says Watchdog

The number of white nationalist, hate and anti-government groups around the U.S. dropped slightly in 2024, not because of any shrinking influence but rather the opposite. Many feel their beliefs, which includes racist narratives and so-called Christian persecution, have become more normalized in government and mainstream discourse. In its annual Year in Hate and Extremism report, released Thursday, the Southern Poverty Law Center said it counted 1,371 hate and extremist groups, a 5% decline. The nonprofit group attributes this to a lesser sense of urgency to organize because their beliefs have infiltrated politics, education and society in general. Some of the ways they have done this are through pushing for bans on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, book bans and protests of drag story hours, the report says. Last year, there were 533 active hate groups. These include groups who express views that are anti-immigrant, antisemitic and anti-Muslim. This number has been steadily declining since reaching a historic high of 1,021 in 2018. “The trends have slightly sort of gone up and down but let’s just say generally, since our tracking, have increased. And that’s not just on a total numbers level but also on a per capita,” said Rachel Carroll Rivas, interim director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. The number of anti-government groups last year totaled 838, an increase from recent years, according to the law center based in Montgomery, Alabama, that tracks racism, xenophobia and far-right militias. These groups see the federal government as “tyrannical” and include militias and self-described sovereign citizens. Male supremacy also continues to emerge as an influential hate group. The SPLC documented seven new male supremacist hate groups, making the total 16. Their rhetoric espouses misogyny and strict gender roles. Their rising influence came during an election year when the country saw a woman of color be the first presidential nominee for a major political party. “I’m not sure it’s a direct result of the candidacy of Kamala Harris,” Rivas said. However, SPLC researchers went into chatrooms of white supremacist organizations during the election and found “intense vilification, the claiming of demonization of Harris as well as just the pushing of the idea falsely that women would not be qualified.” Some people on the far right have also pushed a belief that white Christian culture is being threatened by a “demographic crisis” including fewer births. “Politicians, pundits and provocateurs on the right have turned toward demonic language to tar those who disagree with them,” the report states. Last year’s report found “record numbers” of white nationalist groups in 2023. The analysis highlighted how far-right groups tried to waylay democracy through disinformation, false conspiracy theories and threats to election workers. It also examined how supporters of Christian supremacy used similar topics to organize a movement toward authoritarianism. The SPLC is a liberal advocacy organization that, besides monitoring hate groups, files lawsuits over justice issues and offers educational programs to counter prejudice. Frequently criticized by conservatives as biased, the nonprofit has faced lawsuits for its designation of some organizations as hate groups. The report’s release comes as a Los Angeles college professor made an appearance in front of media and supporters a few weeks after he was severely injured in a hit and run that he reported as a hate crime. He spoke at the Chinese […]

“Mommy Will I Live?” – A Heartbroken Mother’s Plea to Save Her Little Girl

B”hEvery parent dreams of watching their child grow up healthy and happy. For Racheli, that dream was shattered the moment her youngest daughter, Gitty, was born. Three years ago, Gitty came into the world with a rare combination of severe heart defects. From her very first breath, she was in danger. “She was so tiny,” recalls Racheli, her voice trembling. “We were told there was no option but to fly her to Boston immediately for surgery. She was just a month old.” Thanks to a complex operation overseas, Gitty survived. But survival came with a heavy price – emotionally, physically, and financially. A Life of Hospitals, Flights, and Fear Since that first surgery, the family has been living a life few could imagine. Every six months, Racheli and her husband must fly Gitty to Boston for vital medical evaluations and catheterizations. The child has spent more time in hospital rooms than in playgrounds. And now, Gitty faces her most critical challenge yet: a second, life-saving heart surgery. “This is the big one,” says Racheli. “The surgery she couldn’t have as a baby – the one that could give her a real future.” But the costs are staggering. Even without counting the surgery, the family is burdened with over $10,000 in medical expenses every single month – insurance, treatments, hospital stays, medications, and more. “My husband is a special-ed assistant, and I work part-time in a call center,” Racheli explains. “We barely manage to cover groceries and rent for our four children. We’re drowning in debt, and the bills keep coming.” The Loneliness of a Desperate Mother The Gitty parents are not asking for luxuries. They’re asking for the chance to save their daughter’s life. “It’s not easy to ask for help,” says Racheli, holding back tears. “But I can’t look at my daughter and not do everything possible to fight for her.” Their campaign on The Chesed Fund is their last hope. Every donation goes directly to the mounting medical costs and the upcoming surgery that Gitty urgently needs. A Call to Klal Yisrael As Am Yisrael faces so many national and personal challenges, the mitzvah of Pikuah Nefesh — saving a life — stands above all. The family struggle is not just theirs. It’s ours. Please open your hearts and help. A little girl is waiting — and time is running out. 👉 To donate click hereAll contributions are Tax-deductible 501C3

PHOTOS: The Sanz-Klausenberg Rebbe On Lag BaOmer

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS: Residents Demand Mayor Resign After Antisemitism Allegations Against His Wife

Cleveland Heights Mayor Khalil Seren is facing mounting public outrage after explosive allegations of antisemitism surfaced against his wife, Natalie McDaniel. Last week, the law firm Sobel, Wade & Mapley, LLC filed a formal complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission alleging that McDaniel used antisemitic slurs in private text messages referring to city officials, including members of the Jewish community. The complaint, which includes messages reportedly sent to Mayor Seren and a former aide, accuses McDaniel of referring to Jewish Planning Commission Chair Jessica Cohen as a “broodmare” — a term allegedly used to disparage Orthodox Jewish families for having large numbers of children. Other reported messages include derogatory remarks about Jewish residents and city officials, including calling a councilmember “that Jewish [dog].” McDaniel also reportedly implied that Cohen was serving on the commission solely to benefit the Orthodox community. Scores of Cleveland Heights residents gathered this week outside City Hall hours before the council meeting to demand accountability. Protesters, including children, held signs calling for Mayor Seren’s resignation, expressing frustration over his silence and inaction in the face of bigotry coming from within his own household. During the city council meeting, residents filled the chamber and voiced outrage during public comment. While councilmembers unanimously passed a resolution condemning antisemitism as an emergency measure, they also took pointed aim at the mayor’s silence. “As a city leader, your judgment has failed you,” Councilwoman Gail Larson said. Vice President of Council Davida Russell added, “We need to close the door on all this hatred.” Council President Tony Cuda said: “I’m disappointed. I’m repulsed. And most of all, I’m sorry to the Jewish community that has to endure this hate speech.” Mayor Seren, who has not publicly addressed the complaint, said during the meeting, “I’ve prepared a statement and I’ll be releasing that tomorrow. Tonight, I’m here to listen.” On Wednesday night, Seren released a long video – but made no mention of resigning. The video can be watched below. The city’s second-ever mayoral election is set for November. While two candidates have already filed to run, it remains unclear whether Seren will seek re-election. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

‘Make America Healthy Again’ Report Promotes Sweeping Health Overhaul

A government report released on Thursday covering wide swaths of American health and wellness reflects some of the most contentious views on vaccines, the nation’s food supply, pesticides and prescription drugs held by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The much-anticipated “Make America Healthy Again” report calls for increased scrutiny of the childhood vaccine schedule, a review of the pesticides sprayed on American crops and a description of the nation’s children as overmedicated and undernourished. “Never in American history has the federal government taken a position on public health like this,” Kennedy told a group of MAHA supporters during an event unveiling the report on Thursday. While it does not have the force of a law or official policy, the 69-page report will be used over the next three months for the MAHA commission to fashion a plan that can be implemented during the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term. Speaking to MAHA supporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump praised the report. “There’s something wrong and we will not stop until we defeat the chronic disease epidemic in America,” Kennedy refused to provide details about who authored the report. The HHS report scrutinizes vaccines, without evidence that it’s warranted Increased scrutiny of childhood vaccines — credited with saving millions of people from deadly diseases — figures prominently in the report. It poses questions over the necessity of school mandates that require children to get vaccinated for admittance and suggestions that vaccines should undergo more clinical trials, including with placebos. Kennedy, a longtime vaccine critic, has raised doubts about the safety of shots even as a measles outbreak has sickened more than 1,000 Americans. This week, Kennedy’s health department moved to limit U.S. access to COVID-19 shots. The report does not provide any evidence that the childhood vaccine schedule, which includes shots for measles, polio and the chickenpox, is to blame for rising obesity, diabetes or autism rates, said Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician at Johns Hopkins University. “It’s not as if they’re positing any kind of causal link,” Adalja said, adding that Kennedy is “is trying to devalue vaccines in the minds of Americans.” Controversy over farming chemicals divides ‘MAHA’ movement Parts of the report highlight growing factions within the Trump administration’s MAHA movement, even as the report strained to appease opposing forces within the politically diverse coalition that Trump and Kennedy have fostered. The report makes dozens of references to dietary guidelines and standards in Europe, but Environmental Protection Agency head Lee Zeldin promised it would not yield more rigorous regulations. “This cannot happen through a European mandate system that stifles growth,” Zeldin said in a call with reporters. Despite numerous studies and statements throughout the MAHA report that raise concerns about American food products, Trump Cabinet officials insisted during a call with reporters on Thursday that the nation’s food supply is safe. The report mentions that glyphosate, a commonly used chemical sprayed on crops, may cause serious health problems, including cancer. The World Health Organization has said that the chemical is a probable carcinogen to humans, although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said it is unlikely. Farmers, who — alongside Republican lawmakers — hounded the Trump administration leading up to the report’s release, swiftly criticized the report’s comments on the chemicals. “The Make America Healthy Again Report is filled with fear-based rather than science-based information […]

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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

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