Parshas Kedoshim–Sometimes It’s Just a Hot Cup of Coffee

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05/08/2024

6516516 — Sometimes, all it takes is a hot drink and a kind word.

By: Chaya Sora Jungreis-Gertzulin

Parshas Kedoshim. “Kedoshim te’hiyu, You shall be holy…” (Vayikra 19:2) To live a life of sanctity. The mission statement of our nation. A message so important, so vital, that HaShem tells Moshe to gather “Kol adas B’nei Yisroel, the entire nation”. A message so integral to us that Rashi relates a Midrash, “Sheh’rov gufei Torah te’luyin bah, That the majority of the essential of the Torah depends on it.”

We may think that kedoshim, living an elevated life is reserved for the lofty amongst us, those with holy souls. But the pasuk tells us otherwise. Kol adas. All of Yisroel. Men and women. Young and old. Strong and weak. Scholarly and simple. Rich and poor. Each one of us has not only an obligation, but the wherewithal to be a kodosh. Each one of us, in our way, can make the world a better place.

How is it possible, one may ask. HaShem created us with a neshama, as we say every day in davening, “Elokai, neshama sheh’nosatah be, tehorah he, HaShem, the soul You gave me is pure…” With a pure soul, one can accomplish so much. How blessed we are that HaShem implants within us the necessary tools to be a kodosh.

Kol adas – everyone. Even the children.

A while ago, a true life story was submitted to Mishpacha magazine by Esther Malka Goldschmidt. Esther Malka was working as a receptionist in a Lakewood office. A very ordinary job, bordering on boring. Oftentimes, she would be looking for “something” to happen. And then, one day it did. A middle-aged, obviously non-Jewish couple, came in to have a meeting with her boss. The wait was long and the woman approached Esther Malka’s desk to make conversation.

“Do you live around here?” the woman asked. “I used to live on Vine Street.” Esther Malka knew Vine Street well. It was the block of the school she attended, Bais Kaila.

The woman proceeded to tell of how she would sit on her porch, and watch the girls going to school in their pleated skirts and light blue shirts. She recalled one girl in particular. A girl who always waved and smiled to her. A girl who even stopped to wish her a good day and chat with her. The girl’s name was Kaila. “Kaila from the Kaila school”, she said.

It was now time for the couple to go in, but not before the woman added, “Kaila was so nice, that when I had a little girl, I named her Kaila.”

A wave. A smile. A good word. Little things that we can all do. Little things that make a big difference. A Kiddush HaShem.

We may not realize it, but a Kiddush HaShem is not just for others. It is also for ourselves. Every good act we do, every mitzva we keep, has an impact on our neshama. It becomes part of our very being. We become better people as a result. We become kinder and more considerate. We learn compassion, love and understanding. We acquire the virtues of patience and tolerance. One who lives his life striving to be a kodosh, comes out a winner, a hero. It is self-improvement at the highest level.

Kedoshim te’hiyu. I think of my father zt”l, who filled his life with quiet acts of chesed. Many of them unknown to our family, only to be found out during the shiva.

At one point, a woman walked in wearing a nurse’s uniform. My sister and I looked at each other, we didn’t recognize her as one of my father’s nurses from the hospital. We looked at our mother. She didn’t seem to know her either.

“Let me introduce myself”, our mystery visitor began. “I am a baby nurse who works for many families in the community. I get recommendations by word of mouth. I overheard the woman I am currently working by tell her husband that the Rabbi passed. As soon as I heard that it was Rabbi Jungreis, I asked if I could take some time off to make a condolence call. I just wanted to share a personal story with the family.”

Intrigued, we were all ears. The baby nurse continued. “Very often, I am taking care of a baby at a bris. After the ceremony, I would go into a private room to care for the baby, while the family would be greeting their guests. At times, it seemed like an afterthought when someone brought me a cup of coffee or a plate of food. By then, everything was cold. But not so when the bris was in Rabbi Jungreis’ shul, Ohr Torah. Soon after the bris, the Rabbi would bring me a steaming hot cup of coffee and a plate laden with goodies. The Rabbi would tell me ‘You are such a special lady — you have a holy job, you are taking care of a Jewish baby, a Jewish soul.’ It wasn’t just the plate of food. It was the kind, encouraging words, the good wishes, the smile of appreciation, the words of gratitude.”

We are now in the midst of Sefira, counting from Pesach to Shavuos, in anticipation of receiving the Torah. It is during this time period that we also mourn the loss of so many of Rabbi Akiva’s students, due to a devastating plague. A plague caused by their lacking respect and love for one another. The plague came to an end on Lag B’Omer, the thirty-third day of counting the Omer. Maharal comments that until Lag B’Omer there are thirty-two days, the gematria of lev, heart. The lesson of Sefira. To love one another. To have heart. To respect each other, as in the word kavod, honor, which also has a gematria of thirty-two.

In this week’s parsha, we are commanded “v’ahavta le’rea’acha kamocha, You shall love your fellow as yourself.” (Vayikra 19:18). To be a kodosh.

Sometimes, all it takes is a hot drink and a kind word.

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov!

Chaya Sora

Chaya Sora can be reached at [email protected]

This article was written L’zecher Nishmas/In Memory Of HaRav Meshulem ben HaRav Osher Anshil HaLevi, zt”l and Rebbetzin Esther bas HaRav Avraham HaLevi, zt”l

Parshas Kedoshim – A Tremendous Mitzvah

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Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Parsha - PARSHAS KEDOSHIM article — You shall not stand by your fellow’s blood: Watching your fellow’s death, when you are able to save him; for example, if he is drowning in the river or if a wild beast or robbers come upon him. (Rashi)

By: Rabbi Label Lam

…You shall not stand by your fellow’s blood. I am HASHEM. (Vayikra 19:16)

You shall not stand by [the shedding of] your fellow’s blood: [I.e., do not stand by,] watching your fellow’s death, when you are able to save him; for example, if he is drowning in the river or if a wild beast or robbers come upon him. — [Torath Kohanim 19:41; Sanh. 73a]

לא תעמד על דם רעך: לראות במיתתו ואתה יכול להצילו, כגון טובע בנהר, וחיה או לסטים באים עליו:

I am the Lord: faithful to pay reward [to those who heed the above warnings], and faithful to exact punishment [upon those who transgress them].

אני ה’: נאמן לשלם שכר, ונאמן להפרע:

You shall not stand by your fellow’s blood: Watching your fellow’s death, when you are able to save him; for example, if he is drowning in the river or if a wild beast or robbers come upon him. (Rashi)

I once asked one of my Rebbeim why the Mitzvah stated above, to save the life of a fellow Jew, is communicated to us as a negative imperative, not to stand by!? Why does it not say emphatically that you should certainly save your fellow? Is that not the requirement?

The Rebbe said that there is major difference between a Mitzvah mandating a certain positive action and a Mitzvah that demands we refrain from a certain behavior. We have limitations of how much we are required to spend to perform or acquire the means to do a certain Mitzvah. We are not asked to spend our last dollar to buy Tefillin or an Esrog. We are only meant to empty a percentage of our pocket to get the job done.

However, when it comes to a “don’t do” there one is expected to forfeit their entire fortune or income, only not to actively transgress a law in in the Torah. If the Torah would have told us to save a life as a directive of doing, perhaps we would have to stop and make a cost benefit calculation before moving into action, “Hummmm! Jumping into a river, will damage my suit and I will lose the diamonds I have in pocket. This may not be a Mitzvah I can afford to do now! HASHEM forgive me!”

However, now that the Torah mandates not to “stand by”, as a negative I am required to give up everything. If all my millions will save a single Jew from being taken to certain death in a concentration camp I am required to pay it now, wow! It’s good to know that piece of information just in case the situation ever arises. Likely, for most of us though, it never will. What then is the practicality of this perspective, besides appreciating the extreme value of human life, of course.

The Rebbe Elimelech ztl. writes in the beginning of the Tzetel Katan, “At any time when one is free from learning Torah, especially when he has nothing to do and he is sitting alone in his room, or he is lying on his bed, and he is not able to sleep, he should have in mind the Mitzvah of “And I shall be made holy among the children of Israel.”[This is the Mitzvah of Kiddush HASHEM: to sanctify HASHEM’s holy name, even if it means giving up one’s life.] He should feel in his soul, and imagine in his thoughts as if a great fire was burning before him reaching until heaven. Because of his desire to sanctify HASHEM’s name, he breaks his natural inclinations [for life] and throws himself into the fire to sanctify HASHEM’s name. And from this good thought, HASHEM will consider it as if he had physically done the act. This way he is not lying or sitting doing nothing. He is fulfilling a positive Mitzvah of the Torah.”

This is not an entirely new idea. The Talmud tells us that when Rabbi Akiva was being tortured to death by the Romans he was saying Shema! His students were confounded and they asked why at this time he was reciting Shema! He told them that his entire life when he said the verse, “with all your soul” which he understood it to mean that one should love HASHEM even if they are taking your life, he had been practicing visualizing this event his entire life. Now finally he was faced with this rare opportunity to live up this highest of all ideals and he embraced it with all of his soul.

Now right after we are commanded to love HASHEM “with all our heart and all our soul”, we are told to love HASHEM, “with all of our might”, which Rashi explains means with all our monetary resources. Maybe we can extend the concept of the Tzetel Katan and apply it to money and life as well.

When sitting idle we can imagine successfully navigating the great test of being willing to forfeit all of our wealth and all of our possessions to save a fellow Jew. We should never know of such a test, but if we do it we will be more prepared. Even more so, HASHEM will consider it as if we had just done a tremendous Mitzvah!

(Torah.org)

University of Pennsylvania Middle East Center: Platforming Jew Haters

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Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Education - University of Pennsylvania article — On September 22, 2023, roughly two weeks before Hamas would launch a barbarous and unprovoked attack on innocent Israeli civilians, the University of Pennsylvania hosted the Palestine Writes Literature Festival on campus.

“Zionists set up their so-called Birthright Trips propaganda tours to recruit young American Jews to become our colonizers, tormentors and Lords.”

By: Sara Dogan

On September 22, 2023, roughly two weeks before Hamas would launch a barbarous and unprovoked attack on innocent Israeli civilians, the University of Pennsylvania hosted the Palestine Writes Literature Festival on campus. The event was sponsored by numerous university departments and centers including the Middle East Center, the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, the Department of Cinema & Media Studies, and the Wolf Humanities Center.

Even before the Hamas attacks brought anti-Semitism to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness, the event drew strong criticism and outrage from Jews and supporters of Israel as well as the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Those latter two groups sent a letter to the University’s then-president Liz Magill back in August of 2023, sharing their “deep concern” that individuals scheduled to speak and present at the event had a history of promoting anti-Semitism. These scheduled speakers included Roger Waters, “whose shows were recently condemned by the U.S. State Department as anti-Semitic after he dressed in a Nazi-like uniform and shot a prop machine gun into the audience during two concerts performed in Germany.” Another featured speaker was CNN contributor Marc Lamont Hill, who was fired by the network after endorsing the genocidal statement “Free Palestine, from the River to the Sea” in a speech at the United Nations and who has glorified convicted terrorist Fatima Bernawi.

Other speakers at the event which were highlighted in the ADL/JFGP letter included the festival’s co-chair Susan Abulhawa who wrote, following a terrorist shooting outside a synagogue in Jerusalem, that “Every Israeli, whether in a synagogue, a checkpoint, a settlement, or shopping mall is a colonizer who came from foreign lands and kicked out the native inhabitants. They all serve in the racist colonial military. The whole country is one big militarized tumor” and Rutgers University Professor Noura Erakat who “repeatedly expressed complete opposition to Israel’s right to exist and shared her approval for military campaigns to end Israel’s existence. She also suggested Zionism is a ‘bedfellow’ to Nazism.”

Unsurprisingly, these predictions that the Palestinian Writes Literature Festival would openly promote Jew hatred at the university proved to be spot on. As the American Jewish Committee reported, “The festival’s inaugural event includes a screening of the film Farha, which includes a number of toxic anti-Semitic tropes, including a modern retelling of the blood libel trope that casts Jews as vicious, bloodthirsty, and cruel. The film is a distortive piece of fiction, yet it is often treated as evidence of extreme, unprovoked Israeli cruelty towards innocent Palestinians during Israel’s War of Independence.”

The AJC also noted that the perpetual use of the term “settler colonialist” to describe the state of Israel is deeply anti-Semitic and inaccurate. “The term ‘settler colonialism’ refers to a system of oppression in which a colonizing nation engages in ethnic cleansing by displacing and dispossessing a native or pre-existing population,” explained the AJC. “This phrase is false for many reasons outlined here. Referring to Israel as a settler-colonialist state is not only factually inaccurate, it is an anti-Semitic demonization of the State of Israel.”

Individual speakers at the event also demonized the Jewish people and Israel.

Hoda Fahredin, one of the organizers of the festival who serves as a professor in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Penn, used the genocidal phrase “From the river, to the sea” adding that “Under occupation in refugee camps in the diasporas and around the world, Palestinians are a people who have been facing the daily brutal injustices of an apartheid regime for the past 75 years. We gather here today and in the coming days in their honour.”

The professor also denied the well-established fact that the Jewish people have deep ancestral ties to the land of Israel, stating “And now, as Zionists continued to forcibly remove us from our homes, destroy and build over our ancestral villages, cemeteries and archaeological heritage. They have invented a stunning new tale of indigeneity [that is] propagated in popular culture throughout the West in particular.”

She also invoked anti-Semitic tropes that Jews control the media, stating “An open collaboration with Israel media continues to remove or shadow ban Palestinian content on social media, a phenomena that was verified by an independent investigation commissioned by Facebook itself that revealed unequivocal anti Palestinian bias. Financial platforms like PayPal have been pressured by Zionists to disallow Palestinians even the most mundane of transactions.”

Fahredin dismissed concerns about the potential for anti-Semitism at the festival as “Hysterical and racist accusations that our presence here poses a threat to Jewish students on campus, making them feel unsafe and fearful of wearing their kippas” adding, “Again, this is an old, well worn colonial script of the violent, dark, irrational and savage native. Which I will not dignify with a response.”

In perhaps her most direct statement of Jew hatred, Fahredin alleged that “So many of us in this room have had to watch our elders die in refugee camps that aren’t fit for rodents, all so they [Jews] can have an extra country if they want, the violence of which is on full display on this campus every year when Zionists set up their so-called Birthright Trips propaganda tours to recruit young American Jews to become our colonizers, tormentors and Lords.”

Nor was Fahredin alone in demonizing and delegitimizing the world’s only Jewish state (classic forms of anti-Semitism according the definition used by the U.S. State Department). Speaker Ahmad Zahid claimed not to “hate anybody for who they are” but asserted that “We hate occupation. We hate apartheid. We hate racism,” accusing Israel of all three sins.

Palestinian poet Dana Dajani vilified Jews for claiming their birthright as citizens of Israel, stating “The insanity of your alleged birthright, Israelis minting fresh citizens. They import entitlement and market it as democracy. And though your apartheid apathy acknowledges 1 million of my friends had second class citizens among you, millions still are caught in between.”

Roger Waters, co-founder of the band Pink Floyd, who spoke via Zoom, endorsed the genocidal Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, stating, “I have remained wedded to the idea, of course, that was the year 2006, which was the year that the BDS movement started in Palestine and the whole of Palestine civil society. Sent this message to those of us outside the borders. To say please support us, please support the boycott, please, you know, please.”

The Palestine Writers festival attracted controversy because of its size and scope and the long list of anti-Semites featured as speakers. But the Middle East Center at U. Penn has a much longer and more extensive history of promoting Jew hatred on campus.

In May of 2022, the Middle East Center at U. Penn co-sponsored an event titled “Trauma and Resilience – Mental Health in the Middle East.” At the event, speaker Devin Atallah, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology at UMass Boston, demonized Israel, accusing it of “settler colonization,” “abuses of colonial power,” and treating Palestinians as less than human.

Atallah claimed that Israel exercises “excessive violence” against the Palestinians, claiming “We as the colonized are seen and treated as excessively violent and therefore deserving excessive violence. We’re killable, detainable, displaceable and our belongingness is always in question. This is part of the racialization process.”

He also promoted ancient blood libel tropes against the Jews, stating, “Scholars are using terms in Palestine such as dismemberment, caging, unchilding… unchilding is a really important colonial wound understand as the uncompromising practice and ideology whereby violence against Palestinian childhood becomes part of the war machine. It’s the process by which legal, political, military apparatuses of settler colonial state objectify the Palestinian child as a security threat that must be constantly surveilled, managed and targeted.”

Just two months earlier, in March of 2022, the Middle East Center gave a platform to another notorious Jew-hater, Rutgers professor Noura Erakat, who also spoke at the Palestine Writes festival. Erakat demonized and delegitimized Israel, stating that we should “understand that when we discuss these processes when we discuss the condition of settler colonialism, or what many have become more familiar with is apartheid. That this doesn’t begin at the false partition of the green line but begins within Israel itself and marks all Palestinians for removal regardless of juridical or geographic demarcation.”

She went on to defend the Palestinian Intifada, a series of terrorist attacks, stating, “[T]his is what animates the May through June Unity Intifada. This is what catalyzes this organic movement of Palestinians in Ramallah, of Palestinians in Jerusalem, of Palestinians in Iliad, of Palestinians in Haifa, of Palestinians in Gaza, of Palestinians in Philadelphia, to unite with a singular voice to affirm once again that they are a single nation targeted with a single policy by a settler sovereign seeking to remove them in order to suspend the critique and the protest of Zionist settler sovereignty.”Since the events of October 7th, Penn has pledged itself to combatting anti-Semitism, although its messaging has been decidedly uneven. Penn President Liz Magill—who was ousted in December after she testified before Congress that calls for the genocide of the Jews did not necessarily violate Penn’s policies—announced an “Action Plan to Combat Anti-Semitism.”

“Across the country and world, we are witnessing pernicious acts of anti-Semitism, including on college and university campuses,” Magill said. “I am appalled by incidents on our own campus, and I’ve heard too many heartbreaking stories from those who are fearful for their safety right here at Penn. This is completely unacceptable.”

Despite Magill’s words—and similar ones from her interim replacement J. Larry Jameson—Penn is failing in its promises. Some of the most blatant and obvious Jew hatred on campus comes from the university’s own academic departments and centers, particularly the Middle East Center, which deserves its place on the list of the worst Jew-hating academic departments.

(FrontPageMag.com)

Anti-Israel Georgetown Prof Dubs Congressman a ‘Race Traitor’ & ‘Uncle Tom’

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Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Untitled design - 1 — GWU professor Zein El-Amine (Twitter)

Zein El-Amine has long history of supporting Students for Justice in Palestine, which is leading anti-Israel campus protests

By: Adam Kredo

A Georgetown professor accused an African-American congressman of being a “race traitor” and an “Uncle Tom” over his support for Jewish students as they face a tidal wave of anti-Semitism on campus from pro-Palestinian protesters.

Professor Zein El-Amine, a Lebanese writer and adjunct lecturer at Georgetown, lashed out at Rep. Byron Donalds (R., Fla.) on Thursday when the lawmaker arrived on campus to show his support for the embattled Jewish and pro-Israel community.

El-Amine was caught at a rally at George Washington University on video published Friday by the Daily Caller shouting at the black congressman, “How much is AIPAC [the American Israel Public Affairs Committee] paying you, you race traitor?” “You’re working for a foreign entity, you bastard,” the professor added, calling Donalds an “Uncle Tom,” a racist term for a black person who is seeking approval from whites.

El-Amine’s comments are the latest examples of racist and anti-Semitic rhetoric on America’s college campuses, which are experiencing the worst unrest in decades. Pro-Palestinian protesters at some of the country’s most prestigious colleges continue to demonstrate against Israel as university leadership struggles to stem the rising tide of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic harassment.

Donalds labeled El-Amine a “racist” on Friday during a Fox News interview on the incident.

“Jewish students are being intimidated, harassed & assaulted. It’ll take the courage of ALL AMERICANS to stand-up to this radicalism & REJECT it,” Donalds tweeted along with the interview clip. “If it takes me having to deal with a racist protestor at GW, so be it—I can take that.”

El-Amine and a Georgetown spokesman did not immediately respond to Washington Free Beacon requests for comment on the exchange.

El-Amine is no stranger to anti-Israel activism, and has a long history of supporting Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), one of the central campus groups engaging in anti-Semitic protests and waging violence against Jewish students. SJP’s parent group, National Students for Justice in Palestine, was sued earlier this week by Israeli terror victims who allege the group is partially liable for Hamas’s Oct. 7 terror raid in Israel.

El-Amine in the past has “spread anti-Israel terror propaganda on social media, specifically including images promoted by the terror group the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP),” according to an online dossier published by Canary Mission, a watchdog group that tracks campus anti-Semites.

The professor is a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, which wages economic warfare on the Jewish state, and has participated in various events sponsored by SJP, according to the watchdog group.

In 2015, El-Amine reportedly posted an image on Facebook supporting armed struggle against Israel. The picture was clipped from a magazine published by the PFLP, an armed militant group that is designated as a terror outfit by the United States.

“My favorite International Women’s Day poster of all the ones paraded today,” El-Amine reportedly wrote alongside the image, which “showed a woman with an assault rifle over her shoulder,” according to Canary Mission.

In another 2015 posting, El-Amine shared a photo on Facebook of a mural featuring a PFLP logo and a silhouette of an iconic image of PFLP airplane hijacker Leila Khaled. El-Amine translated the mural from Arabic, stating: “Our day is coming,” according to the watchdog group.

In other postings documented by Canary Mission, El-Amine has praised other Palestinian terrorists, such as Rasmea Odeh, and described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “satan.”

(FreeBeacom.com)

Trips for Grandparents in the Poconos

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Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Travel - Trips for Grandparents article - pic 1 — Woodloch Resort has been providing a lakeside retreat for families for over 60 years, with abundant activities and amenities. Choose from a variety of different meal plans and room types, including suites and vacation rentals.

By: Emily Whalen

The best vacations are about reuniting with loved ones and making unforgettable memories across the generations. Grab your grandkids and plan a getaway to the Poconos Mountains to enjoy the fresh air and open spaces. From all-inclusive family resorts to campgrounds and RV parks, from local hidden gems to incredible events, find ideas for a trip all ages will love.

At majestic Skytop Lodge , guests can stay in the historic and grand main building or in deluxe cottages, with a 5,500-acre playground to explore just outside which includes private hiking trails leading past lakes, streams and waterfalls. Depending on which offer you book, you can take advantage of daily breakfast, unlimited golf or even a treetop course climb at the Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge.

Located just two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, the Pocono Mountains is an ideal destination for a summer road trip. With 2,400 square miles of outdoor adventure, there’s plenty of space to spread out and a great variety of activities to try. It’s time to get out of the house and get the family back together; keep reading to jump start your summer plans!

All-Inclusive, No-Stress Resorts

Classic Great Outdoors Getaways

Hidden Gems in the Poconos

Can’t-Miss Summer Events

All-Inclusive, No-Stress Resorts

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort has package deals that include delicious dining at on-site restaurants as well as golf and excursions on the river with Shawnee River Trips . Looking for extra savings? Plan a midweek escape to take advantage of special offers.

If planning a trip feels like a chore, then all-inclusive resorts or room packages are the way to go. Many properties provide everything you need for an amazing getaway all in one comprehensive package, from accommodations to dining to daily activities and nightly entertainment.

Woodloch Resort has been providing a lakeside retreat for families for over 60 years, with abundant activities and amenities. Choose from a variety of different meal plans and room types, including suites and vacation rentals. They even have championship golf course and one of the world’s best destination spas . At majestic Skytop Lodge , guests can stay in the historic and grand main building or in deluxe cottages, with a 5,500-acre playground to explore just outside which includes private hiking trails leading past lakes, streams and waterfalls. Depending on which offer you book, you can take advantage of daily breakfast, unlimited golf or even a treetop course climb at the Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge.

Soak in the serenity of 50 wooded acres at Peaceful Woodlands Family Campground , which offers a midweek cabin discount and hosts the Robin & Beth Music Festival in August. Chestnut Lake Campground has no limit on RV size and is home to a private lake for swimming and boating, a recreation hall, playground, basketball court, and more

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort has package deals that include delicious dining at on-site restaurants as well as golf and excursions on the river with Shawnee River Trips . Looking for extra savings? Plan a midweek escape to take advantage of special offers.

Classic Great Outdoors Getaways

When it comes to summer vacations, you can’t go wrong with a classic. Camping trips are a perennial favorite; if your grandkids have never been, now is the time to introduce them to this timeless vacation tradition! Add a peaceful afternoon fishing, beautiful hiking trails to explore and s’mores around the fire in the evening, and you’ve got all the ingredients you need for a restful escape and memories that last.

Set up camp in the midst of scenic laurel blooms at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort and enjoy convenient proximity to Lehigh Gorge State Park and the historic small town of Jim Thorpe.

Soak in the serenity of 50 wooded acres at Peaceful Woodlands Family Campground , which offers a midweek cabin discount and hosts the Robin & Beth Music Festival in August. Chestnut Lake Campground has no limit on RV size and is home to a private lake for swimming and boating, a recreation hall, playground, basketball court, and more. Set up camp in the midst of scenic laurel blooms at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort and enjoy convenient proximity to Lehigh Gorge State Park and the historic small town of Jim Thorpe.

Hidden Gems in the Poconos

The four counties of our region are full of one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants and local businesses to explore. A visit to Penny Lane Candies & Candles in Hawley is a trip down memory lane, with over 500 varieties of candies that different generations will recognize. You can also peruse a large selection of hot sauces as well as candles, collectibles, gifts and more. Discover treasures at antique shops and galleries and flea and farmers markets like Blue Ridge Flea Market . With nearly 300 vendors displaying their wares every Saturday and Sunday, April through October, you never know what you’ll find.

A visit to Penny Lane Candies & Candles in Hawley is a trip down memory lane, with over 500 varieties of candies that different generations will recognize. You can also peruse a large selection of hot sauces as well as candles, collectibles, gifts and more.

Ready to eat? There are plenty of one-of-a-kind family restaurants throughout the area. Sit indoors or outdoors at the Sycamore Grill in the heart of charming Delaware Water Gap, where the menu has lots of options to satisfy all tastes and dietary needs, including a gluten-free menu. Stop by Jubilee Restaurant in Pocono Pines before 2 p.m. to try the delicious morning offerings at the “Breakfast King of the Poconos.” Lunch and dinner are also delicious, with award-winning wings served up every Thursday and Sunday.

One of the best ways to discover the best-kept secrets in the Poconos is to watch Pocono Television Network! You can access the 24/7 broadcast stream on our website, select cable channels or on platforms like Roku and Amazon Five TV. Local hosts share insider tips and area stories, plus there are regular weather forecasts and live camera shots. Don’t miss the monthly show, Pocono Mountains Magazine, which debuts a new episode on the first Sunday of each month at 8 p.m. Eastern.

Discover treasures at antique shops and galleries and flea and farmers markets like Blue Ridge Flea Market . With nearly 300 vendors displaying their wares every Saturday and Sunday, April through October, you never know what you’ll find.

Can’t-Miss Summer Events

The Poconos summer calendar is packed with exciting events! Our hills come alive with the sound of live music, with happenings like the popular Roots and Rhythm Music & Arts Festival in Honesdale and the free and family-friendly Shawnee Riverfest on the shores of the Delaware River. Time your trip to catch the NASCAR Cup Series Race Weekend July 12-14, 2024 at Pocono Raceway or plan a visit in August to experience our four county fairs. Art lovers won’t want to miss the Arts and Crafts Fair in Bingham Park in Hawley in June or the Pocono State Craft Festival in August hosted by Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm.

Mark your calendars the Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music and Arts Festival is back on June 15. Spend the morning and early afternoon listening to live bands downtown. Move to Central Park for a FREE concert featuring nationally known acts, as well as an array of artisans, and food vendors. Free parking throughout town all day.

With so many amazing events, things to do and beautiful places to stay, a trip to the Pocono Mountains is the perfect way to kick off your family adventures. Browse our special offers to lock in vacation savings, and be sure to come hungry! Local restaurants offer options for indoor and outdoor dining as well as take-out. See you this summer in the Poconos!

Time your trip to catch the NASCAR Cup Series Race Weekend July 12-14, 2024 at Pocono Raceway or plan a visit in August to experience our four county fairs

(PoconoMountains.com)

An AI-Controlled Fighter Jet Took the Air Force Leader for an Historic Ride. What That Means for War

By

Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Technology - An AI Controlled article - pic 1 — Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall sits in the front cockpit of an X-62A VISTA aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, California on May 2, 2024. (AP/Damian Dovaganes)

By: Tara Copp

With the midday sun blazing, an experimental orange and white F-16 fighter jet launched with a familiar roar that is a hallmark of U.S. airpower. But the aerial combat that followed was unlike any other: This F-16 was controlled by artificial intelligence, not a human pilot. And riding in the front seat was Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall.

AI marks one of the biggest advances in military aviation since the introduction of stealth in the early 1990s, and the Air Force has aggressively leaned in. Even though the technology is not fully developed, the service is planning for an AI-enabled fleet of more than 1,000 unmanned warplanes, the first of them operating by 2028.

It was fitting that the dogfight took place at Edwards Air Force Base, a vast desert facility where Chuck Yeager broke the speed of sound and the military has incubated its most secret aerospace advances. Inside classified simulators and buildings with layers of shielding against surveillance, a new test-pilot generation is training AI agents to fly in war. Kendall traveled here to see AI fly in real time and make a public statement of confidence in its future role in air combat.

“It’s a security risk not to have it. At this point, we have to have it,” Kendall said in an interview with The Associated Press after he landed. The AP, along with NBC, was granted permission to witness the secret flight on the condition that it would not be reported until it was complete because of operational security concerns.

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall smiles after a test flight of the X-62A VISTA aircraft against a human-crewed F-16 aircraft in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base. (AP/Damian Dovaganes)

The AI-controlled F-16, called Vista, flew Kendall in lightning-fast maneuvers at more than 550 miles an hour that put pressure on his body at five times the force of gravity. It went nearly nose to nose with a second human-piloted F-16 as both aircraft raced within 1,000 feet of each other, twisting and looping to try force their opponent into vulnerable positions.

At the end of the hourlong flight, Kendall climbed out of the cockpit grinning. He said he’d seen enough during his flight that he’d trust this still-learning AI with the ability to decide whether or not to launch weapons in war.

There’s a lot of opposition to that idea. Arms control experts and humanitarian groups are deeply concerned that AI one day might be able to autonomously drop bombs that kill people without further human consultation, and they are seeking greater restrictions on its use.

“There are widespread and serious concerns about ceding life-and-death decisions to sensors and software,” the International Committee of the Red Cross has warned. Autonomous weapons “are an immediate cause of concern and demand an urgent, international political response.”

Kendall said there will always be human oversight in the system when weapons are used.

The military’s shift to AI-enabled planes is driven by security, cost and strategic capability. If the U.S. and China should end up in conflict, for example, today’s Air Force fleet of expensive, manned fighters will be vulnerable because of gains on both sides in electronic warfare, space and air defense systems. China’s air force is on pace to outnumber the U.S. and it is also amassing a fleet of flying unmanned weapons.

Future war scenarios envision swarms of American unmanned aircraft providing an advance attack on enemy defenses to give the U.S. the ability to penetrate an airspace without high risk to pilot lives. But the shift is also driven by money. The Air Force is still hampered by production delays and cost overruns in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which will cost an estimated of $1.7 trillion.

Smaller and cheaper AI-controlled unmanned jets are the way ahead, Kendall said.

Vista’s military operators say no other country in the world has an AI jet like it, where the software first learns on millions of data points in a simulator, then tests its conclusions during actual flights. That real-world performance data is then put back into the simulator where the AI then processes it to learn more.

China has AI, but there’s no indication it has found a way to run tests outside a simulator. And, like a junior officer first learning tactics, some lessons can only be learned in the air, Vista’s test pilots said.

Until you actually fly, “it’s all guesswork,” chief test pilot Bill Gray said. “And the longer it takes you to figure that out, the longer it takes before you have useful systems.”

Vista flew its first AI-controlled dogfight in September 2023, and there have only been about two dozen similar flights since. But the programs are learning so quickly from each engagement that some AI versions getting tested on Vista are already beating human pilots in air-to-air combat.

The pilots at this base are aware that in some respects, they may be training their replacements or shaping a future construct where fewer of them are needed.

But they also say they would not want to be up in the sky against an adversary that has AI-controlled aircraft if the U.S. does not also have its own fleet.

“We have to keep running. And we have to run fast,” Kendall said.

(AP.com)

Nvidia Expands AI Capabilities with Acquisition of Israeli Software Startup

By

Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Technology - Nvidia Expands article — Nvidia has acquired Run:ai, an Israeli startup. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a strategic move to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, Nvidia has acquired Run:ai, an Israeli startup known for its advanced workload management and orchestration software. According to a report on the Investopedia web site, this acquisition, announced on Wednesday, reflects Nvidia’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its AI capabilities, though the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Run:ai is built on the Kubernetes open-source platform and specializes in optimizing compute infrastructure for enterprise customers. As was explained in the Investopedia report, this allows businesses to manage their AI operations more efficiently, whether their systems are based on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment. The Investopedia report suggested that Nvidia’s acquisition of Run:ai is expected to enhance its offerings by improving how its customers utilize AI computing resources, particularly those requiring extensive GPU clusters.

Despite the potentially positive long-term implications of this acquisition, Nvidia’s shares experienced a slight decline in Wednesday’s intraday trading, falling 1% to $815.97 by mid-afternoon. However, the Investopedia report indicated that it is important to note that Nvidia’s stock has seen significant growth overall this year, increasing by almost two-thirds of its value and reaching an all-time high of $974.00 on March 8. The slight dip observed post-announcement is not uncommon in acquisition scenarios, where immediate financial uncertainties or investor adjustments may temper initial stock reactions, as was suggested in the report.

Nvidia’s acquisition of Run:ai is not just an expansion of its technology portfolio but also a strategic alignment with its broader goals in the AI sector. By integrating Run:ai’s technology, Nvidia aims to offer more sophisticated tools to its enterprise customers, helping them maximize the efficiency of their AI applications, as was detailed in the Investopedia report. This move is particularly significant as demand for AI and machine learning capabilities continues to grow across various industries, from healthcare to automotive to finance.

This acquisition occurs amid a flurry of activity in the AI and tech sectors, where companies are increasingly seeking to leverage AI for competitive advantage, as per the Investopedia report. Nvidia’s focus on enhancing its AI infrastructure through strategic acquisitions such as that of Run:ai demonstrates a clear commitment to maintaining its leadership position in the AI technology market.

As the company continues to integrate Run:ai’s technologies, it will be critical to watch how this enhances Nvidia’s product offerings.

Take Charge of Your Knee Pain With Acupressure

By

Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Noninvasive, low-cost, and easy-to-learn, acupressure can help to ease pain from osteoarthritis of the knee, even when patients do it themselves, a new study has found. This comforting news affects vast numbers of adults who experience pain and stiffness caused by arthritis in this crucial joint. (Ground Picture/Shutterstock)

Knee pain from osteoarthritis may be eased by acupressure you can learn to perform at home.

By: Susan C. Olmstead

Noninvasive, low-cost, and easy-to-learn, acupressure can help to ease pain from osteoarthritis of the knee, even when patients do it themselves, a new study has found. This comforting news affects vast numbers of adults who experience pain and stiffness caused by arthritis in this crucial joint.

The randomized clinical trial, performed by researchers in Hong Kong, London, and Virginia, found that self-administered acupressure significantly reduced pain and improved mobility in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee.

The original investigation appeared in JAMA Network Open.

Lead author, Jerry Wing Fai Yeung, an associate professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Nursing, told The Epoch Times that he and his fellow investigators were not surprised by their findings.

“Previous smaller-scale studies have preliminarily tested and supported the potential effects of self-administered acupressure for relieving knee osteoarthritis pain,” he said. “Based on the previous works, our study further confirmed the effectiveness with a larger sample size.”

The study involved 314 residents of Hong Kong, aged 50 or older, with probable knee osteoarthritis.

One group of subjects received two training sessions on self-administered knee acupressure with a brief knee health education session. The trainers were registered Chinese medicine practitioners with at least five years of clinical experience. The participants in this group then practiced acupressure twice daily for 12 weeks. A control group received only education about maintaining knee health for the 12-week period.

At the end of the study, the acupressure group reported a significantly greater improvement in pain than did the control group. Participants in the self-administered acupressure group also performed significantly better in a mobility test and reported a better quality of life in the medium term than those in the control group.

Causes, Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is common among the middle-aged and elderly, affecting 23 percent of people aged 40 and older, according to the researchers who conducted the trial.

The Arthritis Foundation reports the knee is one of the most common joints to be affected by osteoarthritis. The foundation’s website lists risk factors for developing osteoarthritis of the knee:

Older age: Osteoarthritis is most common in older adults.

Female sex: Women are more likely than men to have knee osteoarthritis.

Obesity: Being overweight stresses the knee joints and causes joint inflammation.

Injuries: Any knee injury, even an old one, can lead to knee osteoarthritis.

Repeated stress: Frequent stress on the knee from work or sports can increase risk for osteoarthritis.

Genetics: A tendency to develop osteoarthritis can run in families.

Bone deformities: Those with bone deformities are at higher risk.

Some metabolic diseases: Diabetes and hemochromatosis (a condition in which the blood has too much iron) have been linked to osteoarthritis.

Pain, stiffness, and swelling are common symptoms of osteoarthritis, and when it affects the knee, mobility can become a problem as the condition progresses.

Treatment most often involves pain relievers such as ibuprofen, exercise and physical therapy, cold and heat therapy, and topical medications. Steroid injections and surgery, including knee replacement, may be called for in more severe cases. Interventions such as acupressure and acupuncture are considered complementary therapies rather than first-line treatment in most cases.

Performing Knee Acupressure at Home

“Acquiring mastery in acupressure techniques is more feasible and safe for individuals if taught by licensed practitioners, rather than attempting to learn them independently,” said Mr. Yeung.

The Hong Kong study involved eight acupressure points in a 16-minute protocol and experienced Chinese medicine practitioners instructed the participants in proper technique.

“Some acupoints utilized in our studies, such as the Yanglingquan acupoint (GB 34) and Sanyinjiao (SP6), require some specific technique [to locate]. Familiarity with the anatomical structure of the knee joint is necessary for accurate acupoint location,” Mr. Yeung said.

“Therefore, individuals experiencing knee pain are advised to seek guidance from their acupuncturist, similar to the approach followed in our study. Additionally, strict adherence to professional acupressure techniques is crucial to prevent exacerbation of the condition or finger joint pain.”

However, patients who’d like to see what they can accomplish on their own before seeking out a professional may want to try an abbreviated knee pain acupressure regimen with only three points, such as the guidance and instructions offered by Kaiser Permanente called “Acupressure for Knee Pain.”

Knee massage may also offer some relief. Licensed massage therapist Ann Swanson demonstrates self-massage for knee pain on the Arthritis Foundation website and her YouTube channel.

Whether patients seek in-person expert guidance or give it a go on their own, they must be willing to perform the routine regularly.

“Best results will occur from regular acupressure throughout the day for several weeks,” Malerie Giaimo, a diplomate of Oriental medicine, licensed acupuncturist, and herbalist, told The Epoch Times.

“Acupressure is very effective for pain and arthritis located in and around the knee,” she said. “It’s important to apply acupressure near and around the site of pain, above and below the area.” She mentioned sites on the thigh, hamstring, and calf as beneficial to the knee.

“Some of my favorite points are Stomach 25, He Ding, Stomach 36, Spleen 10, and Gallbladder 34,” she said. Ms. Giaimo recommended receiving an acupuncture treatment for more direct, specific, and deeper pain relief.

A Complementary Treatment

According to Mr. Yeung:

“The utilization of medication and injections should be discussed with healthcare professionals, including physicians and pharmacists, responsible for patients’ care.”

“Acupressure can be regarded as an alternative or complementary approach to conventional treatments for knee pain and osteoarthritis—however, it should not be seen as a full replacement for them without prior discussion with their physician.

“While certain individuals may experience relief solely through acupressure, it is crucial to recognize that each person’s condition is unique, and treatment effectiveness can vary, as it is also influenced by the treatment principles of traditional Chinese medicine.

“Conventional treatments such as medications and injections, prescribed by healthcare professionals, have established efficacy and may be indispensable for individuals with more severe symptoms. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider who possesses knowledge in both conventional and complementary therapies to determine the most suitable treatment plan tailored to an individual’s specific situation.”

(TheEpochTimes.com)

When Losing Weight With Wegovy, Does That Mean You Can Stop Taking It?

By

Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Donna Cooper holds up a dosage of Wegovy, a drug used for weight loss. Credit: AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades

By: Jonel Aleccia

Millions of Americans who have dropped pounds and boosted their health using popular obesity drugs like Wegovy are facing a new dilemma: What happens if they stop taking them?

Many worry that they’ll regain weight and revert to old habits. In studies, people who paused the drugs put back on most of the weight they lost.

But others are gambling on a do-it-yourself strategy to ease off the drugs and stay slim by stretching out doses, taking the medication intermittently or stopping and starting again only if needed.

More than 3 million prescriptions for the new medications are dispensed each month in the U.S., according to 2023 data from the health technology company IQVIA. They include semaglutide, the drug in Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, the drug in Mounjaro and Zepbound.

But many people don’t stick with it. One study published in the journal Obesity found that just 40% of patients who filled a prescription for Wegovy in 2021 or 2022 were still taking it a year later.

Here’s what you need to know about taking a break from these new medications:

HOW ARE THE DRUGS DESIGNED TO BE TAKEN?

Doctors who treat obesity stress that the disease is a chronic condition that must be managed indefinitely, like heart disease or high blood pressure. The new injection drugs work by mimicking hormones in the gut and the brain to regulate appetite and feelings of fullness. They were designed — and tested — to be used continuously, experts said.

“I don’t think they should be used in intermittent fashion. It’s not approved for that. They don’t work like that,” said Dr. Andres Acosta, an obesity researcher at the Mayo Clinic.

WHY DO PEOPLE WANT TO STOP THE DRUGS?

Some people who achieved their health and weight goals with the drugs are looking for an offramp, said Dr. Amy Rothberg, who directs a weight-management and diabetes treatment program at the University of Michigan.

“Many of them want to step down or de-escalate their dose,” she said. “And they’re also wanting to ultimately discontinue the medication.”

Some patients don’t like side effects such as nausea and constipation. Others want to stop for holidays or special occasions — or just because they don’t want to take the weekly shots indefinitely, said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company Intellihealth.

“To me, it’s a help, it’s an aid,” said Donna Cooper of Front Royal, Virginia, who lost nearly 40 pounds (18 kilograms) in nine months using Wegovy along with diet and exercise. “At some point you have to come off of them. I don’t want to be on them forever.”

Other people have been forced to ration or halt doses because the drugs are costly — $1,000 to $1,300 per month — and insurance coverage varies or because demand has far outstripped supply, Rothberg noted.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY STOP?

The drugs work by changing the way the body processes and stores energy. When people stop taking it, many gain back the weight they lost, plus more. And many report a return of symptoms of obesity such as so-called food noise or intrusive thoughts of food, raging hunger and decreased feelings of fullness when they eat.

Some people who stop the drugs and start again have severe stomach side effects. Others find the drugs don’t work as well as before. There’s no data on the long-term effects of intermittent use, Saunders said.

(AP)

Most Americans Sense Dramatic Rise in Mental Health Issues: Survey

By

Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Americans share a bleak outlook on how the U.S. health care system treats mental health issues. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

By: Amie Dahnke

Americans share a bleak outlook on how the U.S. health care system treats mental health issues, with more than 80 percent recognizing a dramatic rise in mental health issues over the past five years, according to results of a new survey.

Additionally, three-quarters of Americans feel mental health conditions are identified and treated more poorly than physical health conditions. When it comes to how well the United States manages mental health conditions, one-quarter of Americans gave the nation’s health care system a failing grade, while just 1 percent said it deserved an A grade.

The statistics come from the West Health–Gallup survey, which paints an unflattering portrait of how the American health care system treats those suffering from mental health problems. The survey was conducted between Feb. 2 and Feb. 14, surveying 2,266 adults 18 and older.

“Many Americans struggle with mental and behavioral health conditions that often go unaddressed in the context of treating and managing other medical conditions,” Timothy Lash, president of nonprofit West Health, focused on American health care and aging, said in a press release. “Health systems, providers, caregivers and patients themselves need to pay just as much attention to mental health as they grow older as they do their physical health. The two are inextricably linked and critical to overall health, aging successfully and quality of life.”

Depression is more common in individuals who have other illnesses, so this becomes even more of a concern as people age. About 80 percent of older adults diagnosed with depression have at least one chronic health condition, and 50 percent have two or more, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states.

According to the survey, 51 percent of Americans say they have experienced depression, anxiety, or some other mental or emotional condition in the past year. The group includes roughly 22 percent who say the condition was so significant that their regular, everyday routines or activities were disrupted, disabling them from going to work or maintaining their household responsibilities.

Aging Population May Not Seek Help

The survey showed that a higher proportion of older respondents—82 percent versus 75 percent—believed that mental health issues were not treated as they should be in the United States. The finding is especially troubling since, for the first time, the country will be home to more people 65 and older than children by 2030.

“There are still sizable numbers of people not getting the treatment they need—a situation that may only worsen as the population ages,” Mr. Lash said.

Many within this population, the survey found, struggle with the perceived social stigma around mental illness, which can prevent people from seeking professional help. Seventy-five percent of older adults who have dealt with a mental health condition in the past year reported that societal stigma has prevented them from seeking help. This was the highest percentage among all age groups.

Why the Gap Between Mental and Physical Health Care?

Over half of those surveyed believe psychological counseling can be an effective treatment for mental health issues, and 35 percent find prescription medication can be effective, too.

However, many say treatment access is the tricky part. More than half of the survey’s respondents (52 percent) said that affordability is the top barrier to finding good mental health care, followed by being able to find a provider (42 percent).

(TheEpochTimes.com)

Mammograms Should Begin at Age 40 as Breast Cancer Rates Rise; Says Task Force

By

Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Без имени-1 — A radiologist uses a magnifying glass to check mammograms for breast cancer. Photo Credit: AP/Damian Dovarganes

By: Carla K. Johnson

Regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer should start younger, at age 40, according to an influential U.S. task force. Women ages 40 to 74 should get screened every other year, the group said.

Previously, the task force had said women could choose to start breast cancer screening as young as 40, with a stronger recommendation that they get the exams every two years from age 50 through 74.

The announcement Tuesday from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force makes official a draft recommendation announced last year. The recommendations were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“It’s a win that they are now recognizing the benefits of screening women in their 40s,” said Dr. Therese Bevers of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She was not involved in the guidance.

Other medical groups, including the American College of Radiology and the American Cancer Society, suggest mammograms every year — instead of every other year — starting at age 40 or 45, which may cause confusion, Bevers said, but “now the starting age will align with what many other organizations are saying.”

Breast cancer death rates have fallen as treatment continues to improve. But breast cancer is still the second-most common cause of cancer death for U.S. women. About 240,000 cases are diagnosed annually and nearly 43,000 women die from breast cancer.

The nudge toward earlier screening is meant to address two vexing issues: the increasing incidence of breast cancer among women in their 40s — it’s risen 2% annually since 2015 — and the higher breast cancer death rate among Black women compared to white women, said task force vice chair Dr. John Wong of Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

“Sadly, we know all too well that Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women,” Wong said. Modeling studies predict that earlier screening may help all women, and have “even more benefit for women who are Black,” he said.

Here are more details on what’s changed, why it’s important and who should pay attention.

Age 40 is when mammograms should start for women, transgender men and nonbinary people at average risk. They should have the X-ray exam every other year, according to the new guidance. Other groups recommend annual mammograms, starting at 40 or 45.

The advice does not apply to women who’ve had breast cancer or those at very high risk of breast cancer because of genetic markers. It also does not apply to women who had high-dose radiation therapy to the chest when they were young, or to women who’ve had a lesion on previous biopsies.

It’s not clear whether older women should continue getting regular mammograms. Studies rarely include women 75 and older, so the task force is calling for more research.

Bevers suggests that older women talk with their doctors about the benefits of screening, as well as harms like false alarms and unnecessary biopsies.

Mammograms don’t work as well for women with dense breasts, but they should still get the exams.

The task force would like to see more evidence about additional tests such as ultrasounds or MRIs for women with dense breasts. It’s not yet clear whether those types of tests would help detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage, Wong said.

Congress already passed legislation requiring insurers to pay for mammograms for women 40 and older without copays or deductibles.

(AP)

Maternal Deaths Have Fallen to Pre-Pandemic Levels, New US Data Says

By

Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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U.S. deaths of moms during childbirth have fallen to pre-pandemic levels. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

By: Mike Stobbe

U.S. deaths of moms around the time of childbirth have fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, new government data suggests.

About 680 women died last year during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, according to provisional CDC data. That’s down from 817 deaths in 2022 and 1,205 in 2021, when it was the highest level in more than 50 years.

COVID-19 seems to be the main explanation for the improvement, said Donna Hoyert, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maternal mortality researcher.

The coronavirus can be particularly dangerous to pregnant women. And, in the worst days of the pandemic, burned out physicians may have added to the risk by ignoring pregnant women’s worries, experts say.

Fewer death certificates are mentioning COVID-19 as a contributor to maternal deaths. The count was over 400 in 2021 but fewer than 10 last year, Hoyert said.

The agency on Thursday released a report detailing the final maternal mortality data for 2022. It also recently released provisional data for 2023. Those numbers are expected to change after further analysis — the final 2022 number was 11% higher than the provisional one. Still, 2023 is expected to end up down from 2022, Hoyert said.

The CDC counts women who die while pregnant, during childbirth and up to 42 days after birth from conditions considered related to pregnancy. Excessive bleeding, blood vessel blockages and infections are leading causes.

There were about 19 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in 2023, according to the provisional data. That’s in line with rates seen in 2018 and 2019.

But racial disparities remain: The death rate in Black moms is more than two-and-a-half times higher than that of white and Hispanic mothers.

“In the last five years we’ve really not improved on lowering the maternal death rate in our country, so there’s still a lot of work to do,” said Ashley Stoneburner, the March of Dimes’ director of applied research and analytics.

The advocacy organization this week kicked off an education campaign to get more pregnant women to consider taking low-dose aspirin if they are at risk of preeclempsia — a high blood pressure disorder that can harm both the mother and baby.

There are other efforts that may be helping to lower deaths and lingering health problems related to pregnancy, including stepped-up efforts to fight infections and address blood loss, said Dr. Laura Riley, a New York City-based obstetrician who handles high-risk pregnancies.

But there’s a risk that those kinds of improvements are being offset by a number of factors that may reduce the ability of women to get medical care before, during and after a birth, she said. Experts say the list includes the closure of rural hospitals and a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that did away with the federally established right to abortion — and contributed to physician burnout by causing doctors to feel constrained about providing care during pregnancy-related medical emergencies.

“I think there’s good news. We’re making strides in certain areas,” said Riley, head OB-GYN at Weill Cornell Medicine. “But the bad news and scary news is … th

Funding Sources for Pro-Hamas Protests Comes Under Scrutiny for Financial Support of Biden

By

Sholom Schreirber

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05/08/2024

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Billionaire George Soros is known for his substantial funding of progressive and anti-Israel causes worldwide. Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In recent months, President Joe Biden has found himself the target of intense scrutiny and protest by groups advocating for Palestinian rights, earning him the moniker “Genocide Joe.” According to an eye opening report that appeared on Sunday on the Politico.com web site, these protests, however, unfold against a backdrop of complex financial and ideological connections that link some of the same philanthropists who support these activist groups to efforts pushing for Biden’s reelection.

At the heart of these protests are two notable organizations, Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and IfNotNow. Both groups have been active in staging demonstrations at academic institutions such as Columbia University. According to the information provided in the Politico.com report, these organizations are part of a larger network financially supported by the Tides Foundation, a major conduit of funding for various social change initiatives. This foundation itself benefits from the largesse of prominent Democratic benefactors, including George Soros and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Indicated in the Politico.com report was that Soros, known for his substantial funding of progressive and anti-Israel causes worldwide, as well as the Gates’, whose philanthropic efforts span a broad spectrum of global issues, indirectly support these protests through their contributions to Tides.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation support the Tides Foundation. Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

Moreover, the web of funding extends to other influential figures in the Democratic Party. David Rockefeller Jr., for instance, is a notable figure in this landscape. As a member of the board of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, he oversees an organization that in 2022 allocated $300,000 to the Tides Foundation, as was detailed in the Politico.com report. Over the past five years, Tides has funneled nearly $500,000 to JVP, an organization that openly identifies as anti-Zionist.

The Pritzker family, another powerhouse in Democratic circles and heirs to the Hyatt Hotel empire, also emerge as significant players. According to the Politico.com report, Susan and Nick Pritzker have not only contributed directly to Biden’s campaigns but their foundation supports groups involved in the pro-Hamas protests as well.

Critics might argue that this situation illustrates the complex allegiances and influence exerted by major donors, who manage to support seemingly contradictory causes — backing both a president and groups that vociferously criticize him.

Regardless of one’s perspective, it is clear that a small circle of wealthy individuals and families exert significant influence over both the political and activist landscapes. Their financial contributions continue to mold the contours of political debate and public policy in ways that resonate across the political spectrum, illustrating the powerful role that money plays in the democratic process.

The Pritzkers, known for their philanthropic endeavors through entities such as the Libra Foundation, have a broad impact on various social issues ranging from criminal justice to environmental and gender justice. This influence extends into more contentious areas, such as the funding of organizations involved in the protests following the October 7th attack by Hamas. Politico.com reported that notable among these are groups such as the Climate Justice Alliance, Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity, and the Immigrant Defense Project. These groups have participated in and supported protests that have included harsh critiques of U.S. policies and leadership, including slogans such as “Genocide Joe.”

David Rockefeller of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Credit: AP

The involvement of the Libra Foundation in these areas sheds light on the complex decisions that donors face when their contributions might indirectly support activism that goes beyond their original philanthropic intent. For instance, Politico.com reported that the Climate Justice Alliance’s participation in pro-Palestinian marches and Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity’s promotional activities for these demonstrations illustrate the breadth of issues that intertwine with environmental and social justice causes.

Revealed in the Politico.com report was that The Tides Foundation, another significant player funded in part by the Pritzkers, also supports organizations such the Adalah Justice Project and Palestine Legal. The Adalah Justice Project, known for its critical stance on university investments in companies that do business with Israel was involved in protests at Columbia University, Politico.com reported. Meanwhile, Palestine Legal provides legal support to pro-Hamas activists.

Recent developments have seen a surge in pro-Hamas student protests involving more aggressive tactics, including the occupation of university buildings and the voicing of statements that are blatantly anti-Semitic, as was noted in the Politico.com report. These actions have sparked a significant backlash, particularly from prominent donors within the Democratic Party, who are now questioning the implications of their financial contributions to such groups.

Jewish Voice for Peace has been at the forefront of these contentious demonstrations. Known for its vocal criticism of Israeli policies and its description of these as apartheid, JVP has not shied away from disruptive protests. Their activities reached a peak when they labeled President Joe Biden a “genocide supporter” during a high-profile fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The Politico.com report indicated that this particular incident came on the heels of JVP’s controversial stance on the October 7 attacks, where they pointed to “Israeli apartheid and occupation — and United States complicity in that oppression” as the root causes of the violence, a position that starkly contrasts with mainstream interpretations that squarely assign blame to the Hamas terrorists.

This stance has drawn criticism from within the donor community, including Elisha Wiesel, chair of the Elie Wiesel Foundation, known for its anti-genocide efforts. Speaking to Politico.com, Wiesel openly questioned why the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, a notable financier of various nonprofit initiatives, would support JVP given their controversial positions on such sensitive issues. This inquiry calls attention to a growing concern among donors about the alignment of their philanthropic missions with the activities and rhetoric of grant recipients.

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, in response to the unfolding controversy, emphasized its commitment to nonpartisan support across a spectrum of policy ideas. Politico.com reported that Sarah Edkins, the fund’s communications director, stated, “Our grantees in all three portfolios support a broad range of policy ideas—some align with the Biden administration’s agenda and others conflict. This complexity is part and parcel of our nonpartisan work.” The Fund also clarified that it does not engage in political campaigning nor does it dictate the day-to-day operations of its grantees.

The Pritzker family, another powerhouse in Democratic circles and heirs to the Hyatt Hotel empire, also emerge as significant players. Credit: X.com

Also speaking to Politico.com was Kevin Conlon, a seasoned political fundraiser and adviser to nonprofits. He encapsulated this sentiment by acknowledging that there are inevitable moments when a donor’s support might inadvertently fuel actions that contradict their personal views. Having worked closely with figures such as President Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama, Conlon brings a nuanced perspective to the philanthropic strategies that underpin political and social campaigns, according to the Politico.com report.

This reality is echoed by voices from within the Jewish community, particularly in response to the recent surge in protests where anti-Semitic sentiments and support for Hamas have been reported. Daniel Goldwin, the public affairs executive director at the Jewish United Fund in Chicago, addressed the growing concerns arising within his community. The report on the Politico.com web site also noted that his organization, which disburses funds to both small local and larger national nonprofits, has been fielding calls from donors distressed by the idea that their contributions might indirectly support objectionable or harmful rhetoric. When speaking with Polltico.com, Goldwin advocated for proactive communication, urging donors to engage directly with organizations to express their concerns and seek clarity on the use of their funds.

The implications of these dynamics are far-reaching, particularly in the political arena. President Joe Biden, who garnered significant support from younger voters in the 2020 elections, finds himself in a precarious position as he attempts to navigate the fallout from the increasing intensity of protests, particularly those at Columbia University, Politico.com reported. These demonstrations have not only heightened scrutiny of Biden’s policies but have also stirred debates about the nature of peaceful protest. The Politico.com report also said that in a recent statement addressing the actions at Columbia, Biden emphatically denounced the destruction of property and disruption of educational activities, asserting that such actions do not constitute peaceful protests but are, in fact, unlawful activities.

Some party insiders suggest these demonstrations may not sway the broader electorate, particularly in a nation where foreign policy traditionally ranks lower on voters’ priority lists, Politico.com pointed out. However, the continuous nature of these protests might present a different scenario as the election season heats up.

Jill Zipin, co-founder and chair of the Democratic Jewish Outreach Pennsylvania, a political action committee aimed at electing Democrats in Pennsylvania, articulated a commonly held view among some party strategists. Zipin downplayed the potential electoral repercussions of the protest movements, particularly those related to U.S. foreign policy stances, suggesting that while the protests are visible now, they may not necessarily resonate as a critical issue come November, according to the information contained in the Politico.com report. Her perspective is rooted in the historical context that American elections seldom pivot solely on foreign policy issues unless they directly impact a significant portion of the electorate.

Conversely, Omar Wasow, a scholar who has extensively studied protest movements and their impact on political landscapes, offered a more nuanced view when speaking with Politico.com. Wasow suggested that the persistence of protests could elevate their significance in the public consciousness, particularly if they continue to escalate as the election approaches. Noted in the Politico.com report was that his analysis implies that while Americans typically exhibit a lukewarm interest in foreign policy, the ongoing visibility of such protests could shift this dynamic, especially if they begin to intersect more visibly with domestic concerns.

Further complicating the situation is the involvement of various nonprofits in these protests, many of which do not primarily focus on foreign policy but have found themselves increasingly drawn into these debates. Organizations such as Solidaire Action, represented by spokesperson Barni Qaasim, illustrate this trend. Solidaire Action funds social justice movements and, according to Qaasim, many of its members are engaged in actions aimed at holding President Biden accountable, as per the Politico.com report.

This layer of complexity is evident as nonprofits traditionally focused on domestic issues find themselves aligning with movements that have a strong foreign policy component. This alignment suggests a broader mobilization among grassroots organizations, which, while not directly opposing the Biden administration, are vocal in their demands for more definitive actions on international issues. This dynamic indicates a growing recognition within these groups that global issues such as those unfolding in the Middle East increasingly bear implications for domestic policies and political alignments.

Some donors, as noted by Conlon, may find themselves reconsidering their philanthropic strategies in light of the controversial outcomes associated with their donations, as was suggested in the Politico.com report.

Fierce Clashes Between Pro-Palestinian Protestors & Police Break Out in Athens

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05/08/2024

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Fierce Clashes Between Pro-Palestinian Protestors & Police Break Out in Athens

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In the heart of Athens on Tuesday, tensions flared as more than 300 protesters convened outside the parliament building, voicing their dissent against the recent Israeli military operations in the southern part of the Gaza Strip known as Rafah. According to a Reuters report, these protesters, many waving Palestinian flags and brandishing banners with slogans like “Hands off Rafah!”, represent a global outcry against the escalation of conflict in the region. Noted in the Reuters report was that among them was Antonis Davanellos, a 60-year-old pensioner, who emphasized the group’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause, declaring their readiness to respond whenever called upon.

The rally, while largely peaceful, saw moments of confrontation when a subset of protesters escalated their demonstrations to the gates of the Egyptian embassy across from the parliament, leading to police intervention with tear gas to manage the unruly crowd, as was indicated in the Reuters report. These clashes, though brief, illustrate the high emotions and tensions surrounding the international perceptions of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Earlier on Tuesday, a report surfaced of a group of rioters who attempted to break in to an Athens hotel where a group of Israelis were staying. Local Athens police rushed to the scene to regain control of the area surrounding the hotel and to quell the rancorous mob. Confirmation of the rioting report was not received.

On the battleground in Gaza, the situation remains grim. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry released staggering figures on Tuesday, reporting that 34,789 Palestinians have been killed and 78,204 injured since the conflict erupted seven months ago when Hamas launched a war on Israel through a brutal massacre of 1200 Israeli civilians and the abduction of 250 others. Reports indicated that approximately 133 hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza.

It is important to note that these figures from the Gaza health ministry include both combatants and non-combatants, and there are claims from sources close to the situation suggesting that these numbers may be skewed to garner international sympathy and to portray Israel as an aggressor without distinction.

In response, Israel has continued its military operations, particularly in Rafah, aiming to dismantle the military capabilities of Hamas. Israel asserts that these operations are crucial for its national security, especially given Rafah’s strategic importance as a conduit for humanitarian supplies.

On Monday, Hamas said it had told mediators it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal, but claimed that Israel rejected the deal. In reality, Hamas had crafted a new version of the deal at the last moment before the invasion of Rafah began. Reports are circulating that Israel had not been informed of any modifications of the ceasefire deal.

The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu on Monday forcefully rejected a claim made by an Israeli official suggesting that he was responsible for torpedoing the latest round of talks with Hamas in Cairo on a potential hostage and truce deal.

The suggestion, said a statement from Netanyahu’s office, is “a complete lie and a deliberate deception of the public.”

“Hamas is the one that sabotages any deal by not moving one millimeter from its extreme demands that no Israeli government could accept,” the statement from Netanyahu’s office continued, “first and foremost, that Israel withdraw from Gaza and end the war.”

Israeli Whose Husband Was Murdered on Oct. 7 Gives Birth to His Son

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05/08/2024

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(JNS) – Ella Chaimi, whose husband was murdered by Hamas during the terror group’s Oct. 7 massacre, has given birth to a healthy baby boy, the Rabin Medical Center’s Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah announced on Tuesday.

Tal Chaimi, 41, died seven months ago defending Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the northwestern Negev. It was initially thought that he had been taken alive to the Gaza Strip, but evidence that came to light late last year indicates that he died during the Hamas assault, after which the terror group kidnapped his remains.

The child is the couple’s fourth.

“This birth is filled with mixed emotions as I welcome into the world our child, who brings with him lots of joy,” stated Chaimi, according to the hospital. “I also remember Tal, who was a wonderful husband and father. I wish he was here with us right now.”

Idit Engel, a midwife at Beilinson, said, “Every labor and delivery is special, but this one was even more so, as this baby brings joy to a family who has suffered so much tragedy.”

Ella and her family have been through devastation and I hope that this baby brings them much joy,” she added.

Professor Arnono Weisnizer, who heads Beilinson’s gynecology department, noted that the family “has been through dark times,” adding that “the birth of this baby is a light for them and for the people of Israel.”

“I have known Ella for many years and have cared for her during her previous pregnancies. I know her and her family well, having previously worked in the Gaza Envelope, and my heart breaks for what they have gone through,” he said.

NY Times Editor Rips Writer and Former Colleague, Bari Weiss

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05/08/2024

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New York - NY Times Editor article — The NYT’s executive editor criticized Bari Weiss, who has since launched the independent news outlet “The Free Press.” Credit: X.com

NY Times Editor Rips Writer and Former Colleague, Bari Weiss

By: Ellen Cans

The New York Times’ executive editor publicly criticized former colleague Bari Weiss, who has since launched the independent news outlet “The Free Press.” As reported by the NY Post, Joe Kahn, who oversees all of the NY Times’ global newsroom operations, quipped about Weiss, telling Semafor News, “she’s got a single note, and keeps playing it up over and over again.” Weiss is also “missing a commitment to deeper reporting [at the Times] and a willingness to kind of look at issues from a 360 perspective that if you were only reading Bari Weiss’ version, you would expect never existed,” Kahn said.

Weiss worked as an opinion writer and editor at the NY Times from 2017 to 2020, and then left the Times and founded The Free Press in January 2021, expanding her Substack newsletter entitled “Common Sense”. Weiss’ exit from the NY Times had made quite a stir, as the 40-year-old journalist had posted her resignation letter on her news organization’s website.

In it, she had criticized “the paper’s failure to anticipate the outcome of the 2016 election,” which Weiss said “meant that it didn’t have a firm grasp of the country it covers.” “The lessons that ought to have followed the election — lessons about the importance of understanding other Americans, the necessity of resisting tribalism, and the centrality of the free exchange of ideas to a democratic society — have not been learned,” Weiss wrote, adding that “Twitter has become its ultimate editor” and the NY Times has become “a kind of a performance space.”

Weiss didn’t immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment regarding Kahn’s criticism.

Despite Kahn’s harsh words, he admitted to Semafor that he still reads The Free Press.

“She’s built a whole media organization around combating and what she sees is excess of The New York Times and elsewhere,” Kahn added of Weiss, noting that the site still has “valuable reporting.” He added, “I think there’s some stuff that they’re doing that is worth paying attention to. Do I think she’s right about the [Times]? Not really, no.”

When asked about the upcoming election in November, and whether it’s his job to help Joe Biden win the matchup against GOP nominee Donald Trump, Kahn said that the NY Times is a “pillar” of democracy but not a tool of power. Kahn did admit, however that the Times presents “a much more favorable view of Biden’s conduct over foreign policy at a difficult time than the polling shows the general public believes.” “I think the general public actually believes that he’s responsible for these wars, which is ridiculous, based on the facts that we’ve reported,” Kahn told Semafor, adding that the Times doesn’t make a big deal about Biden’s age like other papers do.

AllSides, which measures media bias ratings for news organizations, has identified the NY Times as left leaning, meaning its content “aligns with liberal, progressive or left-wing thought and/or policy agendas.” By AllSide’s standards, the Free Press has no lean and is categorized as “center”.

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