Feed aggregator

SELFISH: Curtis Sliwa Refuses To Drop Out Of NYC Mayoral Race, Handing Gracie Mansion To Mamdani On A Silver Platter

Yeshiva World News -

Republican mayoral hopeful Curtis Sliwa is drawing fierce criticism for stubbornly staying in a race that many warn could hand New York City to a radical socialist bent on dismantling the economic foundations of America’s largest metropolis. Sliwa, speaking Sunday on WABC’s “Cats Roundtable,” noted that Zohran Mamdani — a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist — has surged thanks to a powerful digital campaign targeting younger voters, but said his win his ultimately Mayor Adams’ fault. Mamdani, once a blip at just 1% in February, has since clinched the Democratic nomination and is poised to lead a city synonymous with free enterprise and capitalism. “There is no Zohran Mamdani if Eric Adams had done a decent job,” Sliwa argued, seeking to shift blame onto the embattled mayor. But critics say Sliwa’s refusal to drop out of the race — even as Adams runs as an independent — will fracture opposition votes and all but guarantee Mamdani’s victory. While billionaire grocery magnate John Catsimatidis is rallying wealthy donors to fight Mamdani’s push for government-run supermarkets and a far-left economic vision, Sliwa is defiant. “Unless they figure out a way to put me in a pine box and bury me six feet under,” he told Catsimatidis, “I’m not going anywhere.” Observers say that stance amounts to political malpractice. By clinging to a candidacy with slim prospects, Sliwa risks clearing the path for Mamdani to remake New York in a socialist mold — a move that could devastate business, drive out investment, and permanently alter the character of the city. Instead of working to build a broad coalition to stop Mamdani’s radical agenda, Sliwa seems intent on pursuing a personal crusade, even if it means presiding over the ashes of a once-thriving economic powerhouse. Ultimately, history may remember Curtis Sliwa not as the crime-fighting Guardian Angel, but as the enabler who handed New York City to a hard-left ideologue on a silver platter. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Rav Tzvi Weiskopf zt”l

Matzav -

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rav Tzvi Hirsch Weiskopf zt”l, a respected talmid chacham from the Givat Shaul neighborhood of Yerushalayim who was niftar at the age of 48 after an extended illness.

Rav Tzvi was born in Haifa in 1977 to Rav Eliezer and Mrs. Tova Weiskopf. He grew up in the chareidi kehillah of Haifa, where he was educated and nurtured in Torah and yiras Shamayim. As a young man, he learned in Yeshiva LeTze’irim Or Yisrael in Petach Tikvah, where he quickly stood out for his diligence and refined middos.

He later advanced to Yeshivas Chevron in Yerushalayim, where he became endeared to the roshei yeshiva and rebbe’im, and continued to grow in Torah and avodah.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he married Mrs. Chaya Naomi, daughter of Rav Yaakov Dov Frank of Yerushalayim, founder of the Tziyum V’Luchos Frank printing house. The couple established a home built on the foundations of Torah and yiras Shamayim in Givat Shaul.

Rav Tzvi was known for his profound diligence in Torah, and he devoted himself to the editing of kisvei kodesh at Machon Yerushalayim, playing a critical role in preserving and disseminating Torah literature. He also stood steadfastly at the side of his wife, who runs the well-known seforim typesetting and editing enterprise N. Weiskopf, which has brought countless seforim to print.

He was a man of sterling integrity and deep humility, beloved by all who knew him. His avodas hamiddos, his constant toil in Torah, and his unwavering emunah were hallmarks of his character.

Four years ago, he fell seriously ill and endured painful suffering with quiet strength and acceptance.

Rav Tzvi is survived by his parents, his devoted wife, and seven children, the oldest of whom recently got married.

The levayah took place today at the Shamgar Funeral Home followed by kevurah on Har HaMenuchos.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Ukraine Hit by Massive Russian Aerial Assault; Western-Supplied F-16 Crashes in Defense

Yeshiva World News -

Russia launched its biggest aerial attack against Ukraine overnight, a Ukrainian official said Sunday, part of an escalating bombing campaign that has further dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the 3-year-old war. Russia fired a total of 537 aerial weapons at Ukraine, including 477 drones and decoys and 60 missiles, Ukraine’s air force said. Of these, 249 were shot down and 226 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed. The onslaught was “the most massive airstrike” on the country since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, taking into account both drones and various types of missiles, Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for Ukraine’s air force, told The Associated Press. The attack targeted several regions, including western Ukraine, far from the front line. Poland and allied countries scrambled aircraft to ensure the safety of Polish airspace, the country’s air force said. Three people were killed in each of the drone strikes in the Kherson, Kharkiv and the Dnipropetrovsk regions, according to the three governors. Another person was killed by an airstrike in Kostyantynivka, local officials said. In addition to aerial attacks, a man died when Russian troops shelled the city of Kherson, and the body of a 70-year-old woman was found under the rubble of a nine-story building hit by Russian shelling in the Zaporizhzhia region. In the far-western Lviv region, a large fire broke out at an industrial facility in the city of Drohobych following a drone attack that also cut electricity to parts of the city. Ukraine’s air force said one of its F-16 warplanes supplied by its Western partners crashed after sustaining damage while shooting down air targets. The pilot died. Russian troops reportedly advance in Donetsk Russia’s Defense Ministry said it had shot down three Ukrainian drones overnight. Two people were wounded in another Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Bryansk in western Russia, regional Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said Sunday morning, adding that seven more Ukrainian drones had been shot down over the region. Meanwhile, Russia claimed Sunday that it had taken control of the village of Novoukrainka in the partially Russian-occupied Donetsk region. Russian forces have been slowly grinding forward at some points on the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, though their incremental gains have been costly in terms of troop casualties and damaged armor. In other developments, Russia’s foreign intelligence chief, Sergei Naryshkin, said he had spoken on the phone with his U.S. counterpart, CIA Director John Ratcliffe. “I had a phone call with my American counterpart and we reserved for each other the possibility to call at any time and discuss issues of interest to us,” Naryshkin said in remarks to state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin, who posted them on his Telegram channel on Sunday. Sunday’s attacks follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comments two days ago that Moscow is ready for a fresh round of direct peace talks in Istanbul. Two recent rounds of talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul were brief and yielded no progress on reaching a settlement. Zelenskyy withdraws Ukraine from an anti-land mine pact Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree to withdraw Ukraine from the Ottawa Convention banning antipersonnel land mines, a Ukrainian lawmaker said Sunday. The move follows similar recent steps by the Baltic states and Poland. The 1997 treaty prohibits the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of antipersonnel […]

Chareidi Parties Said To Threaten New Boycott Until Army Exemptions Legislated

Matzav -

The chareidi parties in the Knesset are once again threatening to halt their support for coalition-sponsored legislation unless progress is made on a bill that would officially exempt yeshiva students from military service.

According to a report by Channel 12, the boycott would apply specifically to private member bills brought forward by coalition MKs. Though the outlet did not cite specific sources, the move is said to mirror tactics used earlier this year to pressure the government into acting on the long-sought exemptions.

Tensions over the delayed legislation flared again this month, prompting the chareidi factions to briefly support a proposal to dissolve the Knesset and call for early elections. That threat was withdrawn at the last moment following a compromise, which led to the vote’s defeat.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has reportedly turned to Likud MK Yuli Edelstein, head of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, to help steer the legislation forward. Even if the bill doesn’t reach a final vote in the near term, Netanyahu is said to be pressing for a formal draft to be submitted soon.

While Edelstein is reportedly dissatisfied with the compromise that was brokered with the chareidi parties, he ultimately agreed to it due to sensitive security considerations. According to the report, he feared internal political instability could jeopardize U.S. involvement in military action against Iran.

Now that the 12-day conflict with Iran has ended, the chareidi factions are renewing their demands to move the exemption bill forward in the Knesset.

Organizations advocating for the enlistment of chareidim are expected to meet with Edelstein in the coming days, Channel 12 added. These groups have already expressed dissatisfaction with the current compromise proposal and plan to push for significant changes.

On Friday, Netanyahu held a conversation with Edelstein to brief him on recent security developments. The two also discussed the draft legislation regarding the chareidi exemption during that call.

Sources close to Edelstein that he intends to revisit the framework with chareidi leaders in an attempt to make “improvements” to the current compromise.

Edelstein has previously maintained that any draft law passed through his committee must include penalties for chareidi men who ignore enlistment orders. The current compromise, however, offers a more lenient version, with lighter consequences and scaled-back mandatory enlistment requirements for the chareidi public.

Adding fuel to the fire, MK Moshe Gafni of Degel HaTorah provoked backlash last week when he remarked that he fails to understand why Israel is still engaged in fighting in Gaza.

{Matzav.com Israel}

WATCH: CNN Host Admits: Trump Has Opponents “On the Run” After String Of Military, Economic, Political Triumphs

Yeshiva World News -

CNN host Michael Smerconish delivered an on-air assessment Saturday, arguing President Donald Trump is “on a roll” and enjoying the strongest stretch of his second term yet, citing the president’s series of military, economic, and political victories that have left opponents scrambling. “Donald Trump is having a moment,” Smerconish declared at the top of his CNN program, acknowledging his own past criticism of the president but insisting that “viewed objectively,” the past 10 days have been Trump’s best since returning to the White House. Among the highlights, Smerconish pointed to Trump’s precision bombing campaign against Iran’s nuclear facilities, praising its stealth and the absence of American casualties. He also noted Trump’s willingness to engage on a ceasefire, which the CNN host described as a sign of more layered governing. On the economic front, Smerconish cited record stock market highs, falling inflation, and a surge in blue-collar wage growth — 1.7% in Trump’s first five months, the largest such jump in nearly three generations. Foreign policy achievements were also on Smerconish’s list: NATO allies doubling their contributions, a trade deal with China, and an apparent lack of damaging fallout from the administration’s tariff policies. The CNN host additionally highlighted new data from Pew Research showing Trump “won a bigger percentage of the Latino vote than previously believed,” and that even in a scenario of maximum voter turnout in 2024, Trump would still have prevailed. Smerconish argued that Trump’s second term is fundamentally different from the first, with a loyalist cabinet and a more methodical style of governing. “Winning became a punchline that Trump’s opponents used to lampoon him in his first administration,” he said. “This time he came with a plan … no longer solely guided by winning each day’s news cycle.” He closed with his conclusion: “By any objective measure, President Trump has his opponents on the run.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Sudden Passing of 12-Year-Old Yona Meisels z”l

Matzav -

The community of Kiryas Yoel is mourning the sudden petirah of Yona Meisels z”l, a 12-year-old boy from the Bloomingrove community, who passed away over Shabbos.

Yona did not have any known medical conditions. On Shabbos, he began feeling unwell and was rushed to the hospital, where, tragically, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was niftar shortly thereafter.

Yona was the beloved son of Rav Chaim Yechezkel Meisels, a member of the Satmar kehillah in Bloomingrove.

A talmid at the local Satmar Talmud Torah, Yona was known for his sweet nature and lovable personality.

The levayah was held this morning in Kiryas Yoel.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

Tropical Storms Barry And Flossie Threaten Mexico’s Southeast And Southwest Coasts

Yeshiva World News -

Tropical Storm Barry formed Sunday near Mexico’s southeast coast and is expected to drench the region for several days. The storm’s center was located about 90 miles (140 kilometers) east-southeast of Tuxpan, Mexico and about 165 miles (about 265 kilometers) southeast of Tampico, Mexico, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. It had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and was moving northwest at 6 mph (9 kph). A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coast of Mexico from Boca de Catan southward to Tecolutla. The storm is expected to strengthen slightly before it reaches the coast of southeastern Mexico. Rapid weakening is expected after the system moves inland. Forecasters said that the storm could dump three to six inches (eight to 15 centimeters) of rain with an isolated maximum total of 10 inches (25 centimeters) across Veracruz, San Luis Potosi, and Tamaulipas through Monday. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Flossie formed off Mexico’s southwest coast. It was located about 240 miles (390 kilometers) south of Acapulco and was moving west at 9 mph (15 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph). A tropical storm watch was in effected for Mexico’s southwest coast from Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes. Flossie is expected to become a hurricane on Monday or Tuesday, but remains in open waters just west of Mexico. Forecasters said the storm could dump three to six inches (eight to 15 centimeters) of rain with an isolated maximum total of 10 inches (25 centimeters) across parts of Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco through early next week. (AP)

Rubio Meets With Hostage Families: ‘Real Victory In Gaza Will Be When They Are All Home’

Matzav -

Secretary of State Marco Rubio held his first meeting with families of the hostages still held in Gaza since taking office in January, according to a statement released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. The meeting took place in Washington, D.C., on Erev Shabbos.

“The real victory in Gaza will be achieved only when all the hostages return home,” Rubio told the families during the discussion, as reported by the forum.

Rubio also reportedly emphasized that the United States is playing a pivotal role in shaping events in the Middle East, pointing to recent Israeli military gains against Hezbollah in Lebanon as well as setbacks faced by the Iranian regime.

In attendance were several relatives of those still being held by Hamas and other terror factions, including Moshe Lavie, brother-in-law of Omri Miran; Ilya David, whose brother Evyatar remains captive; Tzur Goldin, brother of fallen IDF officer Hadar Goldin; and Iair Horn, himself a freed hostage, whose brother Eitan remains imprisoned in Gaza.

During the meeting, the families told Rubio that the current moment presents a crucial opportunity to secure a comprehensive agreement for the release of all the remaining hostages. They conveyed hope that the administration of President Donald Trump would help bring such a deal to fruition.

They urged Rubio to push for decisive action, stressing that now is the time for a “bold decision” that would result in the return of all hostages “in one fell swoop.”

President Trump, speaking Friday, expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating that a ceasefire in Gaza could be finalized “within the next week.”

From the Oval Office, Trump told reporters he had just spoken with individuals involved in the ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal, though he did not disclose any names or details.

Currently, Gaza-based terror groups are believed to be holding 50 hostages. Among them are 49 of the 251 individuals abducted during the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023. Israeli military sources say that at least 28 of the hostages are confirmed to be dead. Of the remaining captives, 20 are thought to still be alive.

{Matzav.com}

CHASDEI HASHEM: Shin Bet Thwarts Major Hamas Network In Chevron, One of the Largest In Recent Years

Matzav -

Israeli security services have dismantled a large and dangerous Hamas network that had been active in the Chevron region, with concrete plans to launch attacks on Israelis in the near term.

The extensive operation, coordinated between the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), the IDF, and the Judea and Samaria branch of the Israel Police, led to the arrest of more than 60 individuals affiliated with Hamas. A large portion of those detained were previously incarcerated and had since returned to terror-related activity, including gathering intelligence, training with firearms, assembling explosive devices, and crafting bombs for future use.

Shin Bet described this as the most extensive and sophisticated Hamas infrastructure discovered and taken apart in Judea and Samaria in over ten years. Authorities say they successfully disrupted approximately ten separate terror squads that were preparing imminent attacks. As part of the operation, security forces confiscated 22 guns, 11 grenades, and a substantial stockpile of ammunition. A concealed underground space used both for storing weapons and hiding fugitives was also located.

Further probing revealed that some of those taken into custody had been involved in previous terror operations. One of the suspects was linked to the deadly 2010 shooting at the Be’er Naim junction, which claimed the lives of four Israelis: Yitzhak and Tali Ames, Kochava Even Chaim, and Avishai Schindler. Other suspects were found to have provided weapons for a 2023 attack at the Tunnel Checkpoint, where Corporal Avraham Patna lost his life.

A high-ranking official in Shin Bet commented, “Most of the members of the infrastructure are former prisoners and experienced in investigations. The group operated under strict secrecy and maintaining confidentiality, and its exposure is a top-tier intelligence and operational achievement.”

Prosecutors have filed severe criminal charges against those arrested, including leadership of a terrorist group, attempted premeditated murder, and murder. Both Shin Bet and the IDF reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to confront any threat to Israeli lives, stressing that even crimes committed many years ago will not be ignored.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israel, Syria Nearing Historic Peace Deal by 2025, Including Golan Withdrawal, Says Syrian Source

Yeshiva World News -

Israel and Syria are on track to sign a landmark peace agreement before the end of 2025, according to a Syrian source speaking to i24NEWS. Under the reported framework, Israel would gradually withdraw from all Syrian territory it seized during its incursion into the buffer zone on December 8, including the strategic peak of Mount Hermon. The deal, if finalized, would fully normalize ties between the two longtime adversaries, with one source describing the Golan Heights as being transformed into “a garden for peace.”

98 Lives Lost, But No Final Answers Yet: Four Years Later, Surfside Condo Collapse Still Under Investigation

Yeshiva World News -

More than four years after a Florida condominium collapse killed 98 people, federal investigators have yet to make a final determination of the cause — but they do have some leading theories. The National Institute of Standards and Technology, the agency handling the probe, said this week it hopes to conclude the investigation in 2026. “We intend for our investigation of this failure to have a lasting impact, save future lives and ensure this never happens again,” NIST investigator Judith Mitrani-Reiser said in the agency’s latest report. Most residents were asleep in the 12-story Champlain Towers South when the beachfront condo building in Surfside, Florida, collapsed into a huge pile of rubble at 1:22 a.m. on June 24, 2021. As the investigation continued, a Miami judge approved a more than $1 billion settlement for personal injury and wrongful death claims from the disaster. Meanwhile, a new luxury condominium is going up at the Champlain Towers site, a few miles north of Miami. What caused the collapse? NIST has zeroed in on what it calls three “higher-likelihood” scenarios, all related to construction flaws that date to the beginning of the 40-year-old structure. “These conditions existed from the time construction was complete, 40 years before the partial collapse,” said Glen Bell, co-lead investigator on NIST’s National Construction Safety Team. One possibility is the failure of a connection between a building column and the pool deck slab that never met building code standards. Another is that steel reinforcement “was not placed where it should have been,” which meant the column and pool deck were far too weak. And a third theory is that work done later around the pool — when heavy planters, sand and pavers were added — increased the weight load on a deck “that was already functionally and structurally inadequate.” The NIST report also notes that support columns in the building’s basement parking garage had been exposed to frequent flooding, which causes corrosion in steel reinforcements and concrete deterioration. Are there other theories? Investigators did not find evidence of voids in the ground under the building, known as “karst.” Using satellite data, the NIST team found there was no sinking or settling underneath Champlain Towers, which would indicate existence of karst. In addition, investigators found the limestone upon which the condo was built was “sufficient to carry the building loads” and that testing of the concrete supporting Champlain Towers had “adequate material strength.” One challenge for investigators was the lack of any available records from the original building construction and not many from its earlier years. How are other condo buildings handling new rules? After Surfside, state legislators enacted a law in 2022 requiring condo associations to have sufficient reserves to cover major repairs. Some residents were caught off guard by hefty fees imposed to cover years of deferred maintenance expenses required to bring their buildings into compliance with the law’s standards. Gov. Ron DeSantis this week signed new legislation allowing some condo associations to fund their reserves through a loan or line of credit. It also gives residents more flexibility to pause payments into reserve funds while they prioritize needed repairs. It extends the deadline for condo associations to complete structural integrity studies and exempts some smaller buildings from those studies. “Now it’s time to make the change,” state Sen. Ed Hooper said. “Elderly people […]

Jerusalem Court Cancels Netanyahu’s Criminal Trial Testimony, Grants Delay for Diplomatic Issues

Yeshiva World News -

The Jerusalem District Court announced that it is canceling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony in his criminal trial this week, following his appearance in a closed-door court session today on the matter. Netanyahu requested in court that his scheduled testimony for the next two weeks be delayed due to diplomatic and national security issues, after two such requests were rejected on Friday.

Judges Accept Request: Netanyahu Won’t Testify In Court This Week

Matzav -

On Sunday, the Yerushalayim District Court agreed to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s request to delay his court appearances, meaning he will not be required to take the stand this week.

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu appeared in court to present his reasons for seeking a postponement, citing regional developments as justification for the delay.

Just two days earlier, the court had turned down Netanyahu’s initial bid to pause his testimony for two weeks. He had argued that pressing matters of national importance, including political and security concerns, made it impossible for him to participate in the hearings as scheduled.

In response to that rejection, Netanyahu submitted a renewed application asking to cancel the testimony dates. Accompanying this request was a sealed envelope detailing his schedule for the coming week. His attorney, Amit Hadad, stated, “The defense believed that submitting a request to postpone the hearings just one day after the conclusion of the historic campaign should have been obvious. However, given the prosecution’s position and the court’s decision, a partial schedule for the Prime Minister for the upcoming week is being submitted to the court in a sealed envelope.”

Hadad further wrote, “The partial schedule is due to additional discussions and matters that cannot be outlined or presented in the current format, taking into account the dynamics and ongoing developments. A review of the schedule will clarify the national need for the Prime Minister to devote all his time and energy to the political, national, and security issues at hand. Once the Prime Minister’s schedule for the following week is finalized, a similar envelope will be submitted to the court.”

Despite the submission, the court turned down most of the new request, stating, “Without going into details—generally, the schedule presented does not contain data, details, or extraordinary matters that could justify canceling hearings. The only exception to this is the first item on Monday, June 30, 2025. In light of the mentioned activity, the hearing on that day will start at 11:30. Subject to that, the request is denied.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Sergeant Yisrael Natan Rosenfeld Killed In Battle In Jabaliya

Matzav -

The IDF announced on Sunday the tragic loss of Sergeant Yisrael Natan Rosenfeld, a 20-year-old soldier from Ra’anana, who was killed during a military operation in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

Rosenfeld served in the 601st Combat Engineering Battalion, which is part of the 401st Armored Brigade.

The deadly incident occurred in Jabaliya shortly after 11:00 a.m., when an explosive device detonated as a team of IDF Armored Corps soldiers approached a structure during a targeted raid.

Thankfully, no other troops were injured in the blast. The military has opened an investigation to determine the precise details surrounding the event.

Since the resumption of the Gaza campaign in March 2025, 30 Israeli soldiers have been killed, with 21 of those deaths caused by explosive devices.

Since the start of the IDF’s ground operation in Gaza, a total of 438 soldiers have lost their lives.

{Matzav.com Israel}

KIDDUSH HASHEM: Children’s Star Michal “Michal HaKtanah” Weizmann Observes Shabbos for the Hostages: “We Will See Miracles and Wonders”

Matzav -

Popular Israeli actress and children’s entertainer Michal Weizmann, widely known as Michal HaKtanah, made a public commitment to fully observe Shabbos this past weekend, dedicating it as a zechus for the return of the hostages held in Gaza.

“This Shabbos, I chose to stop,” Weizmann wrote on her Instagram account. “A Shabbos of Rosh Chodesh. A Shabbos of new beginnings. A Shabbos I chose to keep in full, turning off my phone, opening my heart, and letting the light in.”

Weizmann explained the intention behind her observance: “I kept this Shabbos for the sake of our hostages, to bring them home now! For our soldiers, that they should return in peace. For my children. And for an entire nation that needs healing.”

She concluded with a heartfelt message of faith and unity: “It was a Shabbos of tikkun, of tefillah, of a silence that shakes the heavens. I’m taking this step with complete faith. Because when we are united and bring light, darkness disappears on its own. I promise you…very soon we’ll see miracles and wonders!”

Amein kein yehi ratzon.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Doctors Urge Vigilance Against Ticks as Lyme-Carrying Deer Ticks Expand Their Range

Yeshiva World News -

Ticks can be active in any season and it’s important to check for and remove the bloodsuckers as quickly as possible — especially after you’ve been outside hiking, gardening or enjoying nature. “Humans are outside more in summer so we hear about more tick infections,” said Sam Telford, an infectious diseases expert at Tufts University. But he urges caution year-round because “every season is tick season.” While tick populations vary a lot regionally, some Northeastern states including Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are seeing “above average” numbers of American dog ticks this year, said Telford. And New York state is seeing a higher number of reported deer tick bites this year than last year, said Saravanan Thangamani, who studies tick-borne diseases at SUNY Upstate Medical University. How ticks can spread disease Ticks, like mosquitos, need to feed on blood. But instead of a quick prick, they are slow feeders – with hooked mouth parts that attach into the skin of deer, rabbits, dogs and people. There are many different species of ticks found globally and only some spread germs that can make people sick. A main worry is blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks, which can spread Lyme disease. Once found mainly in New England and pockets of the Midwest, the ticks are now present over a wider range. A tick bite doesn’t always lead to illness. “If you remove a tick within 24 hours of attachment, it’s fairly unlikely that you will get infected,” said Telford. How to check for ticks Ticks are usually found low to the ground, in leaf litter or grassy areas. Check your clothing for ticks and do a full-body check including under the arms and behind ears, knees and hair. “If you’re out all day long, try to do a quick check for ticks every few hours,” said Bobbi Pritt at the Mayo Clinic. “When you go back inside, take a shower. That will wash off any unattached ticks, and you’re also more likely to spot any other ticks.” Use tweezers to remove the tick and grasp it as close to the skin as possible to pull from the head. If you don’t have them handy, you can also use your fingernails, the edge of a credit card or any semi-sharp object. How to keep ticks away The best approach is to minimize tick exposure altogether. Bug sprays containing ingredients such as DEET can be sprayed on exposed skin to ward off ticks and mosquitos, said Telford. Wear long sleeves and pants, and you can also spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin, a chemical similar to a natural ingredient in chrysanthemums that makes ticks avoid the flowers. Protect your pets from ticks Don’t forget to pay attention to outdoor pets. Medications can prevent fleas and ticks from attaching to a dog’s skin. But it’s still a good idea to check the fur after being outside. “Wherever pets can’t easily groom themselves, that’s where the ticks will be – on the ears, around the muzzle area, under the collar, between the toes,” said Thangamani. Dogs and cats roaming outdoors can also bring ticks into the house. “If pets bring ticks in, a tick can live in the house for months until it finds its next blood meal,” which could be another household member, he said. What to do after a […]

Dreaming of Getting Smicha? Make It a Reality!

Yeshiva World News -

Looking for a structured program that will give you the tools and resources you need to get Smicha? Hilchos Shabbos? Dayanus? Chuppah v’Kiddushin? Join Machon Smicha, the premier halachah institute serving the English-speaking Torah community. Machon Smicha is a unique, online, halacha-learning program that makes learning, getting tested and receiving smicha possible. We offer rigorous and structured learning programs in halachah across a broad spectrum of topics, which enables learners to grow and succeed in their Torah learning, from the novice to the scholar. Be empowered to learn Shulchan Aruch like never before, from the Mishnah and Gemara all the way to contemporary Poskim and Minhagim. Our programs include:  Smicha: Achieve your dream of finally receiving smicha in a program that will empower you to succeed, Shabbos: Learn and master Hilchos Shabbos, from the original sources down to their practical application Chuppah v’Kiddushin: Become proficient in the halachos of weddings and marriage, and become equipped to be a mesader kiddushin. Dayanus: Dive deep into the halachos of beis din, halachic litigation, business, and interpersonal responsibility. Machon Smicha offers each student a complete curriculum, consisting of: Online portal with access to all the program content. Flexible schedule. Shiurim. English Study Guide, containing introductions, overviews, translations, and in-depth summaries of every halachah. Access to forums and teachers for questions, discussions, etc. Rabbi and teachers available to answer questions and aid in the learning. Quizzes, review material, and mock tests. Tests with prominent rabbis. Signed certificate for those who successfully complete the program. Machon Smicha’s next semester begins on July 6th, 2025To learn more, or to apply, visit onlinemachon.com.

Pages

Subscribe to NativUSA Portal aggregator