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Faygie Holt

Faygie Holt

Faygie Holt is the columns editor and editor of the JNS Wire.

One element that everyone agrees will be critical for Jewish organizations at the frontlines of providing assistance to their communities is some assistance from the federal government.
“This election garnered more than twice as many votes as the election in 2015 and the highest since the election opened up to the entire American Jewish community 30 years ago,” said Herbert Block, executive director of the American Zionist Movement.
Jewish federations, denominations, day schools, Hebrew classes and synagogues are adapting to weeks and possibly months of social distancing and quarantines due to the pandemic.
“We’re also going to use the National Guard in the containment area to deliver food to homes, to help with the cleaning of public spaces,” said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Synagogues, day schools, Jewish community centers and other groups are deciding how they will celebrate what is perhaps the most festive Jewish holiday, especially for families.
There is a “virus” of hate right now in America, stated New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, acknowledging that “I thought New York would be immune from it.”
Concerns about a lack of supplies are battering industries worldwide as the coronavirus spreads and the shutdown in China continues.
Questions of who should get taught, what students know and how they are learning have come to the forefront as the rise in anti-Semitism continues in North America and Europe.
The security summit took place as anti-Semitic incidents and vandalism continue to be reported in Ocean County, N.J., particularly in the towns of Lakewood and Jackson.
“ ‘Rise Up Ocean County’ has been operating under the pretense of opposing overdevelopment; in reality, the group was dedicated to disparaging Orthodox Jews, using ugly tropes that have plagued society for too long,” said Avi Schnall, executive director of Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office.
Along with its increasing popularity come some significant challenges, such as finding qualified educators to run classes and programs.
The EMS organization sent in 2,000 face masks and 200 full-body protection kits; the latter includes special suits and masks, along with covers for shoes, hats and glasses in the event of contact with a person who may be sick.