Colors: Cyan Color

This week, former President Joe Biden’s office announced a devastating diagnosis: an aggressive form of prostate cancer, graded a Gleason score of 9, with metastases to his bones. The news, first reported after a “small nodule” was found during a medical exam earlier this month, has sent shockwaves through the nation. Regardless of one’s political stance, this is tragic news, and no one should celebrate or take pleasure in Biden’s suffering. However, the timing and circumstances of this revelation raise profound questions about transparency, trust, and the integrity of those who led the country during Biden’s presidency (as it was clearly not Joe Biden).

No one can deny that the levels of anti-Semitism in the United States have increased since the attacks on October 7. In the past year and a half, anti-Semitic incidents have skyrocketed, particularly among younger generations. It is increasingly fashionable to echo some of the most vile conspiracy theories and lies about Jews, both online and in person. What is causing this increase, and what can be done to stop it, is still very much up for debate.

You read the headline right: We are only 100 days into Trump’s second term. As Donald Trump has done more than the last five presidents combined during his first 100 days, it feels like a lot longer. He has issued over 300 executive orders and actions, significantly more than his predecessors. He’s done 50 interviews and 150 press gaggles, compared to Biden’s 22 interviews and 50 press gaggles. He’s traveled more, both nationally and internationally, and met with more world leaders. The only thing Trump has done less in his first 100 days than Biden is take vacation days.

There were many people in our community who celebrated Donald Trump’s return to the White House as if it were the coming of the Messiah. The adulation is misplaced. President Trump has done some good things for Israel and the community. We should give our political support to those who are responsive to our needs. But we should never put all of our trust in any politician. Recent events have shown that Trump supporters may well be disillusioned.

As a black woman in New York State, I believe there are protections in place to protect myself and my family from intimidation and violence. But, as a Jew, our new state budget has a weak and pathetic mask law that says, “We don’t care.” In fact, it gives a green light to masked protesters who prey upon Jews throughout our State.