Daniel Lubetzky

Daniel’s good friend pointed us towards an important cause: America is currently facing an education crisis, where 1/3 of current eighth grade students will not graduate college, and one of the biggest causes is that kids lack fundamental Algebra skills.  Sylvan, a learning center for kids of all ages, has stepped up to the challenge with the Algebra Fitness Challenge, a free Algebra test that kids can take to identify their strengths and weaknesses in the subject.  This tool hopes to begin to solve the extant algebra problem, and can be taken at Fit 4 Algebra.

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

OneVoice was busy on the Hill this week, as Youth Leaders Eyal and Obada discussed their work to support a two state solution.  Ambassador Philip Wilcox moderated the panel as they moved to discuss the Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN, and the event was covered by C-Span.

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

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This article dissects  the mixed emotions attached to the upcoming UN Vote for Palestinian Statehood, as described by Uri Avnery, and lays out the potential that this vote can achieve. 

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

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This article is worth reading as it delineates the seven main threats that Israel is currently facing, according to former National Security Council anti-terrorism chief Richard Clarke, foiled by Efraim Halevy’s view that with compromise, Israel will be able to achieve many of her goals despite the abounding threats. 

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

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A recent report from Phil Lempert reveals that whole grains are one of the top 5 “brain foods,” meaning that they improve concentration and provide ample energy throughout the day.  Whole grains are especially crucial for children, to help them get through a school day, and are equally useful for adults as whole grains are said to enhance memory.

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

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While it is not rosy or pleasant to read, this article from Ethan Bronner provides an excellent analysis of the socio-political forces internally shaping both Turkish and Israeli politics and impacting geo-political realities as a result. It also sadly underlines that some politicians put their own careers ahead of the wellbeing of their nations. It is easier to score political goals by appealing to ultra-nationalism. True leaders who place their countries ahead of their political careers, and whose leadership qualities are strong enough to enable them to do this while still succeeding in galvanizing their constituents behind them, are rarer.

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This article by Tom Friedman, widely covered in the Israeli media, sadly but accurately recaps Netanyahu’s failure as a national and strategic leader, hurting not just Israel but the US, the Palestinians, and the world, because he puts his personal political standing ahead of Israel’s national interests.

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“ I honestly think it is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate.”

- George Burns

Although Women’s Health chose to feature KIND Mini’s as a “Best Packaged Food for Women,” this is no mini accomplishment! The publication praised the mini bars for being a concentrated source of energy that can “tide-you-over… without breaking the calorie bank,” without failing to mention that they are yummy to boot.  At the same time, Better Nutrition  dubbed KIND Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate + Protein as a superstar in the “Best Natural Product” category.  Check out more about these honors on the KIND Blog , here and here!

by Adeena Schlussel

Dr. Oz did extensive tests on apple juice and determined that about 60% of the apple juice found in US shelves comes from China and much of it is contaminated with arsenic. 

That China has terrible safety food standards does not surprise me. That good ol’ American apple juice boxes for little kids come from China does, and scares me.

As a general rule, any toy or food product that comes from China concerns me for their lax standards with lead, etc. and I try to avoid my kids from coming in contact with it. But it is hard given how extensive Chinese penetration is across all consumer goods.

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