vital information: Fwd: News From Agudah 21 Shevat 5784, January 31, 20249

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: The Agudah <news@agudah.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 31, 2024, 6:15 PM
Subject: News From Agudah 21 Shevat 5784, January 31, 20249
To: <agentemes4@gmail.com>

January 31, 2024 - 21 Shevat 5784

In today's News from Agudah: Following up on yesterday's action alert about a Chicago vote, see Agudah of Illinois' statement; a fascinating newspaper clipping from Ha'aretz from the very first Yarchei Kallah; Pirchei 2023 - a review of a very packed year; and a spotlight on Gesher Cleveland.

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Agudath Israel of Illinois Statement on Chicago City Council Passing Anti-Israel Resolution

Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson cast the tie-breaking vote to pass a city resolution that undermines the United States' support of Israel and attempts to take away Israel's autonomy to choose the most effective way to keep its citizens safe. Agudath Israel of Illinois is deeply disappointed with this development, as Chicago is the largest city in the US to pass such a one-sided divisive resolution.

The resolution does not put the blame for the current war in Gaza on the perpetrator of the violence of October 7th – Hamas, a recognized terror organization. It does not independently call for the unconditional release of the hostages held by Hamas – including men, women and children, among them senior citizens and a one-year-old baby – right now.

Agudath Israel thanks Alderwoman Debra Silverstein and the other 22 aldermen who stood strong in their opposition to the resolution.

Did You Know?

Agudas Yisroel's Yarchei Kallah was originally a solidarity mission of chizuk for the Yidden in Eretz Yisroel during the second Intifada.

Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt"l advised Agudah that their mission members should stay in one place in Eretz Yisroel and spend their time learning instead of touring. Why? Because Torah Magna U'Matzla - learning Torah protects us from evil and saves us from misfortune.

See this fascinating article from Haaretz discussing the first Yarchei Kallah and its unique character.

An integral part of the learning at Yarchei Kallah has always been its serving as protection for those in Eretz Yisroel. Unfortunately, now more than ever, this year's Yarchei Kallah rings with this message - Torah Magna U'Matzla!

May the learning accomplished at this year's Yarchei Kallah serve as a zechus for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel.

Click here to see full article

Pirchei Year in Review

What a jam-packed 2023 Pirchei had! Take a look at all the Shabbatons, siyumim, and events that Pirchei held over the last year and see for yourself why thousands of boys take part in our programs and activities. Looking forward to an even better 2024!

Mishna Rishona Sponsor

Today's Mishna Rishona is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Zev Hertz.

To sponsor a day of Mishnayos, and have the z`chus of hundreds of children`s learning for a Yartzeit or for any occasion call 845.304.7781 or email mslevine@agudah.org.

Spotlight on Ohio

Gesher is a branch of Agudath Israel of Ohio that assists the Cleveland community with navigating government programs and resources. Below are cases Gesher was recently involved with.

Mazel tov! The Goldbergs* had a baby boy! Unfortunately, the preemie had to stay in the hospital for a few months and could not have his bris milah until the hospital gave him a clean bill of health. With Gesher's help, the Goldbergs applied for Medicaid, food stamps, and other government programs for their son, but all the documentation had "Baby Boy Goldberg" instead of a first name. Once the baby was healthy and home, the Goldbergs called Gesher after the bris, overwhelmed with re-applying for all the programs with their baby's new name. Gesher made sure that the baby's name was registered properly, and the Goldbergs could breathe easy.

Shlomo* walked into the Gesher office, hoping to get help renewing his Medicaid. During his meeting, the person helping him pointed out to Shlomo that he was eligible for WIC simply because he was on Medicaid. Shlomo had had no idea; receiving WIC would be a tremendous help for him. Gesher explained to Shlomo exactly how to prove his WIC eligibility using Medicaid and walked him through the application process. When Shlomo went to his WIC appointment, he knew exactly what to say and how to prove his eligibility, and Baruch Hashem was approved.

To contact Gesher, call 216.862.4559 or email info@geshercleveland.org .