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Gues Commentary |
Global Zionist citizenship, an updated anifesto

by Rabbi Leor Sinai


Zionism, initially defined as the national movement of the Jewish People, has made a huge comeback onto Global Jewry's agenda.

Organizations across the globe, including the Government of Israel, are investing tremendous resources into the reclamation and re-education of Zionism. On the one hand the term has been hijacked by others for the purposes of delegitimization, anti-Israel activities, and in some cases lending creed to the age-old dehumanization of Jews – and in the modern sense – the State of Israel. Depriving Zionism's human qualities is a strategy employed by those who seek Israel's destruction, nothing less.

Viewpoints
Yes, anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism, hence the global Jewish response. On the other hand, the philosophy and practice of Zionism has not moved on with the times, as it had in the past. As a result, the disengagement from Zionism has led to the hijacking of Zionism.

The events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas invaded southern Israel, murdering, kidnapping, and terrorizing innocent civilians, cast a harsh light on this reality. What followed – both the ensuing war and the alarming surge of antisemitism across Western societies – has fundamentally altered the discourse around Zionism and Jewish identity in the global context. For many Jews worldwide, these events evoked painful historical echoes of times when Jews were hunted and persecuted, challenging the post-1948 narrative of safety and acceptance.


These developments have forced many Jews to reconsider the balance between universalism and the particular needs of Jewish safety and continuity.

One of the challenges we must overcome is understanding our collective, and specifically our youth's, self-identification with Global Citizenship. Whereas prior to the State of Israel's independence the stateless Jew was relegated to her/his own group-identity (or ghetto), 1948 changed all that. Just as Herzl willed it, and predicted it, Israel – and by extension today's Jew – has gone global. In reaction to global citizenship, ethnocentricity is seemingly less appealing. With the advancement of technology, high speed communications, accessible trans-continental transportation, and high-volume global human-interactions, today's Jew may find her/himself torn within the tension of Jewish-group self-preservation versus global-group-identity.

This tension has only intensified since October 7. While global Jewry actively seeks to participate in social justice causes, global economies, business innovation, and other areas of development, the violent targeting of Israelis and the subsequent rise of Jew-hatred across university campuses, social media, and public spaces have raised sobering red flags. These developments have forced many Jews to reconsider the balance between universalism and the particular needs of Jewish safety and continuity.

Generally speaking, the social media generation inspired by the global trends, may no longer see themselves as "chosen"; not within the bare-minimum sense of belonging to one ethnic group, nor to the land for that matter, rather they seem themselves as are part of the larger global social-group of loosely affiliated and overlapping layers of group-identity (i.e., American, LGBTQ, universal values, global citizenship, entrepreneurship, and more) competing with the collective Jewish identity and narrative. It is important that as part of our reclamation, redefining and re-education of Zionism, that we consider incorporating a global, perhaps ambiguous, understanding of what Zionism means today. Rather than trying to pinpoint what Zionism means, we may opt for a wider definition; a definition of Zionism that is wide enough to include the variety of sub-group identities Jews belong to, and safe enough to ensure historical continuity, peoplehood, and mission, as part of Zionism's original principle of taking action – anchored in national aspirations.

The post-October 7 reality demands that this wider definition also acknowledge the renewed awareness of vulnerability while reaffirming the commitment to engage with the world. If we expect others, including our youth, to feel included in our collective identity, we should feel comfortable enough exploring what Zionism means to others.


Early Zionist thought was fed by visions of a utopia ...

Here is my purposely ambiguous meaning of Zionism: Zionism is the physical manifestation of the Jewish soul.

Transmission of Zionism is experiential; it is through experientialism – based on imminent truths – that we are connected to real-world events. We explore, we ask questions, and we reveal purpose. Seeking clarity, purpose, and answers to difficult questions, permeates throughout our history. We identify inquiry and find purpose throughout Israelite cultic practice, Rabbinic Judaism, and of course Zionism, all rooted in experientialism, in reaction to the world we live in. It was only after Jacob's earthly wrestling with Gd's presence that Jacob transformed to Isra-el: "…for you have struggled with Gd and with humanity and have prevailed…" (Genesis 32:28). Jacob underwent a transformation, as did Jacob's "Children of Israel" whom upon earthly experiences – perhaps revelation at Sinai – transformed to the People of Israel, and later through post-exilic experiences to the Nation of Israel and of course the State of Israel, all experiential, all transformative, and all in reaction to the world we live in and collective events we experienced.

Today's Zionism, particularly in the aftermath of October 7, seeks its next exposé – one that acknowledges pain and trauma while refusing to abandon hope and the pursuit of a better future.

Early Zionist thought was fed by visions of a utopia, of an Israel that would be perfect and once it came to be, the modern nation-state would initiate a wave of understanding and co-existence resulting in an ideal global community. The visions of a utopia have yet to be realized, if ever, yet entry into the global community of nations is a reality that continues to alter the Jews' psyche from exilic and excluded, to welcomed and accepted – by and large – among the family of nations. As a result, and in reaction to ongoing geo-political global events, Zionism as it was is questioned.


This mission remains unchanged, even as recent events have tested our resolve.

The war that followed October 7 and the troubling global responses to it have complicated this narrative. They serve as stark reminders that acceptance remains conditional for many Jews, that antisemitism can rapidly resurface in moments of crisis, and that Israel's legitimacy continues to be questioned in ways no other nation-state experiences. And yet, despite these harsh realities, we strive to look forward, hopeful for a time when light overcomes darkness. We refuse to abandon the vision of a future where both particular Jewish security and universal human flourishing can coexist.

My hope is that we as a collective awaken, focus on what binds us, rather than what separates us, and leapfrog Zionism into an era Herzl and our ancestors could only dream of. Moving forward will require us to let go of the past – not forgetting our past – but willing to move forward from the past and into a globalized perception of self, a global Zionist citizenship.

As no longer a people scattered in exile, but as a nation among nations we must see ourselves through a global prism, and only then will we be successful in reclaiming, redefining and re-educating Zionism, our destiny, succeeding in the delivery of l'dor va'dor, from generation to generation. This mission remains unchanged, even as recent events have tested our resolve. Perhaps it is precisely in such moments of challenge that our commitment to a forward-looking, globally engaged Zionism becomes most essential – not as a retreat from the world, but as a means of transforming it, bringing us closer to that time when light truly does overcome darkness.


About the author
Leor Sinai lives with his family in Tel Aviv, Israel. Originally from New York, Sinai and his family moved to Israel in 2011. Rabbi Leor Sinai is a Global Speaker, Education Diplomacy Thought-Leader, and long-time Campaign Executive. As Principal of Sinai Strategies— a consulting agency—Sinai seeks to educate and motivate influential actors to collaborate towards advancing Global Jewish – Israel relationships. He has traveled around the world, building bridges and strategies for collaboration.

The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group, organization or oursentinel.com. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

Bird Flu spreads to cats, concern for human infections heighten


So far, 43 types of mammals have tested positive for bird flu in the U.S.

Lazy cat
The bird flu cases are rising in cats. A pet from the Champaign-Urbana area was recently diagnosed infected with the virus.
Photo: Annette Meyer/Pixabay

(SNS) - A growing number of cases of H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, have been detected in domestic cats across the United States, raising concerns about its potential transmission to humans. Veterinary experts and public health officials are warning pet owners to be vigilant as the virus spreads across multiple states and is linked to contaminated food sources.

Dr. Leyi Wang, a virologist and professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, recently confirmed the presence of H5N1 in a cat at the university’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported 130 cases of bird flu in domestic cats, spanning 23 states, including Illinois. Since 2022, 126 domestic cats have been infected, with around half of those cases occurring in 2024. Many cats were exposed through contaminated food or raw milk.

Lethality and Transmission Risk
"Bird flu H5N1 infections in cats are usually serious and life-threatening, with a high mortality rate. Infected cats show severe clinical signs such as lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, discharge from the eyes and nose, and neurological issues like tremors, seizures, incoordination or blindness," Wang explains. "Domestic cats are companion animals and have close contact with humans, potentially transmitting viruses to owners. A previous report revealed a cat-to-human transmission of influenza A virus, so H5N1 transmission might be possible as well."


Infections have been reported most often after prolonged and unprotected exposure to an infected animal.

Although no confirmed cases of cat-to-human transmission of H5N1 have been recorded in the current outbreak, Wang and other experts warn that as the virus circulates in mammals, the risk of mutation increases. "Previously, H5N1 had limited infection in mammals. However, the new H5N1 involved in outbreaks since 2022 mutated and acquired the capability to infect different mammal species including domestic and wild cats. So far, 43 types of mammals have tested positive for bird flu in the U.S., with domestic cats being the highest number," Wang says.

Pathways of Infection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that people can be infected with avian influenza viruses through contact with infected wild, stray, feral, or domestic animals. Infections have been reported most often after prolonged and unprotected exposure to an infected animal. The CDC has previously documented avian influenza transmission from mammals to humans in the U.S., including a case involving a cat in New York City in 2016 and a cow in 2024.

The virus has been detected in poultry and cattle, allowing it to enter the raw food supply. Concerns over food contamination led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall Savage Cat Food Large Chicken Boxes (84 ounces) and Small Chicken Boxes (21 ounces) due to the potential presence of H5N1. These products, with a “better if used by” date of November 15, 2026, were distributed in multiple states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Pet owners who have fed their cats the recalled products should watch for symptoms of bird flu, including fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, nasal and eye discharge, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs such as tremors, seizures, or blindness. If a cat exhibits these symptoms, immediate veterinary attention is advised.

Public Health Concerns
Public health experts fear that as H5N1 spreads among mammals, the likelihood of a pandemic increases. The New York Times recently reported that domestic cats could serve as a critical pathway for the virus to evolve and potentially become more transmissible to humans. If the virus mutates or swaps genes with another flu virus, it could pose a greater threat to human populations.

"If you work with animals, wash your hands well after interacting with poultry, livestock or animals outside the household. I also would suggest changing clothing and shoes after interacting with animals or birds with unknown health status, before interacting with your own pets," Wang advised.

Prevention and Protection
With no available vaccine or antiviral treatment for H5N1 in cats, prevention is key. Experts recommend keeping cats indoors to limit exposure to infected birds and wildlife. Pet owners should also avoid feeding raw meat or raw milk to their pets and ensure they do not come into contact with potentially contaminated food sources.

Wang stresses the importance of vigilance among pet owners. "Cat owners should contact their veterinarians if they are concerned their pet has contracted bird flu. Tell the veterinarian if your pet has been exposed to raw meat, raw milk, backyard birds or wild waterfowl. Unfortunately, only supportive care is available for cats with bird flu, and no antiviral drugs are yet available."

Beyond pet care, experts urge the public to remain cautious when handling animals and animal products. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for veterinarians and those working closely with animals at risk of infection.


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Commentary |
Clicks, Cash & Consequences: The Cost of social media fame


I once read, "If you’re getting a free product, then you are the product." That line stuck with me.


by Rashmi Rekha Das




Facebook launched its Creator Program in November 2017 with the goal of competing with platforms like YouTube and Twitch by supporting video creators with tools, insights, and monetization options. Through this program, creators can earn money based on their content’s engagement, with payments deposited directly into their accounts.

To get started, a creator must either create a Facebook Page or switch their profile to professional mode. Success hinges on consistency, quality content, audience interaction, and effective use of Facebook’s tools. Facebook issues weekly challenges, and creators must complete them to qualify for rewards.

Popular Content Types

Video content dominates the platform. Among the most popular formats are live streams, 30- to 60-second videos, and user-generated clips, which attract the most attention globally. Other content types include polls, static posts, and text-based updates, though they generally see less engagement.

Videos with eye-catching visuals or graphics tend to perform well. Controversial or emotionally charged content also drives traffic and comments. Posts that ask questions or encourage interactions—likes, shares, and comments—often go viral.

The Pros and Cons for Creators and Consumers

I once read, “If you’re getting a free product, then you are the product.” That line stuck with me. Is this still true today? Every time we scroll through social media, we’re bombarded with content—it feels like it’s raining videos.

Every coin has two sides. On the plus side, the Creator Program gives users a way to showcase their skills while earning money. Live videos and interactive content let creators build deeper, more personal connections with their audience.

But here’s the twist: Not every creator gets paid. To qualify, they must meet specific performance goals and complete challenging tasks. In trying to meet those targets, many creators start posting low-quality or even harmful content just to stay relevant or boost engagement.

Some resort to sharing overly personal moments, including private family matters. It’s not uncommon to see people uploading emotional videos about deceased relatives or revealing too much about their daily lives. Nudity, violence, and clickbait have also become common. The pressure to perform can lead to poor decisions and exploitative behavior. Some content creators overshare personal details, including sensitive family matters, for engagement. Emotional videos about deceased relatives, personal disputes, and even nudity, violence, and clickbait have become commonplace. Many content creators have also faced excessive trolling, which can negatively impact their mental health.

Extreme Incidents for Engagement

Here are some incidents where Facebook users went to extremes to gain engagement:

1. Fatal Stunt on Purvanchal Expressway
In October 2022, a tragic accident occurred on the Purvanchal Expressway in India. Occupants of a BMW sedan livestreamed themselves speeding at more than 200 km/h on Facebook. Moments later, the vehicle crashed, killing all four passengers. The incident highlighted the dangers of reckless driving behaviors promoted on social media platforms.

2. Photographer’s Murder Livestreamed
In Sanford, Florida, photographer Lauren Ashley Martin was allegedly shot and killed by Savon Chantay Tyler following a dispute over photographs. Tyler’s girlfriend, Lakevia Davonna Pringle, reportedly livestreamed the aftermath on social media. Both suspects faced serious charges, underscoring the misuse of social media to broadcast violent acts.

3. Dangerous Bridge Jumping Stunt
A group of individuals recorded themselves jumping from the 30-meter-high Dickabram Bridge into the Mary River in Queensland, Australia. The video, posted on Facebook, garnered significant attention. Authorities warned that such dangerous stunts could lead to severe injuries or fatalities and indicated potential legal consequences for those involved.

The Privacy Risk: Data Breaches

Data breaches can expose sensitive personal information, including names, email addresses, locations, and even financial details. In 2019, data from more than 530 million Facebook users—including phone numbers and other private information—was leaked online. The breach did not result from hacking but from scraping public profiles.

In another case, a third-party app accessed users’ photos, including unpublished ones. The real danger isn’t just data collection but its potential misuse, whether through leaks, sales, or unauthorized access. Social media platforms like Facebook have blurred the line between creator and consumer, offering monetization opportunities while also pressuring users to trade privacy for engagement. Consumers must stay mindful of what they watch and share, and creators should carefully consider the cost of exposing their personal lives for clicks and revenue.

Brain Rotting and Its Impact on Mental Health

Excessive social media use is often linked to cognitive decline, commonly referred to as “brain rotting.” It promotes passive consumption, shortens attention spans, and weakens problem-solving abilities. Additionally, it contributes to anxiety and depression due to constant comparisons, cyberbullying, and dopamine-driven addiction. The endless scrolling encouraged by these platforms disrupts sleep, fuels FOMO (fear of missing out), and leaves users feeling unfulfilled.

Short-form content conditions the brain for instant gratification, making deep focus and sustained attention more difficult. However, social media also has positive aspects—it raises mental health awareness, provides support networks, offers educational content, and fosters creativity.

To counteract its negative effects, users can set screen time limits, curate positive content, take regular social media detoxes, engage in offline activities, and practice mindful usage. Striking a healthy balance between the digital and real world is key to preventing cognitive decline while still benefiting from social media’s advantages.

After all, when something is free, the real cost might be hidden in plain sight.

About the Author: Rashmi Rekha Das is a digital marketer with extensive experience in startups based in Bangalore. Passionate about digital trends, she writes to create awareness about the effects of social media and online monetization.

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