YULA Girls | Panther Post | Issue I | November 2020

Panther

The

Post

YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL | PANTHER POST | ISSUE 1 | NOVEMBER 2020

Is Our

Approach

to the

Virus too

Lenient?

BY NELLIE JAVAHERIAN ‘24

It has been approximately

eight months since Los Angeles

has been on lockdown. Safety

regulations have been placed as

people are ordered to stay at

home to contain the spread of

the virus. Now, however, some

of these restrictions have been

lifted. As of very recently, nail

salons, indoor malls, and outdoor

playgrounds have begun to

slowly reopen throughout LA.

However, even with all these

measures that are being taken

to ensure the safety of everyone,

there is little progress being

made for the efforts. This is due

to two things: the government’s

failure to properly administer

and draft effective lockdown

regulations, and the community’s

failure to properly follow the

ones that are in place.

The lockdown started with all

non-essential businesses – anything

that didn’t deal with health

care, food, emergencies, or

government–and schools being

shut down. In May, some of the

restrictions were relaxed as dinein

restaurants, malls, bars, and

other places started to open up

again. After a short time, however,

these businesses shut down

once more. As many regulations

are being lifted again, it’s concerning

that the remaining ones

won’t be properly enforced, such

as social distancing guidelines

being neglected with no chastisement.

Many countries have utilized

their own methods for slowing

the spread of the coronavirus,

and many of them have proven

more effective than ours. For

See VIRUS APPROACH on Page 14

California proposition results were released in early November.

California Proposition Elections

Of the twelve propositions on the ballot, five were passed.

BY ZOE MANKOWITZ ‘22

Heading into the upcoming general election

the majority of the public’s attention

has been focused on the contentious

Presidential race, but it is important to examine

the propositions that California residents will

also be voting on come November 3rd. There

will be twelve Propositions, 14 through 25, on

the ballot to be passed or rejected by voters. I

found a few of these interesting and surprisingly

relevant for teenagers.

Proposition 16 will allow diversity to be a

factor in public employment, education, and

BY AVA KOHANTEB ‘23

2020 -- the anniversary of

all the most iconic movies and

tv shows that hold a special

place in our hearts. Growing

up, we looked forward to each

episode, counting down the

days for a new season of our

favorite Disney or Nickelodeon

shows to appear. These shows

consisted of some of our best

childhood memories -- relaxing,

snacking on treats, and

watching our favorite characters

surprise us in brand new

episodes. Looking back now,

almost fifteen to twenty years

later, these tv shows are no

contracting decisions. The state legislature has

already voted on Prop. 16 but it will be included

as a referendum in this election because it

is a proposed constitutional amendment. Prop.

16 would repeal the section of Proposition 209

which banned discriminating or giving preferential

treatment based on race, gender, ethnicity, or

national origin in public programs. Those in favor

of Prop. 16 want policies to combat the inequalities

people face because of their race, gender, etc.

Since their representation already sets them at a

disadvantage, they think the government needs to

create programs to give them equal opportunities.

Prop. 16 is also argued against as a step backward

See PROPOSITIONS on Page 13

Disney & Nickelodeon Nostalgia for Babies of the 2000s

Disney and Nickelodian movies bring back happy

memories from our childhood.

less special to us now than

they were back when we were

kids. The majority of us can

See DISNEY on Page 13

INSIDE YULA

More than

Just Corona Pg. 13

The COVID-19 pandemic

has seemed to not only

affect people’s physical

health but possibly even

more so their mental health.

YULA Bachutz Pg. 5

Students receive the

opportunity to choose

from a variety of enjoyable

and educational after

school activities.

Sports

Gone Virtual Pg. 10

Are sports fans

enjoying their new

form of virtual sports?

PAGE 2 | NOVEMBER, 2020

Torah

THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

Mar Cheshvan...Is it really?

BY ELIANA WAGHALTER ‘24

Cheshvan is known for being

the sad and bitter month that follows

Tishri. It is considered “bitter”

because it follows a month

full of holidays when Cheshvan

is void of any. Should we really

be saying this, though? Are there

really zero holidays in Cheshvan?

In fact, no, there is a holiday in

Cheshvan: Sigd.

50 days after Yom Kippur,

Ethiopian Jews celebrate Sigd;

this holiday has many purposes.

For example, a purpose is

so that the Ethiopians can renew

their acceptance of the Torah.

Sigd was influenced by a verse

in Nechemia, Perek 8, “ Ezra the

Kohen brought the Torah before

the congregation...” During this

time, Ezra gave a Torah to the

people and read it to them.

Thousands of Ethiopian Jews gather to celebrate Sigd in the month of Cheshvan.

When Sigd was observed in

Ethiopia, people would gather

in large groups and travel to

mountain tops where they would

pray to be returned to Israel.

Nowadays, it is a national holiday

in Israel and is observed

differently. The Ethiopian Jews

gather in Yerushalayim where

Kessim (religious leaders), conduct

davening. It resembles Yom

Kippur and Shavuot. It is similar

to Yom Kippur, because they

fast and daven while focusing on

themselves as a religious community.

Sigd also resembles Shavuot

because it is 50 days after Yom

Kippur (29 of Cheshvan), just like

Shavout is 50 days after Peasach.

They also say tehillim, and then

they break the fast with elaborate

celebrations.

In 2008, Uri Ariel (a former

member of Knesset) succeeded

in establishing Sigd as a national

holiday in Israel. However, many

people feel that this holiday is

underrated. We can see by the fact

that we do not acknowledge this

holiday on the Jewish calendar.

We always say that Cheshvan is

a dry month spiritually- it has no

holidays. This holiday dates back

many centuries and because of it,

we now know that Cheshvan is

truly not so “bitter.”

Sharing a

Lulav on the Most

Joyful Holiday

BY ZAHAVAH KAPLAN ‘22

In this period of the pandemic,

some may argue that the holiday

of Sukkot could be unsafe:

family and friends crowded in

a sukkah to eat and celebrate

the holiday together. However,

there is a halacha that keeps one

special Mitzvah separate from

the rest of the people around us:

the halacha to own your personal

Lulav.

Vayikra 23:40 states “And

you shall take for yourselves

on the first day, the fruit of the

hadar tree, date palm fronds, a

branch of a braided tree, and willows

of the brook, and you shall

rejoice before the Lord your God

for a seven day period". In short,

this halacha requires that the set

be under the ownership of one

person performing the Mitzvah

during the first days of Yom Tov.

However, there are many families

who share a Lulav among

themselves and some Shluchim

in Chabad go out of their way

to shake their own lulav with

strangers. Additionally, with

prices ranging from $40 to over

$200, sharing a set is sometimes

the best option. So how can we

share a lulav while also adhering

to halacha?

Within Jewish law, one is

allowed to “give” the set as a

“gift” to the person in need of

the Lulav on the condition that

the person in need will return

it to the owner. Nonetheless, in

order for this to take place, both

parties must be familiar with this

halacha. If the halacha needs

to be explained, it can be done

politely.

Allowing someone to “borrow”

the Arba Minim in a safe

manner is vital during these trying

times; therefore our community

leaders urge us to maintain

our own set of Arba Minim this

year in order to ensure everyone’s

safety .

Have a Shana Tova!

Shuls via

Chagim and

Backyard

Minyanim

BY SHOSHANA ZISBLATT ‘24

The question of the possibility

of minyanim was another

challenge brought on by the

COVID-19 pandemic. When

we are most in need of davening

for everyone’s health and

safety, what is the best way to

conduct minyanim that comply

with the current health guidelines?

Daily minyanim, simchas,

Shabbat, and Yom Tov davening

have been mostly relocated

from shuls to individuals’ homes

when the Corona crisis began.

As the number of cases steadied

and declined, gathering for

minyan became more feasible.

However, the minyanim bear little

resemblance to pre-COVID

times. Most minyanim are held

in residential backyards or in

shul outdoor tents. Even with the

relocation of many minyanim to

the outdoors, several additional

restrictions have been added:

Shuls around the U.S. have adapted to the pandemic

sitution in various ways to ensure people’s safety.

attendance is limited to small

numbers, chairs are kept distanced,

and masks are worn, etc.

As the Yamim Noraim

approached, most shuls in Los

Angeles grappled with how best

to address the holiest of days.

For the most part, shuls offered

satellite minyanim in peoples’

homes and/or offered tent minyanim

in shul outdoor spaces.

Davening was also kept somewhat

shorter, in accordance with

social distancing guidelines.

Although many people worried

about how all this would play

out, for many, the new system

worked. Some explained that

davening in the outdoors helped

them focus and become even

more inspired with their tefillah.

Others suggested that the smaller

minyanim allowed for more concentration

as well, and perhaps

less socializing.

In all, the creative response

of our community leaders to the

question of davening in these

times was a success. Some of

the new customs we have adopted

now could be ones that we

embrace in the future too!


Advice


Big Sister/Little Sister Program

BY LAUREN GABBAY ’22

Due to the pandemic, it is

extra challenging for the current

freshman class to feel that

they are part of the YULA community

this year. With the help

of Mrs. Piliavin, an exciting

and meaningful program was

created for the freshman class.

The Big/Little Sister Program

enables new connections to

be formed between the freshman

and junior classes. Each

freshman is assigned to a “Big

Sister,” a junior who will bond

with and guide her throughout

the year. Having an older

student as a mentor and friend

can really create a huge difference

for the newly arrived 9th

graders.

What does a Big Sister do?

A Big Sister can check in with

her Little Sister, send a Good

Shabbos text, schmooze about

school, send a random “thinking

of you” or “Good luck on

your math quiz!” text, meet

up (via social distancing), and

answer any questions that her

Little Sister might have about

YULA.

Mrs. Piliavin explained that

“Big Sisters” hung out with their “Little Sisters” and bonded over common interests.

her main objective for starting

this program was for the Junior

class “to show warmth and love

to the new class.” She also

hopes that this program will be

an “awesome and helpful” way

for students to transition into

high school.

Although the pandemic

circumstances prohibit us to

attend physical school and see

one another face to face, with

this program, freshmen have

the opportunity to engage with

upperclassmen and gain guidance.

They are able to receive

some insight into what YULA

Girls is about and have conversations

with people who

are already comfortable and

familiar with the school. The

11th graders have the power to

encourage their “Little Sisters”

and make them feel loved and

welcomed in their new YULA

community. With this exciting

and interactive program,

we hope that the 9th graders

will feel more comfortable at

YULA and know that they are

part of the amazing and special

YULA girls family.

THE PANTHER POST

EDITORIAL TEAM

Editors-in-Chief:

Adiel Nourmand ‘22 and Daniella Zisblatt ‘22

Faculty Advisor:

Mrs. Candice Kelsey

Production:

Mr. Noam Nizzani

Current Events Editors:

Anat Rimmon ‘21 and Maya Wertheimer ‘23

Opinion and Trending Editors:

Kayla Nourmand ‘24 and Leora Teichman ‘22

Community Editors:

Nili Torbai ‘24 and Sivan Schwartz ‘23

Torah Editor:

Shoshana Zisblatt ‘24

Advice Editor:

Yael Kohanteb ‘22

Israel Editor:

Aliza Nissanoff ‘22


COMMUNITY


New Staff Become Part of the YULA Family

BY SHALVA KAPLAN ‘23

This year YULA Girls is lucky

to have so many dynamic new

members of staff and faculty join

us!

Ms. Anna Lee Stone is the

newest addition to our science

department. She makes learning

science a fun and engaging environment

and we are excited to

learn and grow with her as the

year continues. Ms. Stone has

over twenty years of experience

in Neutral Engineering for the

Department of Defense, NIH, and

DARPA. She also has her MS

in Science, Online Teaching, and

Professional Communications

from Southern Utah University.

Mrs. Ariella Hakakian has

joined our Ivrit Department and

is described by student Rivka

Shamulian ‘23 as “an amazing

teacher whose class I truly enjoy

attending! She has helped me

enhance my Hebrew vocabulary

tremendously!” Mrs. Hakakian

has previously taught in Yavneh

Hebrew Academy and was the

Director for the amazing Bat Ami

program. She is extremely experienced

in the field and speaks four

languages.

We are extremely excited to

have Mrs. Kayla Stern and Mrs.

Rachel Rose as part of our Judiac

studies faculty! They have both

already added so much inspiration

and Torah to our days at YULA

Girls. Their constant attention,

care, and desire to teach students

has been something students at

the school truly enjoy.

Mr. Noam Nizzani is joining us

as our new director of media and

communications. He is the faculty

advisor to YULA Girls weekly

newsletter “Paw Print” and has

“continued to lead us every week

in the production of the Paw Print.

We would never be able to do this

without his guidance!” says Meira

Ives ‘22. He has also helped guide

the Panther Post and has years of

experience in both photography

and videography.

Jennifer Sieger, a YULA

alumn, has further become part

of the YULA Girls family as a

bookkeeper. We love having her

on campus and are looking forward

to getting to know her better

throughout the year.

It is so incredible having these

new role models and teachers

on campus, and we can't wait

to build relationships with them

as the year progresses. Students

excitedly anticipate going to class

and seeing their teachers and

YULA Girls faculty everyday!

Yachad Safari Kickoff Event

BY LEORA TEICHMAN ‘22

Yachad began this year with

an exciting Safari Kickoff

Event. Both the director, Monica

Rukhman, and executive program

coordinator and advisor

of engagement, Esther Beron,

ensured that safety precautions

were taken, many people came,

and that everyone had a great

time. Yachad board members

welcomed the participants as

they entered the Beth Jacob

garden. Along with great music

being blasted, there were booths

for entertainment such as decorating

your own mask and trying

the ring toss, as well as ice cream

that was befitting the warm

weather. Additionally, there was

a photo booth where all the participants

constantly returned to

in order to include all of their

friends in the pictures.

There were many new faces at

the kickoff celebration as well.

The purpose of Yachad’s annual

kickoff event is to recruit those

interested in joining and becoming

a part of the Yachad family.

By being privy to witnessing

the warm environment created,

many new members sign up

with the intent of gaining close

relationships with the participants,

similar to the relationships

they’ve seen.

Due to Covid19, a major toll

was taken on in-person events,

causing the board members and

participants to turn to virtual

meetings instead. However,

rather than being an inconvenience,

this new format ultimately

allowed for the LA

chapter to meet Yachad members

from across the chapters

such as Baltimore, New Jersey,

and Canada, allowing for an

even larger Yachad family to

emerge! Yachad board member

Aliza Nissanoff ‘22 expressed

that while the virtual events have

been amazing, “it was so nice to

finally be able to see everyone in

person again.”As more programs

are beginning to run in person

again, Yachad LA is super excited

to have been able to host the

Safari Kickoff Event, as well as

restart Thursdays with Yachad

where participants and members

are able to come to Yachad headquarters

and be involved in activities

together. If the kickoff event

is any indication for how this

year will be, Yachad LA seems

to be off to a great start!



Spreading Joy at YULA Bachutz

BY SHALVA KAPLAN ‘23

Twice a week YULA Girls are

welcomed to campus for a multitude

of fun and creative activities

and a chance to bond with

their grade. Everyone is able to

pick any activity that speaks to

them from the plethora of choices

weekly. These range from creative

projects like woodworking

with the Hechts and ceramics

with Ms. Holmes to Chessed oriented

sessions with Jordy. Girls

can get active with a workout

bootcamp and a Hip-Hop class

or take extra time to catch up

with friends and do homework in

Homework Club. Everyone can

get their STEAM on by joining

Mr. Piliavins fabrication group

or enjoy some holiday cheer as

Mrs. Morgolis teaches us how

to cook special Rosh Hashanah

treats and the meaning behind

the Simanim (symbolic foods).

After ending these Chugim

feeling energized and invigorated,

students head over to their

respective grade time to say

Mincha, hear an inspiring Dvar

Torah, and participate in bonding

activities. We even had the

chance to do our first ever virtual

Clubs Fair during our grade time

at YULA Bachutz!

YULA Bachutz has really

found a way to incorporate creativity,

fun, Torah, and friendship

into an amazing weekly program

for all the YULA Girls students.

YULA Bachutz is really the highlight

of the week for so many

girls, and provides a sense of

normalcy in the midst of a Covid

A multitude of after-school activites are offered to all students, including “Woodworking with the Hechts.”

world. Ariella Gershov ‘23 says

“YULA Bachutz is a great way

to spend time with my friends

in a safe and socially distanced

way.” YULA Bachutz is a fun

and effective way to be social

and get a taste of YULA Girls

that we miss so much during

these uncertain times!

Now that school is

opening up, students are excited

to finally attend in-person

school after starting this year

on zoom. The school has set up

tents and desks to ensure that the

new corona-safe schooling will

be effective, enjoyable, and comfortable

for all families. Ninth

and tenth graders will go one

week, while the upperclassmen

are going to remain on zoom.

PHOTO BY NOAM NIZZANI

The next week the juniors and

seniors will attend in-person

school while the freshman and

sophomores will be on zoom.

This is a very progessive time

for all students, teachers, and

families.

Club Fair done Zoom Style

BY ALIZA NISSANOFF ‘22

Last month, over 30 clubs were virtually presented in front of YULA Girls, in hopes that students can choose which clubs they are most

interested to be a part of. Although it was hosted online, we were still able to showcase a myriad of afterschool programs. Jordana

Wertheimer compiled videos made from each team’s captains where they explained the purpose of their club and why students should

join. It was a huge success! Leora Teichman, ‘22, said, “It was really amazing to see how many clubs have been created at YULA, and

regardless of it being over zoom, I was able to witness everyone’s excitement at seeing one another.” YULA Girls has a multitude of diverse

co-curriculars to ensure that there is something for everyone. More importantly, if there’s a club they don’t have, they encourage students

to utilize their leadership skills and create it. Many of these clubs have even had the opportunity to meet in person, through the YULA

Girl’s Bachutz program after school. The Virtual Club Fair allowed each club’s leaders to showcase their goals and requirements for the

year, and encouraged prospective students to join their clubs. The club fair was an immense success and we hope everybody joins these

amazing after school activities!


current events


CoronaVirus-When will there be a vaccine?

BY ADIEL NOURMAND ‘22

Since the very beginning of March, COVID-19 has

transformed the life of any individual living in 2020.

From a shortage of masks, to toilet paper, to hygiene

products, there has never been a moment of “reality”

since the virus has worked its way into the United States.

With the consistent rise in positive tests and the almost

ten-month period immersed in a world so different from

the one we were used to, there is a race for a vaccine.

Scientists are hoping for a vaccine to be available by

mid-2021-- this is their goal. But even if a vaccine will

be developed by then, will it work?

The little hope every individual clings on to is for

a vaccine to be developed and end the period of the

COVID-19 chaos; however, researchers believe that

“60-70% of people need to be immune” and vaccinated

for the ultimate dissemination of the virus, but that

would be “billions of people in the world even if the

vaccine worked properly.” There has been talk, therefore,

that healthcare workers will be the first people to

be vaccinated as they are a small group of people that

have dangerous jobs in terms of dealing with the virus.

There are currently forty distinguished COVID-19

vaccines in clinical trials; however, there is one vaccine

in development at Oxford University that is in the later

stages of trials. Oxford University has signed a deal with

AstraZeneca that will supply 100 million doses of the

vaccine in the United Kingdom-- the vaccine has shown

that it can trigger an immune response to the virus. In

China, there has been a vaccine that has been supposedly

proven to be safe and provide antibodies that are protective

and effective as well. The Chinese military has been

given the opportunity to be vaccinated with this vaccine.

It usually takes tens of years to develop effective vaccines,

in these unusual times, researchers are hoping to

achieve the work that would be done in decades in just

a few months.

There is still much to do even after the development of

such. Firstly, the vaccine would have to be continuously

tested to ensure that it is safe and does not cause more

harm than the actual virus itself. Scientists would also

have to figure out a unique way for the vaccine to be

developed on a huge scale with billions of doses available.

In addition, medicine regulators have to approve

Scientists and researchers have been working hours on end to produce an effective and safe

vaccine to distribute around the globe by 2021.

for the ultimate distribution, and this is not a very quick

process. Lastly, there would be a major problem with

figuring out the logistics of actually immunizing billions

of people around the world. It is clear to see that this is

not an easy, immediate process and there have now been

ethical problems with the trials as well.

However, Pfizer and BioNTech have announced their

vaccine candidate against COVID-19. This vaccine

has been successful in the first interim analysis from

the phase 3 of the study. The hopes of every individual

are now clinging onto the success of this vaccine and

the promise it holds. There have been reports that have

claimed this vaccine to bring side-effects as well as other

negative effects onto the body of an individual who has

been vaccinated; nevertheless, concert ticket sellers such

as “Ticketmaster,” as well as other event managers have

announced that only one who will be vaccinated can

enter these exclusive events.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious, easily spreading

virus that has continuously been infecting large numbers

of people every day. The demand for a vaccine that

would allow people to be immune to the virus is higher

than ever before. The CoronaVirus has affected businesses,

schoolchildren, the elderly, healthcare workers,

and nearly any other aspect of life in the United States.

Now, one can only hope that the vaccines announced

will be effective and bring a final end to this ongoing

pandemic.

200 Escapees From Jail in Uganda

BY YAEL KOHANTEB ‘22

On September 16, 2020,

219 prisoners escaped a jail in

Uganda with over 15 guns. The

group of escapees fled a prison

after overtaking the warden in

Karamoja, Uganda, two of which

were captured due to security

forces. Directly before the premeditated

escape, the prisoners

broke into the prison armory

and stole 15 AK-47 rifles, 20

magazines, and other ammunition.

The security search for this

escape was difficult to an even

greater extent because the group

had fled under the cover of dark.

In addition, the escapees tore off

their bright yellow prison outfits

while escaping as a means

to draw attention away from

themselves. For the purpose of

context, this was Uganda’s third

prison escape since the COVID-

19 pandemic from March! This

group of criminals display

both physical power to escape

imprisonment while brilliance to

outsmart the ammunition vault.

Hundreds of prionsers escape jail in Uganda.



Effect of CoronaVirus on Airlines

BY ARIELLA GERSHOV ‘23

The COVID-19 pandemic has

affected nearly every industry

in the world, but the aviation

industry was hit one of the hardest.

Every aspect of a passenger’s

experience has changed

from comfort, to security, and

even to price. The most accurate

way of accruing the significance

is through comparison

of this year’s and last year’s

statistics: according to the TSA,

on September 23, 2019, there

were over 2.1 million travelers

whereas on September 23, 2020,

just one year later, there were

around 600,000 travelers—over

a 70% decline!

According to Bloomberg, the

2020 Hurricanes:

Proof of Global

Warming?

BY TAMAR SCHEINFELD ‘24

For only the second time,

the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA) has been forced to dip

into greek letters to name tropical

storms. The last time this

occurred was 2005 when the 21

roman alphabet letters were used

up and 6 greek letters had to be

used, the last one being Tropical

Storm Zeta. For some, this seems

to indicate that predictions about

the effect of global warming on

the frequency and intensity of

hurricanes are correct. Others are

not so sure. The increased number

of hurricanes this season may

simply be the result of improved

technology. In other words, we

can name more storms because

we can see them better.

The science of global warming

has put forth two possibilities.

One scenario predicts an increase

in the frequency and intensity of

Atlantic hurricanes because of

ocean warming. A contrary view

suggests the opposite. Because

both the Atlantic Ocean and the

tropics are warming together,

the frequency and intensity of

Atlantic hurricanes may not show

a strong correlation to global

warming.

The Miami Herald reported

that the increased number of hurricanes

this season may simply

be the result of improved satellites

that are used to monitor

storms in the Atlantic. Gerry Bell,

lead hurricane season forecaster

with NOAA’s Climate Prediction

Center said, “Since the year 2000,

we’ve been seeing, on average,

about two to three more storms

named early in the year. Many

of them are weak or short-lived

storms.” Many of the Storms in

2020 are indeed weak, short-lived

storms.

As for the intensity of storms,

2020 has only had one major hurricane

(Laura) out of 20 named

tropical storms. For the same time

period in 2005, there had already

been four major hurricanes out of

nine named tropical storms. Two

of those hurricanes, Katrina and

Rita, wreaked havoc on the US

gulf coast, destroying large parts

of New Orleans.

The hurricane season in 2020

will not decide the debate about

global warming and tell us nothing

of what is to come in 2021.

Will 2021 look like 2006 (nine

named storms and only two

major hurricanes)? Or 2013 (with

13 named storms and no major

hurricanes)? Will we have to dip

into the greek alphabet again

because we are better able to

recognize tropical storm formation

and identify several weaker

storms as happened in 2020? A

lot will depend on the path these

storms take. If they arrive in the

Gulf of Mexico where their intensity

can increase because of the

increased warmth of the Gulf of

Mexico waters (global warming),

they can do a lot of damage. Or,

we can have a lot of small storms

that peter out in the Atlantic and

never reach the Caribbean.

airline industry, as a whole, has

lost over 314 billion dollars as

of April. In addition, according

to airlinegeeks, accompanied

by their loss of travelers, over

500,000 employees in the airline

industry had lost their jobs.

The rationale for such a

decline of passengers can be

ascribed, not only to their fear of

sickening, but also to the inconvenience

of flight. For example,

over 35 states mandate a

14-day quarantine upon arrival.

Moreover, masks are obligatory

on nearly every airline, regardless

if the flight is domestic or

international. In terms of enjoyment,

or lack thereof, on Alaskan

Airlines, for instance, flights of

less than 350 miles fall short on

customer services, refusing to

offer flight attendance services.

Additionally, those in charge of

the aircraft raise the air conditioning

to increase circulation

while in confinement, inconveniently

causing the airplanes

to be unpleasantly cooler than

usual.

According to Travelperk,

business travelers only make up

12% of all travelers. However,

they may stop traveling permanently.

The pandemic has forced

many meetings to be held online

and, in turn, could render another

decline in the airline industry’s

travelers, considering the

prevalence of business travelers

who used to comprise their most

loyal and high-paying passengers.

There are a few benefits to the

“The airline industry, as a

whole, has lost over 314

billion dollars as of April”

consumers, however: the prices

of tickets have dropped dramatically.

According to Vox, a

roundtrip ticket from New York

to Los Angeles, which would

usually be around $600, is now

under $150. Security in airports

has also been mitigated in severity,

incrementing the 3.4 fl ounce

limit to 12 fl ounce of hand sanitizer,

and they even allow a full

pack of Lysol wipes.

Generally, the traveling experience,

due to COVID-19, has

changed drastically in terms of

the amount of travelers, pricing

of tickets, and practicality,

though not without legitimacy:

all precautions have been executed

in the spirit of retaining

the safety and security of the

public.



A New Space Race: The United States vs. China

BY TAMAR SCHEINFELD ‘24

For years, China has lagged

behind the United States in space

exploration. In January of 2019,

however, the Chinese made a

giant leap forward by landing

a probe on the ‘dark side’ of

the moon. The complexity of

this unprecedented, successful

landing drew China even with

the U.S. and unleashed a new

space race. The two countries

are now set to send unmanned

spacecraft to Mars this month.

Because Mars and Earth are in

a relatively favorable position

for space crafts to be launched

into space, China and the U.S.

are engaged in a heated competition.

The competition will not be

limited to Mars. Both countries

intend to establish moon bases

from which to launch further

missions to Mars. In each of

these endeavors, the U.S. intends

to maintain its lead over China in

space exploration.

Every 26 months, Earth and

Mars are relatively in alignment

on the same side of the

sun. The window opened on

October 6, 2020, and as the Wall

Street Journal noted, “the rivalry

between the U.S. and China

[will] assume[s] cosmic proportions...as

both countries prepare

to send spacecraft to Mars

within days of each other”. The

Chinese aim to challenge U.S.

space supremacy. To match the

American achievements so far,

the first Chinese mission will

launch an orbiter to the red

planet and land a rover from

this orbiter at a later time on

the planet’s surface. The U.S. in

turn will land their fourth rover

on Mars and deploy a Mars

helicopter, a first in Mars exploration.

By including a vehicle

capable of flying in the Martian

atmosphere, the U.S. will keep

itself ahead of Chinese efforts to

draw even.

Both China and the U.S. are

Is The Stock Market During

Coronavirus Defying Logic?

BY LEORA TEICHMAN ‘22

The performance of stock

markets during the coronavirus

pandemic, especially in the

United States, seems to defy

logic. With a sudden decline

in investment and employment,

what is the rationale behind

share prices remaining afloat?

As the World Health

Organization announced the

new coronavirus “a public health

emergency of international concern”

on January 30th, the S&P

500 rose by 3%, hitting an alltime

record high. Investors gave

shares their highest valuation

ever right after the announcement

of a “possible global tragedy,”

as opposed to predicting the

impending economic decline.

Due to the absence of past outbreaks

since the influenza pandemic

of 1918-20, there was no

analysis of the impact of such

biological shocks, blurring the

judgement of investors.

Later on, the S&P 500 plummeted

34% from February 19th

also striving to establish moon

bases to launch probes directly

to Mars thereby saving on fuel.

China intends to have a manned

lunar base and the capability to

to March 23rd—a drop very

similar to the 1929 stock market

crash. At this time, news

regarding the spread of the disease

became more international;

the WHO classified this disease

as a pandemic on March 11th.

Internet searches regarding the

“pandemic” and “coronavirus”

skyrocketed as people were

scrambling to gain more information

on this unknown. People

were attempting to understand

the situation, including individuals

who could influence market

prices, inducing a major drop in

the market due to the uncertainty

which was prompted by the

Coronavirus.

Lastly, the S&P 500 rose 40%

due to news regarding both fiscal

and monetary policy. Both the

Federal Reserve and President

Trump announced new acts and

programs that would be set in

place in order to help establish

innovative credit facilities as

well as fiscal stimulus. Both of

these measures resembled the

actions taken during the 2007-

09 Great Recession which led

send men to Mars by 2045. The

US aims to put astronauts back

on the moon by 2024 and to

launch a manned Mars mission

in the 2030s from the moon. This

would ensure a continued U.S.

lead in the space race over China

by moving forward the date of

a successful manned landing on

Mars.

If the 1960s represented a

space race between the U.S. and

the Soviet Union to land humans

on the moon, the U.S. overcame

a Soviet lead and beat the Soviets

to the moon by the end of the

decade (1969). The new challenger

to the U.S. is China. Its

ambitious plans for the moon and

Mars are a direct challenge to the

U.S.. Through its space program,

the United States hopes to replicate

its success against the Soviet

Union by sending a manned

space mission to Mars a decade

before the Chinese intend to.

Whether this comes true remains

to be seen because of the many

technological hurdles that need

to be overcome to safely land

astronauts on Mars.

to a gradual increase in stock

prices.

Throughout it all, the underlying

theme is apparent—certainty,

or lack thereof, makes all the

difference. Rather than the stock

market defying logic, it entirely

embodies the logic of humanity

in this day and age. When tragedy

and unpredictability arise,

the masses respond by retreating,

taking shelter, and ensuring

their own protection. At the

beginning of COVID-19 when

people were hoarding a supply

of food and toilet paper, uncertainty

and fear of the unknown

were the causal factors in driving

people to irrationality. So

too with the stock market, rather

than focusing on the long term

benefits of investing in specific

stocks, many individuals invested

or declined their stocks based

solely on the current pandemic

situation. While fear and uncertainty

are legitimate concerns,

forethought and intellect are

the basis for a solid foundation

within the stock market as well

as general success.



Did the U.S. 2020 Presidential Debate Sway Voters?

BY MAYA WERTHEIM ‘23

Notwithstanding the political polarization that has

manifested itself in the animosity of the first presidential

debate, both, or perhaps I should say, all three of the

debaters, had interjected objections to such an extent

that every voice seemed to coalesce into one. Despite

the chaos of the discussions, both President Trump and

Vice President Joe Biden took riveted positions and

expressed their stances quite forcibly and combatively.

Bilaterally, this debate did not seem to have swayed

any viewers—perhaps the chaos simply obscured

everyone’s judgment.

Generally, however, a few strong points were made

by each side: Trump explained both the ramifications

of a prolonged national lockdown as well as how his

presidency justifies his nomination of a new Supreme

Court Justice. Seeing as the Senate, with vanishingly

few democrats, confirm the selection, and President

Trump’s incumbency extends across the span of exactly

four years, we must not nullify the established governmental

system and Mr. Trump’s entitlement to “fill the

seat.” Regarding Joe Biden’s moments of intelligence,

his sympathy and affinity for his son (with regards to

his resolved troubles with substance abuse and the like)

mitigated his perceived senility, though he did manage

to contradict himself: he claimed not to endorse the

Green New Deal, a proposed legislation with the object

of mitigating climate change and its effects, during the

debate, yet on his website, he attests otherwise. On

the other hand, the condemnation of white supremacy,

to which President Trump delivered a poor response,

seemed to dictate the trajectory of the debate and the

public’s consequential reactions. This, perhaps, most

greatly rendered Trump’s performance inferior.

In conclusion, Chris Wallace, the moderator, Joe

Biden, and President Trump each, strategically speaking,

comported themselves negatively; and expectedly,

the media, whose reporters feign neutrality, have distorted

the discussions, falsifying many statements, all

of which will remain in circulation.

YULA High Schools hosted a presidential debate to educate the student body. Sam Yebri (representing the Democratic Party) and Barak Lurie

(representing the Republican Party) debate about the elections, moderated by Leora Teichman ‘22 and Ethan Frankel ‘22.

PHOTOS BY NOAM NIZZANI


ATHLETICS


YULA Sports Practices Via Social Distancing

BY AVA KOHANTEB ‘23

As the school year began, many

doubted our return to campus and

the assembly of sports competitions.

With the collaborative effort

of the CDC, citywide health organizations,

and YULA to mitigate

the spread of COVID-19 among

athletes, the Samson Center has

reopened for the availability of all

sports teams.

Many teams have already begun

their weekly practices including

Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer and

Cross Country, along with Track

& Field beginning in two weeks.

We have established a staggered

athletics schedule whereby each

subdivision of the four sports

meets with their respective coach

at separate times -- each group

has a maximum capacity of ten

people as a means to adhere to

social distancing. Athletes are

required to both wear masks and

be mindful of not using equipment

which had been previously

used by another athlete. As to

prevent the athletes from coming

in contact with unsanitary objects,

each person uses their own ball

to practice individually, followed

by a thorough sanitization after

they’ve practiced.

Volleyball practices began

almost a month ago with three separate

groups practicing at different

times. Varsity volleyball practices

with Coach Zamir, perfecting their

techniques and getting back into

the game, while the JV team practices

their new learned skills with

JV Coach Tiareh Cruz. Junior

Leila Fishman attended the varsity

volleyball practices and found

that “having in-person practices

is very bittersweet. Being able to

speak to the team in person and

have natural flowing conversations

is amazing. At the same

time, I hope to be able to practice

with teammates without needing

to remain six feet apart and sanitize

the equipment.”

Varsity Soccer practices started

up again on Tuesday evenings

with Coach Noga Wind entering

her third year as coach of the

YULA Panthers. To be socially

distanced, the team modified their

practices to work more on ball

control and skill. The drills they

work on are to improve their dribbling

and increase stamina. The

athletes work out during these

practices to tone their muscles

and get back into shape for a great

upcoming season. Varsity soccer

athlete Gili Adry thought that

practices via social distancing are

“exciting but pose a challenge to

be wearing a mask while training

and doing drills. The social distance

is a little difficult at times,

but I believe it allows me to focus

more on skill and ball control.”

Similarly, the Samson center

PHOTOS BY NOAM NIZZANI

is being used for JV and varsity

basketball practices. On

Wednesdays, the varsity team

practices with Coach Tyus Edney,

gaining technique and working on

their individual abilities to dribble

and shoot from different standing

points. Coach Elisha Taylor

works with the previous year’s

JV team and freshman together,

guiding them to develop skills

and perfect dribbling which will

aid in their success in the expected

season. “It’s great to be on

the court with my teammates and

Coach Tyus. Of course, we would

love to be able to work together

but we are using the time to

get better independently while we

wait for the green light to begin

regular practices,” adds varsity

basketball player Alexa Huemann.

All Coaches are working hard to

improve the skills of their athletes

to ensure a season with many wins

and accomplishments.

Though the additional rules set

into place may be irritating to the

athletes and act as challenges to

practicing to the best of their abilities,

it assures parents and athletes

that practices are as safe as possible.

It is an adjustment that athletes

are able to adapt to and will

make the most of these socially

distanced practices. The delight of

being back in the gym with their

teammates is what makes these

practices most special to athletes

who are all glad to be back!

Fans’ Thoughts About the New Virtual Sports

BY NAVA GELB ‘24

Basketball has opened and

ecstasy pervaded the country.

The 300 guests who appeared on

screens surrounding the court,

the fans watching from home,

and the players themselves have

shared their opinions and perspectives

on how it all worked.

Many people’s dream in life

is to acquire the opportunity to

emerge onto the silver screen.

Now, with sports’ lacking people

in the stands, there are more possibilities

to achieve this because

NBA games started hosting virtual

fan meets. These lucky individuals

received an invitation to

appear on the screens during the

basketball games in the relaxed

setting of their homes. They

used Microsoft’s “Together”

mode, which works by allowing

many different people with

varying backdrops to look as if

they shared a background. This

software turned the unfamiliar

experience into an event that felt

normal and enjoyable during

these trying times.

The virtual games also

brought great joy and excitement.

People loved chatting

with other fans. Even if they

cheered for the opposing team,

the light debates and interesting

conversations introduced a

new type of entertainment. The

online sociability of a basketball

game is a new aspect that people

might want to continue in the

future.

However, other fans noted

that this unique situation isn’t

that terrible. It is similar to what

people are used to. Except for

the hard-core admirers who

traveled to be present at every

game of the team they supported,

most people were only there

for games once or twice a year,

so they aren’t missing the experience

the same way.

Even with all the excitement,

run-of-the-mill fans were disappointed

in the new version.

Some fans stated that watching

now can be depressing. They

had enjoyed seeing real people

in the stands because it made

the games seem vivid and lively.

The viewers didn’t feel the same

zest, excitement, or spark they

used to because they are now

surrounded by the stillness of

the muted fans on their computers.

All the alterations to allow

games to occur safely may

feel frightening and irritating.

However, John Wooden, who

coached UCLA’s men’s basketball

team, said, “Things turn out

best for the people who make

the best of the way things turn

out.” We can constantly utilize

this message these days. Even

though basketball will not be

played normally for some time,

we can make the best out of the

scenario. If we do this, we will

come out stronger than ever

before.


DISNEY From Page 1

still sing our favorite theme

songs by heart, not to mention

spending hours practicing and

perfecting the Disney logo that

appeared before each episode

as the characters drew it with

their magic wand. To bring

back those cherished memories

one last time, here are

the most popular 2000s Disney

and Nickelodeon movies and

shows.

Undoubtedly, Lizzie

McGuire was one of the most

unforgettable shows of its era.

This famous Disney channel

show is coming up for its 19

year anniversary! We experienced

the adventures of a

13-year-old with her friends

Miranda and Gordo, and of

course her animated alter ego.

The Lizzie Mcguire Movie

served as the finale for this

memorable show that will be

looked back on throughout the

years.

Next up, the stepbrothers

who could not be more different

yet have the greatest times

together is almost at their 16

year anniversary. Drake & Josh

was the show that made us

PROPOSITIONS From Page 1

from equality; it perpetuates a

discriminatory society that just

changes which race is at a disadvantage.

Affirmative action

does not need to be based on

race or ethnicity. The state of

California can help low-income

individuals who start a small

business, can favor them for

employment opportunities, and

state universities can even aid

students who would be the first

in their family to attend college.

We do not need to assume

that an African American needs

assistance because of their race

when they could be extremely

successful.

Proposition 18 is another

Constitutional Amendment

to be considered. This would

revise the constitution so

17-year-olds who would be 18

and eligible to vote by the

general election can also vote

during any primary or special

elections. The primary election

is held in the spring to

nominate candidates for the

presidency as well as vote on

other statewide measures while

laugh hysterically as they took

us along on their comical experiences.

These brothers made

each episode filled with excitement

and delight.

Zack and Cody was one of

the most amazing shows of our

childhood as well. Cole and

Dylan Sprouse, identical twins,

played the two main characters

in this show. Zack and Cody

Martin run around the Tipton

Hotel, where their mom works,

creating havoc as they turn the

hotel into their own personal

playground. We watch as

they pull many pranks on their

friends and family, especially

on their “handler” and the

owner of the hotel.

The conclusion of Hannah

Montana and its movie release

are now 14 years old. This

teenage pop star keeps her

celebrity identity a secret from

her friends and family for the

longest time, but she finally

reveals the truth in the heartwarming

Hannah Montana

Movie. The iconic “Best of

Both Worlds” and “Nobody’s

Perfect” songs are so engraved

in our minds that even 14 years

later, we can still sing them as

if we learned them yesterday.

Furthermore, this year is the

14th anniversary of the first

High School Musical movie.

Within the next two years,

High School Musical 2 and 3

came out as we watched Troy

Bolton and Gabriella Montez

journey throughout high school

as well as their remarkable

performances in their school

musicals.

In addition, this year marks

the 13th anniversary of Wizards

of Waverly Place. The Russo

children, along with their

spell books and wands, got

into lots of trouble throughout

the series. Many things went

wrong while the 3 children

were competing to be the next

family wizard, but in the end,

the general election takes place

in November. This revision

would allow for a 17-year-old

to vote in the spring if they

will be 18 before the general

election in November. The

support for this reform stems

from a desire for greater youth

participation on election day as

well as allowing any first-time

voters to be a part of the complete

election process. Studies

show that the youth population

had the lowest turnout for any

age demographic, but they also

show that voting can be habit-forming.

This proposition

will encourage young voters,

and if California can get teenagers

to vote at 18, they will

have a higher chance of them

continuing to vote. Others

believe that legal responsibility

is set at the age of 18 for

a reason; why should these

kids now get to vote earlier?

17-year-olds are still considered

minors because the scientific

evidence suggests their

undeveloped brains impair

their ability to reason, analyze,

and comprehend cause-and-effect.

A 17-year-old is also still

attending high school where

their political views can be

influenced by teachers and parents

causing them to only hear

one opinion. They are incentivized

to agree with these teachers

who hold the key to their

futures. The primary ballot

can include proposals on taxes

and such which do not directly

affect a 17-year-old voter, but

their vote could have a great

change in another’s life.

Another Proposition, number

22, will exempt app-based

transportation and delivery

companies from hiring their

drivers as employees; therefore,

they will not have to grant

their drivers the standard job

benefits and protections of an

employee. The state recently

passed a law restricting companies

from hiring independent

contractors as workers.

Rideshare and delivery companies

do not believe that this

new law makes their driver’s

employees and continues to

hire independent contractors,

but the Attorney General is

Alex Russo claimed the family

wizard title as we said farewell

to the Russo family in this

series finale.

Camp Rock, the camp we

all wished to attend, is now 12

years old. The Jonas Brothers

and Demi Lovato created a

sense of family and home within

this camp setting. The songs,

cabins, and music in these

movies produced a warm and

positive environment which

was very enjoyable to witness.

Good Luck Charlie is coming

in for its 10 year anniversary.

At the end of each episode,

Teddy Duncan would impart

some knowledge to her younger

sister Charlie, with the well

known catchphrase: “Good

Luck Charlie”. We watched as

now suing Uber and Lyft for

misclassifying their employees.

This proposal would make

it necessary for the rideshare

and delivery companies to provide

certain benefits, including

an earnings minimum, a health

insurance stipend, to pay for

costs when a driver gets hurt on

the job, and a rest policy. The

argument for Prop. 22 is that

the majority of app-based drivers

prefer to be independent

contractors because of the flexibility

this allows them. Most

drivers have other jobs and

are driving for a supplemental

income to support themselves.

Prop. 22 will provide new benefits

for independent contractors

while continuing to offer

what drivers like about working

for these companies. Other

drivers want all the benefits as

befits an essential employee.

Drivers do not make minimum

wage or overtime; they don’t

have any healthcare, unemployment

benefits, or paid sick

leave. There is also some concern

surrounding the fact that

Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash have


Disney and Nickelodeon Nostalgia for Babies of the 2000s

the entire Duncan family

attempted to take

care of Charlie, and we

laughed at their failed

attempts to do so.

Lastly, this year is the

10th anniversary of one

of our all-time favorite

Nickelodeon shows,

Victorious. Tori Vega

thrived at Hollywood

Arts as she explored

her musical talents that

she had never unearthed. We

followed her journey as her

natural singing ability allowed

her to shine. Witnessing Tori

succeed and pursue her dreams

sent a powerful message to

those who had the privilege of

watching this wonderful show.

These movies and tv shows

helped form our memories and

opinions as children. The messages

and joy that we gained

from these shows will stay with

us forever. Time flies by as we

are all growing up, attending

high school and beyond, yet

regardless of the hectic futures

that lay before us, we must

remember the remnants of our

childhood that helped shape us

into who we are today.

California Proposition Elections Process and Results

paid for Prop. 22 to be on the

ballot this November. Are these

companies attempting to avoid

granting their workers’ basic

rights and protections at work

by pushing forward a proposition

that will profit the specific

service their companies offer?

Some believe that these companies

created this proposition

only to help themselves and it

will be ultimately harmful to

the drivers.

With a record amount of

voters in California this year

we had decisive victories for

these three propositions I’ve

highlighted. Proposition 16 and

18 were both rejected while

Proposition 22 was passed. I

recommend that anyone interested

should research more

into the proposition. The props

are one of a few times that

Americans can vote directly on

the law. Next time or when we

become eligible to vote, don’t

skip through your ballot to cast

your vote for president. Take

this opportunity to exercise

your rights in our democracy

and make your voice heard.



OPINION & Trending

The Age of TikTok

BY EMMA GREENFIELD ‘23

The most addictive, fun, and

humorous app, known as TikTok

has taken the world by storm.

With over 700 million active users

worldwide, TikTok has entranced

every age group while targeting

diverse interest groups.

TikTok is an app where people

make short 15-60 second videos

ranging from dancing, to comedy

skits, to cooking tutorials. This

app offers a new and entertaining

way to interact with one’s peers.

Additionally, there is a feature

called “duets” which allows users

to fuse their videos together with

another’s. Another fun feature

is the ability to personalize the

background music whether that

be through a song, a scene from

TV, or your own recording. The

app is extremely addictive as it is

extremely difficult to keep track

of time while scrolling through

Is Zoom Effective for

Students’ Learning?

BY EMMA GREENFIELD ‘23

Zoom, an app many of us did not know existed until

7 months ago, is now one of the most used applications

in our lives. Zoom has become our new school

campus, excluding the warmth and energy that

is felt walking through our school halls each day.

Although Zoom has aided schools and businesses

during this pandemic with an online application for

everyone to communicate with each other, in terms

of social interaction and quality learning, Zoom is

failing us.

When COVID-19 hit, our world was turned

upside down, introducing us to a virtually unknown

platform known as Zoom. For our teachers, this was

a shock, as they quickly learned to adapt to this new

style of teaching. In March, the threat of COVID-19

felt to be prioritized over our education, leading to

little or no effort being put into our Zoom classes.

Teachers attempted to navigate this new way of

teaching, but between frozen screens, crashing wifi,

and trying to find a quiet space in a hectic house, it

felt like we were all losing. Additionally, most people

didn’t believe that this pandemic would last long

-- the hopes to be back to school in person were very

much present, so there wasn't much point in trying

the countless accessible videos.

The creativity of users is endless

and your feed never ends.

While TikTok is exceptionally

popular, it is also a point of major

controversy around the world,

especially in the United States.

Like most apps, TikTok has the

ability to collect data on its users,

and with TikTok being a Chinese

company, it has raised many privacy

concerns. With China and

the United States feuding about

tariffs and fighting for political

power, there are concerns that the

Chinese government is accessing

TikTok’s user data. Early this

summer, President Trump began

to place pressure on TikTok to be

sold to an American company or

it would face a potential ban in the

United States. Oracle and Walmart

joined forces to acquire a large

stake of ByteDance, the owners

of TikTok, and plan to move the

headquarters to the United States.

This deal, once finalized, will lift

the potential ban and allow us to

continue to watch and create these

amusing and creative videos.

to make Zoom successful. The effectiveness of

zoom during these first few months were subpar, but

these months were unquestionably a learning curve.

Although Zoom was not initially as successful as

desired, Zoom has the ability to be effective or ineffective

depending on whether teachers and students

alike put in the effort. The willingness of the teacher

to pivot and embrace this new virtual teaching style

is essential. It is difficult to stare at a computer

screen for the majority of each day, but when teachers

remain at a constant level of enthusiasm and

constantly engage their students, it makes it much

easier for the students to be interested and actively

involved. Moreover, Zoom has some amazing features

to help capture the attention of students, such

as Breakout Rooms and sharing screens. Students

are told to keep their cameras on at all times and to

be out of bed during their zoom classes as well to

ensure students are fully attentive. While the idea of

listening to a class under your covers is tempting,

staying in bed is neither productive nor motivating.

If one treats Zoom as if they are on campus in person,

Zoom can be transformed into a highly effective

learning tool. While the teachers must put in

the effort to make each class as exciting as possible,

it is up to each and every student to decide how to

embrace this new virtual learning experience.

Is Our Approach to

the Virus too Lenient?

VIRUS APPROACH From Page 1

example, China was able to curb

case numbers by enforcing a very

strict lockdown and aggressive

social distancing rules upon its

citizens. Millions were screened

and apartment buildings were

locked, preventing residents from

leaving. No one could leave their

homes under any circumstance.

The government tracked citizens

from their mobile phones

and prevented people with confirmed

cases from travelling.

China, once the epicenter of the

virus, is now reporting few to

no new cases daily, with under

350 known cases now. While

some may argue that the government

tracking citizens and their

movements is an invasion of

privacy, it regardlessly enabled

China to get to where it is now.

Other countries, such as New

Zealand, Thailand, and Taiwan

among others are also containing

the spread of the virus well.

Although Circle Park was told

to shut down recently, it was

packed with teenagers, talking

and laughing in tight groups.

While they all wore masks, they

did not maintain appropriate

social distancing. This was upsetting,

to say the least. Shouldn’t

someone be reprimanding and

disjoining the crowd? Sadly,

this is not the only instance in

which some of America’s citizens

disregarded COVID-19

safety protocols. There are many

people who ignore the safety

regulations, socializing and

going about their lives without

another thought to social distancing

or COVID-19 safety. Once

bars, restaurants, and beaches

started opening again in May,

people who were accustomed to

constant parties began to attend

these newly reopened venues,

disregarding health protocols

as though they weren’t in the

midst of a pandemic. This, public

health experts say, is what

prompted the surge of COVID-

19 cases in the summer, not the

Black Lives Matter mobs and

protests, contrary to popular

belief.

Teenagers and young adults

especially have been lulled into

a false sense of security that

they’re safe from catching the

virus and dying. While there

is a vague truth to that, it is

not fully correct. Granted, most

young people do only get mild

symptoms, but there are the few

that, whether due to underlying

health conditions or some other

unknown cause, become fatally

ill. Nevertheless, many young

people are not that concerned

with corona, and it is not only

unsafe but also selfish. Many

of them interact with older individuals

such as their parents or

grandparents, who are at highrisk

of becoming fatally ill. By

not following social distancing

rules, they are endangering their

older housemates and other

elderly people they interact with.

While I disapprove of the way

many American citizens neglect

the COVID-19 protocols, they

are not completely at fault. It’s

true: humans are social creatures

and cannot be kept locked away

from society for too long, or they

can become depressed. Many

people’s mental health is taking

a toll due to being isolated from

society: they miss their friends

and family, prompting them to

ignore the rules and socialize

freely. If the American government

had properly originated the

lockdown in the spring, then the

need to violate regulations would

not be as high now, and if the

government had done a better

job of enforcing the safety protocols,

people would take them

more seriously and case numbers

would surely subside.

While it’s possible, I don’t see

the USA flattening the curve of

cases in the foreseeable future if

we keep going on like this. The

government needs to take further

action, enforcing a second, more

firm, lockdown if needed. The

authorities should be implementing

protocol to ensure that people

social distance and stay at home.

Three to four weeks of everyone

on strict lockdown at home

would be much more effective

than what is currently in place.

Perhaps this would actually curb

case numbers and get us closer to

the new norm awaiting us after

this chaotic virus.



Mental Health During Pressing Times

BY LEAH POMERANCE ‘22

The World Health

Organization (WHO) officially

declared the Coronavirus disease

(COVID-19) as a pandemic.

Immediately thereafter, many

countries began to implement

strict measures to limit the transmission

of this deadly disease,

including instituting lock-downs,

requiring online schooling, and

closing businesses and restaurants.

These measures were both

unprecedented and shocking to

our society and different from

people's everyday living habits.

Initially, many people, unsure of

what to do, panicked, stocking

up on food, Purell hand sanitizer,

masks, and other necessities.

Although it has been several

months since the outbreak of

COVID-19, society continues to

struggle with the whole notion

of quarantines and social distancing

as a means of promoting

health. While news has been

focused primarily on the number

of COVID-19-related cases and

deaths resulting therefrom, perhaps

we should be giving greater

thought to the recognition that

the implementation of quarantines

has led to a diminution of

public health for many people.

This "quarantine" requirement,

namely staying indoors

and out of public stores and

restaurants for a long period of

time, appears to be causing higher

levels of stress. People today

are anxious about their income

and ability to pay their bills;

businesses are closing at record

rates, and people are now left

alone for significantly greater

periods of time than what was

otherwise experienced prior to

the COVID-19 pandemic. Will

the sustained shutdown cause

an economic disaster? Will my

job be safe? —these are just a

few of the questions for which

people seek answers. The loneliness

and uncertainty feed each

other, and too often people are

left worrying about today and

their future. As a result, people

feel greater stress in their lives.

Studies show that increases in

stress can lead to a greater chance

of heart attacks, strokes and other

illnesses. Compounding matters,

the longer the quarantines are

imposed, the more likely that a

person's continued higher levels

of stress and anxiety will

weaken a person's immune system.

Although the quarantine

may limit the transmission of

COVID-19, the benefits may

be offset by more strokes, heart

attacks, ulcers, colitis, and other

ailments, all of which are very

serious.

In a similar vein, the implementation

of quarantines, and

the emphasis placed on avoiding

personal contact during the quarantine

process with any person

outside your "bubble," has led to

people forgoing needed medical

assistance. Too often, people

have avoided both elective and

other procedures for fear of coming

in contact with COVID-19

positive individuals at hospitals

and other health facilities. In

particular, cancer patients, who

are some of the most vulnerable

people to significant healthcare

problems resulting from contracting

COVID-19, are avoiding

chemotherapy and other

potentially life-saving treatments

primarily because of the need

to avoid public contact with others.

Limiting both elective and

non-elective, potentially vital

medical assistance now to avoid

public contact (and contracting

COVID-19) may very likely lead

to greater health problems in the

future.

The imposition of quarantines

and decreased personal interaction

will almost certainly have

a significant negative impact on

mental health. Too often, people

today are bored and lack motivation,

as each day seems to feel the

same. Today, people feel constrained

and trapped within the

walls of their homes. Evidence

suggests that services such as

Netflix and other online venues,

are very busy as people seek to

fill the time and escape from

their limited reality. Personal

meetings are now replaced with

a Zoom meeting, and personal

interaction is down. Everything

from restaurants, movies, gyms

and other social settings are now

closed. There is no place to go,

nowhere to exercise, and with

the economy down, too much

downtime. Evidence suggests

that when a person is bored, he or

she is in a malaise. From a physiological

perspective, this malaise

results in our brain seeking to

stimulate our dopamine neurons

(the search for thrill) and causing

us to look to food as a stimulant.

This new stimulant results in

increased appetite, and increased

food consumption becomes a

means of finding happiness and

satisfaction, the result of which

is overeating. Weight gain can

also lead to heart attacks, diabetes

and other health-related problems.

Making matters worse,

the imposition of quarantines

and shutting down gyms has led

to less physical activity (and the

loss of another potentially more

positive stimulant—exercise).

This, in turn, can lead to poor

health and the weakening of our

immune system from lack of

physical activity.

All is not lost, however.

Recognizing the potential negative

effects that quarantines and

shutdowns have on our health,

people today can attempt to offset

these challenges by making

better use of the additional time

we have resulting from more

time at home and harnessing the

energy resulting from increased

anxiety to increase our focus on

task-specific goals and new ways

of exercise that we may have

overlooked before. Channeling

the energy resulting from

increased worrying to watching

what we eat is just one way that

we can adapt to our present circumstances

and attempt to maintain

our health as we try to ride

out the COVID-19 pandemic.



2020 Presidential Election

BY CHANA KORNREICH ‘22

As President Trump’s term

comes to a close, we look

back on some of his accomplishments

over the past four

years. President Trump struck

an astonishing peace treaty

between the United Arab

Emirates and Israel. With much

conflict and hostility in the

Middle East the president has

managed to create more peace

in a chaotic region. This newfound

official peace will lead to

greater business relations, tourism,

scientific cooperation, and

eventually full diplomatic ties at

the ambassadorial level.

President Trump moved the

U.S. embassy to Jerusalem

during his presidency. This

established that the U.S., a powerful

nation, recognizes that the

capital of the state of Israel

resides in Jerusalem. The U.S.

has finally done what it has

done for all other nations except

Israel and has granted this beacon

of democracy the right to

representation of their capital.

President Trump managed

a growing economy. He came

into office with an economy

on the rise and has managed to

create jobs and has allowed the

economy to flourish, although

the devastating pandemic has

taken quite a toll. Prior to the

pandemic, unemployment was

at a record low during his term,

unemployment for minority

groups such as African

American and Latinos.

The President also passed the

First Step Act. This bipartisan

legislation is the first set of

prison reforms passed in years,

making it monumental. The

bill expands early release programs

and reduces mandatory

minimum sentences for crimes

involving drugs. It also works

to ensure that convicted individuals

will not return to crime. It

offers job training and rehabilitation

along with provisions that

will result in prisoners being

treated more humanely. This

includes the banning the shackling

of pregnant women, ensuring

prisoners are not moved

over 500 miles away from their

families, and banning solitary

confinement for most juvenile

inmates. Lastly, this legislation

takes into effect a 2010 federal

law reducing sentencing disparity

between crack and powder

cocaine offenses.

The U.S. owes gratitude for

the positive changes President

Trump has initiated to better

our country and ensure the

wellbeing of the American people.

The election of Joe Biden

as our 46th President seems

to shine a new light on the

United States. Citizens seemed

to embrace the outcome of this

past election. The results were

announced by all the largest

press organizations on Saturday,

November 7th. When the news

was released, many felt that

Saturday was “a day to be

GRAPHIC BY RINA MELAMED

alive,” and cars honked in celebration.

Much of the country

was in excitement, a unique

counter to the stress caused by

the pandemic.

Many are looking forward

to Biden’s outlook on climate

change. He believes this country

must take action before

irreparable damage is done to

this planet. He has plans to

reduce carbon emissions to zero

by 2050 and is in support of

nuclear energy. Many are worried

about the changing climate

of the world and the future of its

species, so many are excited to

see Biden’s work on the matter.

President-elect Joe Biden ran

on a platform promising to offer

a public healthcare option to all.

He has promised to expand the

Affordable Care Act, providing

quality affordable health care

to more citizens. Especially in

the light of a global pandemic

and following an economic

crisis, the greater availability of

healthcare and the availability

of a socialized option seems to

cater to the needs of current US

citizens.

The President-elect seems to

have a strong plan to address

the seemingly everlasting

Coronavirus pandemic. He has

been vocal about mandates on

the use of face masks and wishes

to push out a vaccine in the

coming months. Biden desires

to scale up testing and hopes to

ensure the safe opening of businesses

and schools. After over

200,000 deaths in the United

States, the virus has been at the

forefront of everyone’s minds.

Scientific America has endorsed

Biden making him the first person

they have done this for.

YULA Girls | Panther Post | Issue I | November 2020

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?