The Cougar Chronicle
JACK M. BARRACK HEBREW ACADEMY
Regaining Footing: Assistance After The LA Fires
Fire consuming the LA area
While the Los Angeles wildfires died down, the destruction that they left to the city hasn’t. From January 7th to January 31st, a series of eight wildfires affected areas in Southern California. These fires left communities devastated and now the residents as well as the government are starting to rebuild.
In the fires, thousands of structures were destroyed including homes, businesses, and historic buildings. The Los Angeles County Asses-
MicahFriedman,WorldNewsEditor
sor’s Office will be supporting property owners during this difficult time by providing on-theground support as well as property tax relief. The on-the-ground support will offer guidance as well as resources while the property tax relief will allow relief for damaged or destroyed properties. For example, the Misfortune and Calamity program will provide some relief. Those with property damage of over $10,000 can file a claim within 12 months of the damage occurring and are able to receive property tax benefits.
For business owners, local, state, and federal agencies have prepared resources for businesses affected by the fires, including Business to Business Space Share which will connect business owners who lost their business space to people who donated space to the cause. Additionally, the Los Angeles Economic Workforce and Development Department has gathered resources available for businesses and workers impacted by fires which they will distribute. Lastly,
Trump’s Gaza Plans
RyanFink,IsraelEditor
As Trump’s Presidential term enters its second month at the time of writing this article, many somewhat controversial events have taken place within Trump’s administration and policies. Not the least of which is Trump’s proposed takeover of the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip. After meeting earlier, Trump announced the takeover at his February 4 press conference with Israel’s Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. Trump announced that not only would Hamas, or even a more respected Palestinian authority, not gain control of the territory, but it would instead be the U.S. that would take control of the small strip located on the Mediterranean. Trump not only announced that the U.S. would take control of the territory but even floated the idea that the Palestinian population currently living in the strip should be relocated to nearby Egypt and Jordan. Not only did this outrage many Palestinians who have hoped for a national Palestinian state, but it also raised alarm bells throughout the Middle East and the Muslim world, with regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Qatar criticizing Trump’s statements on post-Gaza war plans.
Though Trump did not initially garner the support he had hoped for the proposal, he did have one thing that other attempts at post-Gaza plans did not: an actual plan. Many called out Trump for the idea of an American takeover of the Gaza Strip but did not have a strategy to counter Trump’s. Which in turn made his plan more feasible and more likely to happen.
Even though Trump’s plan is one of the only that has been proposed for Post-War/Post-Hamas Gaza, it is not (at this moment) finished. The idea and the actions that would have to be taken for it to happen would frustrate many who have called for Palestinian statehood. It would also leave many Palestinians even more resentful of the U.S. and Israel if they were to be forced out of their homes.
Though Trump was very serious about the proposal for an American takeover of Gaza, he cast doubts about that seriousness when he posted an AI video on February 26 to a multitude of his different social media platforms. The video, which includes a song that fittingly consists of the lyrics “Trump Gaza number one,” shows the rebuilding of the strip and a new utopian Middle Eastern oasis. Clubs, luxurious beaches, and resorts are featured in the video. The video, which many saw as fueling a vast, uncountable fire, upset many even more with Trump and his wider inner
Los Angeles’s Disaster Response Guide for Small Businesses provides guidance for those affected by natural disasters such as wildfires. Overall, the city of Los Angeles is working diligently to ensure a safe and successful return for homeowners and business owners who were affected by the wildfires. In doing so the city has ensured that all who need it can receive monetary compensation, setting up the now-damaged city for a successful future.
circle and administration.
The idea of an American takeover of the Palestinian Strip of Gaza is one that we may see in the coming years because Gaza will have to be rebuilt. And although Trump may be viewing the takeover as more of a real estate deal, a rebuilding of Gaza will cost billions of dollars, with many most likely coming from the U.S. So, though it may not be a “Trump Gaza” that we see in Gaza’s future, the U.S will most likely play a massive role in its rehabilitation process.
Destruction caused by the LA wildfires
Trump meets with Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort
Review of TheDiaryofAnneFrank
ClaireEnglander,SchoolNewsEditor
Watching Barrack’s 2025 Student-Directed Play The Diary Of Anne Frank on February 3rd was an emotional experience that remained with me long after the final scene. Directed by Margot Englander 25’ and Eden Nesvisky 25’ the play brings Anne Frank’s words to life making the audience feel as though they are right there with her – hiding and hoping.
The play was so powerful because it felt so real. Anne, a young girl, played by Ari Eisenstadt 26 ’with energy and warmth is not just a historical figure but a teenage girl experiencing love, fear, excitement, and curiosity. The play did not just focus on the horrors of the war but also on the little everyday moments of family and growing up. This delicate balance between hope and fear makes it even more heartbreaking.
The set design played a large role in the success of the play too. The small cluttered stage full of beds and chairs and clothes made me feel the claustrophobia that the Franks and the others felt too. The actors also replicated the timing of when the people in the annex could be loud and when they must have been quiet which added to the atmosphere of fear and caution.
Even if you know how it ends, the ending still hits hard. The final moments of the play were chilling, and the silence that followed the ending scene was deafening. But, what lingers most is Otto Frank’s final monologue beautifully portrayed by Cece Miller 27’ remembering his family, the Van Pels’, and Fritz Pfeffer, and their belief in goodness and light even in the darkest of times.
Senior Reflections from the Editors-in-Chief
MargotEnglanderandArielShavit,Co-Editors-in-Chief
Margot:
As my senior year comes to an end, with the last of my classes and the arrival of culminating events, I want to express my gratitude for both the Chronicle and the school as a whole. I have been at Barrack for seven years, during which I have watched myself grow from a sixth grader to a senior. Even with a bad case of senioritis, I am mindful of appreciating each moment spent with my best friends. The community that Barrack has built for me is a special one, and I will deeply miss seeing my friends and classmates every day. Even something as simple as walking into school each morning or attending class is *mostly* enjoyable because of the people I am surrounded by. I am thankful for the past seven years, and the countless opportunities Barrack has granted me. From the tennis team to the stage to running events as a JLI member, I have truly enjoyed my time here.
Ariel:
A Little Something Special
I cannot believe that my time at Barrack is coming to an end. I remember walking into the building on the first day of school and Trajt directing me where to go. I sat down in the back of my first JS class with Rabbi Rosenberg in a blue vest in the front of the classroom next to the people who would become my best friends and be by my side for every little thing the following four years.
Barrack is a special place. It’s unique. Our teachers are the most amazing mentors and human beings. It may sound corny, but when the community, our kehilla, gathers for celebrations and memorials, I always felt something in my soul.
Now that I am pretty much done, I can fully say that I have enjoyed being a student at this school. I truly immersed myself in all of my classes, putting my best effort into every subject, and took part in sports such as soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. This school really gives students the best of both worlds–the opportunity to have a work-life balance. At Barrack, you discover yourself in ways you never thought could happen.
Let’s take Muss, for example. I went on a weird year where we had to leave early because of the war, but the special memories I made with my fellow classmates and individually, can never be forgotten. Because of Barrack, I experienced the most meaningful highs of my Judaism and the most intense lows and scary moments that have shaped who I am and who I will be as I grow. My love for Israel and my connection to the Jewish People unpredictably grew. What a powerful experience.
I cannot believe I am a senior. Of course, I am sad that I am leaving my bubble, but because of this special foundation, I know that I am ready to excel as I enter my next journey. It’s funny to think about how my brain has developed these past four years. I don’t know what the teachers do to us, but they for sure know how to teach us to think with passion and meaning. My mind constantly experiments with different paths to solve problems and explodes with multiple perspectives I never could have comprehended or imagined if I hadn’t attended this school.
A creative spark was ignited within me in 9th grade and never left–it was probably that History project I did on Chinese Medicine if I’m being honest. JBHA. I want to thank you. I need to thank you. I cannot fully express to you how much I appreciate you as a school. My school. Of the dozens of graduates I’ve met, they have always told me that there is a little something special about Barrack. Now I know why.
Ari Eisenstadt ‘26 and Yoni Bleier ‘27 in The DiaryofAnneFrank
Brown University Professor Deported to Lebanon
EitanHassidim,StaffWriter
Hassan Nasrallah was a Lebanese terrorist, who rose in the ranks of Hezbollah eventually being one of the co-leaders of the terrorist organization. He was very useful to the organization helping to strengthen ties with the Islamic regime of Iran and Hamas. Although having a major role in the organization, Nesrallah lived in hiding due to the fear of an Israeli assassination. His fears became a reality on September 27, 2024, when he was killed in an Israeli Air Force attack on the Hezbollah headquarters.
Rasha Alawieh traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, to attend Nesrallah’s funeral and mourn the terrorist leader. When returning from Lebanon, Alawieh told federal agents, that she supported Nasrallah “from a religious perspective,” but not politically. Federal authorities said they also conducted a search of Alawieh’s phone and found “sympathetic photos and videos” of Hezbollah leaders, as well as materials showing “various other Hezbollah militants” in a deleted folder. Alewieh was put on trial and eventually deported and had the visa that was granted to her in 2018 terminated. In a response to the situation, Homeland Security’s Assistant Security of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin claimed “A visa is a privilege not a right — glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be denied. This is commonsense security.”
Alawieh’s deportation serves as an important case for the future of censorship and the First Amendment: where is the line drawn between terrorist sympathizing and free speech?
A Simple Breakdown of Taiwan Versus China
JillianShweky,CenterspreadEditor
The Taiwan and China conflict has been a consistent tension and political dispute since the twentieth century. It can be complicated to truly understand, so here is a simple breakdown of the facts.
• There was a civil war at the beginning of the twentieth century between the Communists and Nationalists in China.
• The Communists won and the Nationalists retreated to Taiwan, an island off the coast of mainland China.
• China claims that Taiwan is a part of Mainland China.
• Taiwan has its own military, government, and economy and believes it is separate from China.
• Most countries including the USA do not recognize Taiwan to be its own independent country.
• The USA has an unofficial relationship with Taiwan and sells military equipment to them.
• In 2023 a survey by National Chengchi University found that 63 percent of Taiwanese people identify exclusively with Taiwan and not mainland China.
Potential War?
• China wants to unify itself with Taiwan and would prefer to do so with peace, but will use warfare if necessary.
• Through cyberattacks, military attacks, and even restricting tourism to Taiwan, China’s dominance is being pushed on the region.
• There is a suspicion that by 2049 China will attempt to invade Taiwan as that is the People’s Republic of China’s centennial.
• Without help from other countries, Taiwan won’t be able to defend itself
• According to the Council on Foreign Relations, China’s military spending is eleven times that of Taiwan Taiwan’s importance to the world
• Taiwan creates computer chips used for phones and cars for the world
• Taiwan is imperative to the USA’s foreign policy in that region
Western Sahara Conflict: What Is It?
RyanFink,IsraelEditor
The Western Sahara dispute is one that is not only quite complicated, but it is also something that many rarely hear about in the news cycle. The root of this modern conflict started in 1965 when the U.N General Assembly adopted a resolution on the question of Western Sahara, and its place as an independent nation in the future. The general assembly asked Spain, the territory’s colonial power and control, to decolonize the territory. In 1966 just a year later, the General Assembly passed resolution 2229 (XXI) In which Spain was requested to hold a referendum on self-determination. Ten years later, the General Assembly requested that Spain decolonize the territory to a joint administration of Morocco and Mauritania. Almost instantaneously after the war erupted between Moroccan forces in the territory and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi liberation movement seeking to establish a Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic for the Sahrawi people.
Here are some stats on the conflict, to help you further understand:
• It was known as Africa’s last colony with Spain only giving up the territory less than 50 years ago
• This resulted in a couple that had been almost postponed until Spain ceded the territory
• Western Sahara is also sparsely populated due to the geopolitical, as well as geographical cautions that come with living in the territory
• It only contains a population of around 600,000 making it one of Africa’s least least-populated nations
• Western Sahara was previously engaged in war with Morocco for control of the territory, today around 70% of the territory is actually controlled by Morocco, and most nations internationally recognize it as Moroccan territory
• So far no major nation has come out against Morocco’s claim on the territory
All in all the territory carries a lot of heavy information that many do not know since it is rarely discussed in the media, and is not seen as an issue that has any modern importance.
Rasha Alawieh
Israel
Those Who Are Still There
MargotEnglander,Editor-in-Chief
As the IDF prepares to restart military operations in Gaza, with clear evidence that Hamas is rearming and refusing to negotiate, it is imperative to remember that there are still 59 hostages held by terrorists. Israel believes that only 24 hostages are still alive, with grave concerns for the fates of the other 35. Of the 24, there are 22 Israelis, one Nepali, and one Thai, and all were abducted on October 7th. Of the 35, 34 were taken on the 7th and one is a soldier killed in the 2014 Gaza war.
The 42-day first phase from January - March 2025 saw 33 Israeli women, children, civilian men over 50, and injured or sick men released. Eight of the hostages were dead, including Ariel and Kfir Bibas (aged 4 and nine months), as well as their mother Shiri Bibas. During the first phase, Hamas also released five Thai nationals, not included in the original deal. 105 hostages were released in the first ceasefire deal in November 2023, and four hostages before that. Eight have been rescued alive by the IDF, and the bodies of 41 have also been recovered, including three hostages mistakenly killed by troops in December 2023.
As we continue praying for the release of ALL hostages still held, we thought it would be important to learn about their stories and identities. Here are only some of the remaining 59:
Edan Alexander, 21, was born in Tel Aviv, but grew up in New Jersey. As an Israeli-American dual citizen, he decided to enlist in the IDF after graduating high school in 2022. He serves as a lone soldier in the Golani infantry brigade.
There have been multiple signs of life from Alexander, both from returned hostages and most recently a Hamas propaganda video from November 2024.
Alexander is the last American hostage believed still alive. His family is waiting for him.
Gali and Ziv Berman, 27, are twin brothers who were abducted from the “young neighborhood” of Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Their parents also live on the Kibbutz, as well as an older brother.
The two are inseparable. Both work at Kfar Aza’s Sincopa 2002 lighting and sound company, and were saving up for a trip to visit Australia. During the attack, the twins went next door to comfort their friend Emily Damari, so that she “would not be alone.” Damari was among the first hostages released in the first stage.
There had been no sign of life until recently, when the family confirmed that both were presumed alive, albeit held separately.
David Cunio, 34, is a father of two from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Cunio and his wife (Sharon) were kidnapped from their home along with their 3-year-old twin daughters Yuli and Emma. Sharon’s sister Danielle Aloni and Aloni’s 5-year-old daughter Emilia were visiting for the weekend and were also taken. Cunio’s younger brother, Ariel, was kidnapped alongside his girlfriend, Arbel Yehoud – Yehoud has returned, but there has been no sign of life from Ariel.
All taken with David were released in the November 2023 deal except for David.
Evyatar David, 24, is the second of three siblings from Kfar Saba. An avid guitarist and piano player, David’s family has gathered musicians to play in his honor in Hostage Square every Thursday since his kidnapping.
David was abducted from the Nova festival with his friend Guy Gilboa-Dalal. The two met in kindergarten and served in the IDF together. On February 22, 2025, Hamas published a video of the two forced to watch as other hostages were freed. This video was the first sign of life from David since his abduction.
Omri Miran, 47, was taken on October 7th from his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz. He was driven by terrorists into Gaza, leaving behind his wife and their two small daughters. The dual Hungarian-Israeli citizen worked as a shiatsu therapist.
A sign of life has been received from a recently freed hostage who was held with Miran in July 2024.
Alon Ohel, 24, was abducted from the Nova music festival and was not heard from until February 2025, when released hostage Eli Sharabi reported being held together up until his release.
He has shrapnel in his eye, his shoulder, and his arm. He has been bound in chains this entire time and has almost no food, maybe one pita a day.
Ohel is described as a talented pianist who plans to study jazz in Tel Aviv.
Israeli Yeshiva Bochurim in the Army
FlynnGoldstein,StaffWriter
Secularism and Orthodoxy are presently at odds in the State of Israel once again. First, the issue was statehood, now it is manifesting itself as the draft. Many of Israel’s Orthodox unconstitutionally refuse to join the army and insist on maintaining their old-fashioned lifestyles just when the IDF needs them most. They’re deserting their people and sacrificing Israelis’ protection for their own conniving interests. It is a melodrama; the state’s looming mission to secularize them must be resisted–If only it were that simple. Alas, the danger of the single story. In truth, it is specifically Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Hareidi Yeshiva world that contends the draft. Unlike America’s more-or-less homogenized Orthodox population, Orthodox Israelis, for the most part, follow in accordance with one of two streams. Either they align with the Religious Zionists who regard the modern democratic State of Israel as the “first flowering of redemption” or they stand with the Hareidim who oppose that notion.
Most of Israel’s Jews either serve in the army or complete some form of national service. Despite their Orthodoxy – or perhaps on account of it – Religious Zionists relish their army service, the opportunity to defend their religiously sanctioned state; whereas, the ultra-Orthodox Hareidim, on the other hand, object to service in part because of the government’s secular identity. In other words, they believe that without the coming of the Messiah, religious war cannot be waged, and thus Judaism prohibits their participation in the army.
From before the state’s inception, Ben-Gurion’s 1948 status quo agreement with the Agudath Israel guaranteed (albeit informally) an exemption for those whose full-time occupation was Torah study. As the state grew (and Haredi populations soared), the cap increased, and the system became a directive of the Ministry of Defense, not codified law. Haredi men were granted deferrals to enroll in yeshiva education and exemptions as parents, or simply were not subject to the draft any longer at age 40, effectively allowing them to circumvent mandatory service and join the workforce.
In 1990, the Supreme Court ruled in response to non-Haredi criticism of the system that the Ministry of Defense had no authority to dish out these exemptions. Prime Minister Ehud Barak’s 2002 Tal Law tried to entice Hareidim by offering shortened military service, allowing them to join the workforce early instead of continuing their studies. Nevertheless, this scheme affected no meaningful change since it failed to target the root of the problem: Haredi men still remained staunchly committed to a way of life, however antiquated it may seem to secular Israelis. The Tal Law only afforded them the legal avenue to protect the yeshiva institution and circumvent their mandatory service.
In February 2012, the Supreme Court struck down the Tal Law as unconstitutional, thus annulling the only legal protection for the Haredi community. Subsequent years saw the plans for the large-scale draft of Hareidim being drawn up and passed as laws, but neglected as the Haredi parties joined the ruling coalition in 2015. Two years later, in 2017, the Supreme Court passed a temporary measure that placed the onus on the Defense Minister to exempt Hareidim and allowed men to remain in yeshiva until 26, at which point they could join the workforce.
Upon the end of this measure in July 2023, the Israeli cabinet, under the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the Minister of Defense to refrain from drafting once again. Some believe that Haredi parties in the Knesset supported the pending 2023 judicial reform actions since they believed the power to override the courts would protect their yeshiva bochurim.
The deafening blast of October 7th silenced and the ensuing war temporarily silenced talk about both judicial reform and the Haredi draft. However, the dissipating shock later strengthened the extant desire many secular and Religious Zionist Israelis espoused for the Hareidim to “shar[e] the burden” and even prompted some Knesset members to switch allegiances. Most recently, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled conclusively on June 25th that Israeli law is unable to provide such exemptions to Hareidim.
As the IDF scrambles to find 10,000 additional soldiers to bolster their operations against Hamas, they are now turning to the Hareidim, just recently releasing 14,000 additional draft notices in service of their target of 4,800 conscripts per year. Unfortunately, they have dismally failed in that end, having only conscripted 177 soldiers. Haredim are firm in their opposition and are well-versed in the art of protest; the great Rabbis speak pejoratively against the notion of conscription and are adhered to with fierce loyalty. Evidently, the community is not moved by the government’s thus far empty threats.
To their credit, Haredim believe in the need for a spiritual fighting force to complement ground action, therefore carving out a distinct place for them among army soldiers. For Haredim, the enterprise of study is just like any other profession. Conveniently, it separates them from the government they believe is encroaching on their religiosity. Others, in the opposite Orthodox camp, and secular Israelis alike, see this community as draft-dodgers using yeshiva education to propel them into the workforce without army service. To them, nothing is more important – particularly given the current war – than boots on the ground. Now, more than ever is the time – they argue – to do away with religious disparity tolerated too long.
Now for the drop of opinion: it is irrefutable that draft exemptions have been enshrined (albeit informally) in Israeli law from before the state’s inception. How can machinery agreed to before the state’s founding be considered unconstitutional? How can a state betray its own people? The state must sanction the occupation of Torah study or risk being accused of favoring one stream of Judaism (or secularism) over the other. Moreover, a Jewish state must foster prayer with the same fervor as national security or risk dismantling its religious identity.
Pragmatically speaking, recent news has shown that en masse conscription of this community is futile. The government cannot logistically (and politically) imprison the entire yeshiva community. Furthermore, regardless of the legality, severing thousands of exempted Haredi men from their jobs is destined to have severe economic repercussions. Keep in mind the Tal debacle testifies to this community’s nature. It is, for the most part, highly suspicious of the secular government.
The only viable solution is to rethink conscription – obviously, there are roles that yeshiva bochurim can occupy while still maintaining their studies and perhaps there are soldiers in non-essential posts that can be reassigned to active duty. The conflict is highly nuanced, but meaningful change in this system needs to target the roots, not just trim the branches.
Multitudes of Hareidi Jews protest against military service in Jerusalem on March 2, 2014
Israelis’ Opinions On War and Government
MicahFriedman,WorldNewsEditor
With all that is going on in Israel right now, tensions run high among the people because all Israelis have their own opinions on the government and what military tactics should be used so here are those opinions as of late 2024:
Israelis Protesting Against The War
Gaza:
• 39% of Israelis say that the military response in Gaza has been just right.
• 34% say that the military response in Gaza has not been enough.
• 19% say that the military response in Gaza has gone too far.
• 7% say that they are not sure what they think about the military response in Gaza.
• 26% of Israelis think that an Israeli and Palestinian State can coexist peacefully. Lebanon:
• In past surveys, 60% of Israelis have voted to take an aggressive stance against Lebanon.
• ~50% of Israelis voted to go with severe military options in regard to Lebanon while the other half chose a less severe option with room for diplomacy.
• 41% of people were against a ground operation in Lebanon while 47% were for it.
• Iran:
• 68% of Israelis support a strike on Iran with 37% supporting one only with the involvement of the US and 31% supporting one regardless.
Government:
• ~30% of Israelis heavily support Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.
• Netanyahu’s overall support is in the low 40% range.
• 40% of Palestinians support a two-state solution while only 20% of Jewish Israelis do.
• 42% of Jewish Israelis support fewer rights for Palestinians while 33% of Palestinians support control of the land with limited rights for the Jewish Israelis.
Sports
A Look Ahead at This Year’s MLB Season
JonahPappas,SportsEditor
As the bitter colds of January and February pass, and March thaws the world, millions of fans nationwide turn their thoughts to our national pastime, Baseball. 2024 was an eventful year for the MLB, with some teams achieving heights not imagined before the season, and some falling through already low expectations. But this year’s contenders look to be very different, with some exceptions. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who just won the World Series this past season, added huge talent to an already very strong squad, and have positioned themselves as the heavy favorites going into 2025. However, they have drawn significant controversy for the manner in which they are paying their players. Instead of paying a player’s contract during the season in which they play, the Dodgers have deferred almost all of their free agent’s money, meaning that during the next few years, they pay almost nothing to the players, but after a few years pay the bulk of the contract. This sets them up as a very “win-now” team because very soon they will be paying players that are not even on the team. But they were not the only team to make a big splash this past offseason. In the biggest signing in sports history, Juan Soto joined the New York Mets for $765 million after a long bidding war between many teams. He just finished third in American League MVP voting while playing for the New York Yankees, and looks to repeat his success in Queens. The Mets lost to the Dodgers in the Championship Series last year, and look to make it over the hump to the Fall Classic for the first time in ten years. Speaking of the Yankees, after losing the World Series and Juan Soto since last November, they have added key starting and relief pitchers, but a recent abundance of injuries, including
to former Cy Young Award Winner Gerrit Cole, have left their future uncertain. They still remain favorites to win the league once again, but that could change very quickly.
There are thirty teams in baseball, and with 162 games, some teams do not end up as well as others. The Chicago White Sox in 2024 set an MLB record for most losses recorded in a season, and although there is literally nowhere to go but up, their future remains frustratingly bleak. There are two teams, however, whose fans are likely more upset than White Sox fans. The former Oakland Athletics are transitioning to Las Vegas in a largely unpopular move made by owner John Fisher. Fisher has been in hot water for the past few seasons for the way he has treated the team and the City of Oakland, the proud home of the A’s for more than sixty years. At every home game last year, many fans held up signs reading “Sell The Team” in an effort to acquire new ownership. The Athletics will be playing in Sacramento through 2028 when the field in Las Vegas is ready. Another team, the Tampa Bay Rays, is also moving stadiums, but not for the same reasons. Hurricane Milton ripped the roof off of Tropicana Field, and the Rays will have to play in the Yankees’ spring training home until it is fixed. This presents a challenge for attendance, as the new park is much smaller than other MLB fields and will not be able to hold nearly as many fans.
This MLB offseason has been full of big stories and this upcoming season looks to be as exciting as ever.
March Madness Freshmen
AsherHarwitz,StaffWriter
The month of March is the Climax of the College basketball season, the reason for this being March Madness. This highly anticipated tournament gives the opportunity for rising stars to display their talent on the world’s biggest Basketball stage and make their mark on the NCAA tournament forever. This 2025 tournament was led by some very exciting freshmen who had showcased their talent throughout the regular season and were ready to make a final splash in the biggest moment of their college career. Here were the top five freshmen of the recent March Madness tournament.
Cooper Flagg (Duke University)
Starting off with the player who needs the least introduction of anyone in college sports Cooper Flagg. When you think of the perfect basketball player Cooper Flagg jumps to mind. He excels in every aspect of the game - whether it is shooting, defending, or playmaking Flagg will dominate on both ends of the floor. Flagg is also coming into the tournament with some added pressure due to the expectation that he will be drafted first overall in the NBA draft this year which will increase the amount of eyes looking his way. He is also surrounded by incredible coaching in John Schier and amazing talent on the court with him. All of these aspects put Cooper Flagg in the perfect position to dominate in his future games.
Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn)
Up Next is a 4-star recruit who has played a major role this season in helping Auburn be the number one ranked team in the country, it is Tahaad Pettiford. This season Pettiford has averaged a tremendous 12 points and 2.7 assists per game and has shown excellent efficiency shooting close to 44% from three-point range and a 43% field goal percentage. This guy has also proven to show up in big moments including scoring a clutch 21 points against the team’s win against Houston and 20 points in an unfortunate loss to the Duke Blue Devils. For these reasons, there is no reason why Tahaad Pettiford will not show up on the nation’s biggest stage
Jase Richardson (Michigan State)
Jase Richardson is a 4-star recruit from Denver who makes his presence known every game for the Spartans. Although he only scores 9.2 points a game Richardson has an amazing 52% field goal percentage that makes him a dangerous player at all times. Since Michigan State is lacking a particular star it seems very likely that Jase Richardson will be making his name even more known throughout his future college career.
Despite the fact that Kon Knueppul plays along the most talented roster in the country he still finds a way to show out for the Blue Devils. Knueppul is as efficient as it gets when it comes to Basketball and puts up 12.7 points and 3 assists a game. Kon is also a spectacular defender who can guard anyone on the court. He can get hot at any moment of any game so do not be surprised to see a Kon Knueppul 20-piece during any basketball game.
Liam Mcneely (Uconn)
Last but not least Liam Mcneely has been an absolute stud this year at Uconn. Before his unfortunate injury on New Year’s Day vs Depaul Liam was averaging an incredible 14 points a game and was looking like a star. Mcneely has had some monstrous games this year such as a 26-point win against Gonzaga.
I can speak for everyone when I say that we were all impressed by this years March Madness tournament and how all of the Freshman on the court played.
Kon Knueppul (Duke University)
Cooper Flagg
Kon Knueppul
The Light at the End
Northern Lights: The Showstoppers of the Sky
In the early years of life, it doesn’t matter why or how something happens. Kids hold on to the idea of magic, and that is what makes childhood so special. As they grow up, however, they tend to let go of their faith in magic. Though I am not quite an adult, there are still things that can light up the night in ways that defy expectations and feel truly magical. One of the most enchanting of these is the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. With their elaborate color schemes and deep-rooted myths, these lights have long been a source of wonder. I began to wonder why this particular element of nature was universally deemed magical, unlike clouds, rain, or even the ocean.
Let’s start with the Vikings. They believed that the Northern Lights were reflections of their female warrior goddesses—the Valkyries’ armor—as they led fallen warriors to the God Odin. The lights were also seen as the breath of heroic warriors who had perished in battle. In contrast, the Sámi people of northern Scandinavia viewed the Aurora Borealis as something ominous. They
JillianShweky,CenterspreadEditor
believed the lights were dangerous and that speaking of them could attract their attention, leading to dire consequences. Even today, some Sámi people prefer to stay indoors when the Northern Lights are vivid.
While mystery and myth once shrouded the Northern Lights, modern science has uncovered the truth behind their existence. These lights are formed when particles from the Sun clash at incredible speeds with Earth’s upper atmosphere. Learning this scientific explanation astonished me. How could something so serene and ethereal be caused by such cosmic violence and chaos?
I realized that though scientists may know exactly how these mystical lights come to be, the true magic lies in the paradox of their creation. The Northern Lights serve as a powerful metaphor for life itself. In the midst of disorder and mayhem, it can feel impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Northern Lights remind us that from chaos, beauty can emerge—a tangible symbol of hope and the promise of a brighter future.
The Glow Against Blues
As of 2025, there are many treatments for depression, including various medications, talk therapy, and social support. However, a new, quicker treatment with fewer and milder side effects is gaining popularity: light therapy. Not only does light therapy, also known as phototherapy, treat depression, but it also treats certain sleep disorders and seasonal affective disorders.
During a treatment session, the patient sits near a lightbox or a lamp, which usually mimics natural sunlight. The standard output of a light therapy box is between 2,500 and 10,000 lux, which is equivalent to being outdoors on a bright, sunny day. Doctors suggest that patients at the beginning of their treatment are exposed to 10,000 lux for 30 minutes every morning. However, someone new to the therapy might need to start with a shorter exposure time. This is because the more powerful the lightbox, the less time required for a successful session. Depending on how the patient handles the treatment and the strength of the lightbox, the treatments usually span from the fall until early spring.
Regarding the benefits of light therapy, research has shown multiple ways of how it can help treat depression and other mental health disorders. Studies have shown that light therapy works on our biological clocks and circadian rhythms by aligning our brains’ 24-hour cycle. It also balances the activation of serotonin in our brains, which plays a significant role in mood regulation. Lastly, light therapy has been
EvanBerman,LayoutEditor
shown to support stable and consistent sleep patterns and also increase alertness. However, the treatment works differently for each patient depending on the light wavelength, duration of use, and their personal circadian rhythm.
While the treatment has shown lots of promise, some patients did suffer side effects. These side effects include headaches, eyestrain, agitation, insomnia, fatigue, blurry vision, and nausea. Not only are there side effects of this treatment, but those with medical conditions that make their eyes sensitive to light or who take medications that increase light sensitivity are advised not to use light therapy.
Additionally, those who have sensitive skin, eye conditions, or a history of skin cancer are recommended to consult their doctors before they start treatment.
Light therapy can improve depressive
symptoms in as little as a few days, but can also take a few weeks. If symptoms do not improve, patients are advised to increase their time in front of the lightbox from 30 to 60 minutes. Patients who see results in a few days can decrease their time in front of the lightbox from 30 minutes to 15 minutes. It is suggested that patients use light therapy every day, however, some take a break for a day or two without seeing any detriments.
Despite the therapy’s success in treating depression, other experts have determined that light therapy may be able to help treat bipolar disorder, osteoporosis, acne, eczema, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and asthma. Dr. Carl Vincent, a psychologist in Moline, Illinois, suggests that light therapy can be paired with psychotherapy or medication to treat mental health disorders. He exclaims, “The idea is that it could be used as a supplemental therapy.” “In addition to treatment, people coping with depression in the winter months should try to be more active. Winter is a time when people tend to be more sedentary, and getting more exercise can help improve mood,”.
While light therapy may not be the first thing that comes to mind when worrying about treating certain mental health disorders, many have benefited from it, and its success is only increasing. Nothing feels better than a warm, bright summer day; the closest one may get to this feeling in the winter is, in fact, light therapy!
End of the Tunnel
The Good Amongst the Bad
AriEisenstadt,FeaturesandGamesEditor
1. Gal Gadot became the first Israeli to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The actress was formerly a member of the IDF and Miss Israel 2004. Besides that, she is best known for playing Wonder Woman in the 2017 film Wonder Woman. More recently she has taken part in Red Notice, Heart Of Stone, and Death on the Nile. Also, look out for her version of the evil queen in her newest movie, the live-action Snow White. Her star has received some backlash from the Pro-Palestine movement. There were rumors circulating social media saying that someone from that movement broke her star which, as of March 20, has been proven to be false. Despite the drama Gal Gadot receiving this honor is a huge deal and will hopefully open the door for more Israeli artists like Natalie Portman and Omer Adam.
2. Space Valley has opened the first solar observatory in an Arab populated area. The facility is located in Isfiya, a Druze village in the north, whose sign is the sun; making it a fitting site for this observatory, which is dedicated to studying solar energy. Space Valley received a grant to build the observatory in December 2022 which gave them two years to construct. However, on October 7, 2023, the project was delayed and officially opened on January 30th. The founders and married couple Dr. Marina Hetz and Dr. Guy Hetz created the observatory to expand education of space for Arabs. To ensure their mission, all educational programs are offered in Hebrew and Arabic, further allowing students to work with and foster relationships with friendly Arab Countries. Exhibits for children and adults include information about early astronomers, what life is like in space and why it’s different than on Earth, what people eat and wear in space, and a planetarium. Aside from children’s exhibits, there are four telescopes for data collection on solar dynamics and energy emissions with the goal of improving understanding of solar radiation, and its impact on humans and expanding the field of solar energy and its discoveries.
3. As a response to October 7th Kela Technologies is enhancing modern warfare capabilities, recognizing that people are not fully equipped for contemporary combat. Their focus includes developing advanced sensors, drones, and AI-driven solutions. The founder and president of Kela, a recipient of an Israeli Defense Prize, is Alon Dror. He is assisted by the engineer, a former head of algorithm development at a different tech company, Omer Bar Ilan, and aeronautical engineer Jason Manne who has a decade of experience developing weapons with the IDF. Israel is fortunate to have the Iron Dome which is incredible at blocking missiles but drones are more difficult to catch. In fact, Hamas’s drones were the first thing to get through Israel’s defense on October 7th. Kela is improving communication devices tablets, phones, night-vision goggles, sensors, radars, or encryption devices. They have raised 39 million from US venture capital funds like Sequoia Capital and Lux Capital and with this funding they hope to expand and improve Israel’s defenses for the future.
4. Everyone knows how crazy and seemingly inconsistent airports seem and nothing is worse than finally getting through the interrogation at El Al security just to hear your flight is delayed or canceled. That is why Intell, a company founded in 2017 in Jerusalem by Dov Frohman, plans to reduce the number of delays and disruptions by 50 % in the future. The company has created CCTV cameras and AI algorithms that collect and monitor daily problems so they can predict issues and make recommendations for the quickest solutions. The system alerts ground handlers and airport staff to the disturbance and then shares the best way to resolve the problem based on data collected. Plane turnarounds cause the most delays so Intell cameras monitor everything in the hope that their suggestions will make turnarounds quicker. This will help the environment because fewer delays mean reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Also, it is cost effective because delays cost the airport 68 billion dollars in 2023 so if this system is effective then the cost will decrease. Currently, Intell is working with El Al, Miami International Airport, an unnamed company in the Arab Emirates, and Israeli venture capital company OurCrowd to incorporate this new technology.
5. Sola Security has accumulated 30 million dollars in funding its mission to make cyber threat security accessible and affordable for all businesses. Founders Guy Fletch, formerly co-founder of Cider Security, and Ron Peled, a former executive at LivePerson, strive to address businesses’ struggle with using too many expensive and poorly created security systems. Small and medium enterprises especially struggle because of the lack of resources to manage security alerts. That’s why Sola has created a self-serve software platform to streamline security operations which Enables teams to create and customize security solutions instantly and eliminate engineering burdens and high costs. It is designed for businesses with basic security knowledge so it is easy to use and can be navigated in multiple languages.
Does Light Lead To Productivity?
AvivaMarkowitz,OpinionEditor
The number one source of light is from the sun. Scientists say that natural lighting has the most benefits, including reduced blood pressure, improved moods, and improved mental health. Natural light can increase positivity along with productivity in students, teachers, and office workers. An issue with this idea is that many buildings are not made with enough windows to produce an effective amount of light. Because of this problem, scientists researched different lightings to see which ones help replicate the results sunlight has on a given person.
According to scientists, cooler lighting leads to the highest productivity rate compared to sunlight. “Blue enriched light bulbs” were also reported to increase positivity in offices: less eye and headaches. These light bulbs are also able to reduce sleepiness in workers, similar to coffee. Warmer tones, on the other hand, lead to a more comfortable environment, making people feel more relaxed and calm.
While some people prefer cool lighting, others prefer warm lighting, which can complicate things when deciding to set the tone of a room. A popular solution to this problem is called “individual light therapy”, where people use their own adjustable LED lamps that have a variety of lighting on their desks to have a personalized work experience. This way people can work in an environment that feels most comfortable to them.
Another important factor is the brightness of said lighting. Scientists found that brighter lights lead to more intense emotions while dimmer lights lead to more stable emotions. In order to regulate people’s moods, dimmable lights are recommended.
All in all, lights affect people’s moods and productivity levels, which can be beneficial in work and academic environments.
Getting Intimate with Intelligence
YoniBleier,Arts&EntertainmentEditor
Every student is too familiar with the moment when we wait with bated breath as the teachers hand back our tests or essays. Does the number at the top of that page really matter? Sure, it affects our transcript and trimester grade, but what does our grade say about us? For as long as schooling has existed, grades have been the primary way of measuring our performance and growth since previous material. We’ve been taught that high grades = intelligence, and low grades = poor intelligence. When discussing this, we should start by defining “intelligence.” Intelligence is not about simply memorizing, but it also factors in creativity, ability to problem solve, EQ, and real life application. Many of the most famously intelligent people were bad in school, the most prominent name being Albert Einstein.
So where does that leave us? Studies have shown that grades often reflect the amount of effort and discipline a student puts into a subject over their intellectual capabilities. The more a student focuses in class and takes notes, the more likely they are to perform higher on exams, but this does not account for the students with test anxiety. For students with test anxiety who get low scores on tests, the answer could simply be that they don’t fit into the traditional grading system. This leads to another major point, the subjectivity of grading.
In Math and Science, the answers are usually very straightforward, in the sense that there is only one correct answer, but with History and English, it isn’t as simple. The answers to essay prompts or test questions tend to be more open-ended and subjective, so this means that the perception among some students is that the grade won’t always be an accurate reflection of a student’s understanding or intelligence, but measuring their ability to meet their teacher’s needs and expectations. (For the record, according to TMac, each humanities assignment is designed to be an accurate reflection of a student’s ability to clearly and specifically communicate their understanding of the subject matter.)
Instead of focusing exclusively on grading, schools should emphasize a more rounded approach to assessing students. Projects, creative writing, and problem-solving are all great ways to do this. If one thing is abundantly clear at this point it is that the numbers or letters on your report card don’t reflect a student’s full capabilities and intelligence. Think beyond the classroom, because at the end of the day, every student has unique strengths and abilities that can’t be defined on a piece of paper.
Sho’ah
to Gaza: Tattoos in Judaism
MargotEnglander,Editor-In-Chief
In traditional Jewish law, tattoos are strictly forbidden, based on a passage from Leviticus which prohibits making permanent markings on the human body. Many Jewish scholars have interpreted this as a ban on tattoos, viewing the body as sacred and made in the image of G-d. This prohibition led some to believe that tattooed Jews cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery, although this is actually untrue.
During the Holocaust, tattoos took on a harrowing significance. The Nazis forcibly tattooed numbers onto the arms of concentration camp prisoners, stripping them of their names and identities. For survivors, these tattoos became painful reminders of their suffering. In the post-war years, this contributed to a strong aversion to tattoos in Jewish communities – many saw them as symbols of oppression and dehumanization. Some survivors have chosen to keep their tattoos visible as acts of defiance and remembrance, ensuring the atrocities they endured would never be forgotten.
In recent years, the perception of tattoos in Jewish communities has begun to evolve, particularly among younger generations. This shift became even more evident following the October 7th attacks in Israel, when Hamas terrorists launched a deadly attack against Israeli citizens. Among the survivors of prolonged Hamas captivity in Gaza, many have chosen to get tattoos as acts of resilience, tribute, and solidarity.
According to researchers at Bar-Ilan University, the collective trauma experienced by Israelis on and since October 7th has led to a wider phenomenon of memorial tattoos – tangible symbols of loss and emotional connection. It is an interesting paradox that many Jews have chosen to support Israel and commemorate October 7th with tattoos as permanent as the numbers branded on their ancestors in concentration camps.
Shani Louk, 22, became a symbol of October 7th, after photos and videos of her body being abducted from the Nova music festival went viral. An Associated Press freelancer won the Reynolds Journalism Institute’s award for the team picture story of the year for an image showing Shani’s lifeless body in the back of a Hamas pickup truck. Shani was a prominent name in the tattoo and art world, and after receiving official IDF confirmation of her death, her family built a website to commemo-
rate and share her artistic vision. They have encouraged people to get her drawings tattooed in her memory.
Campaigning for the release of their loved one from captivity, relatives of Liri Albag, got the word “faith” tattooed on themselves, replicating one of Liri’s tattoos. After Liri’s boyfriend was injured in a terror attack (pre-October 7th), she tattooed the word ‘faith’ on her right hand, representing her faith that he would recover, get back to being himself, and walk again. Three weeks after Liri was taken captive by Hamas terrorists, her family copied her tattoo in the same location on their body, in the same font, because they believed with all their faith that Liri would return alive, healthy, and recover. Liri was released in the January 2025 hostage deal.
Mia Schem, a hostage released in the first hostage deal in November 2023, shared on Instagram her new tattoo reading “We will dance again” accompanied by the date of October 7th, 2023. Her tattoo is on her left arm; she was brutally shot on her right arm at the Nova festival and is still recovering from a botched operation in Gaza. Mia – an Israeli-French tattoo artist – wrote in her post that “[she] will never forget October 7th … but we will win, we will dance!”
Almog Meir Jan, one of four Hamas hostages rescued by Israeli forces in Operation Arnon in June 2024, got a tattoo on his leg representing a newspaper headline from that day. Daniella Gilboa, an observer held hostage until January 2025, tattooed a butterfly on her arm to symbolize her freedom – a sketch that she drew while in captivity. Or Levy, who was held alongside Hersch Goldberg-Polin for part of his captivity, got a tattoo reading “he who has a why can deal with any how.” Levy shared the powerful words of his late companion – murdered in August 2024 in captivity – which have accompanied him since.
From Shani Louk’s artistic legacy to the meaningful tattoos of Liri Albag’s family and Mia Schem’s message of hope, these permanent markings serve as poignant reminders of both personal and collective endurance. Tattoos have transformed from a mark of victimization into a testament of survival and the unyielding spirit of the Jewish people. Through ink and skin, stories of pain, hope, and resilience continue to be etched into history.
The Terrific, Terrible, and Trendy
YoniBleier,Arts&EntertainmentEditor
Best:
1- Sustainable and Thrifted Fashion – Increasingly, students are denouncing fast fashion for thrifted, vintage, or sustainable clothing. Not only is this more gentle on the planet, but it also promotes the development of more individual and original styles.
2- Mental Health Awareness – Both students and schools are focusing more on mental health, with more conversations on stress, anxiety, and self-care practices. A number of schools are providing mental health days, wellness clubs, and mindfulness programs, which is a step in a great direction.
3- New Study Methods – Gone is the traditional method of only using textbooks! Now, students utilize new methods such as study apps, creative note-taking techniques, and even social media platforms like TikTok to study. These new, modern methods make studying more interesting as well as more efficient.
Worst:
1- Overpriced Trendy Water Bottles –Although hydration is essential, do students need to pay $50 for a water bottle simply because it’s the latest trend?
2- Replacing Breakfast with Energy Drinks –More and more, students are opting for energy drinks that have high caffeine content as a replacement for a nutritious breakfast. While this may give a short-term energy boost, this is not a wholesome habit and can result in energy loss later in the day, which makes it harder to focus in school.
3- Unrealistic Social Media Expectations –Through the vast presence of social media in students’ lives, unrealistic lifestyles and beauty expectations can emphasize the necessity of having certain looks or lifestyles. The prevalence of “Instagram-worthy” moments might make students feel obligated to meet unrealistic expectations.
Arts & Entertainment It Ends With Us Ends Celeb Star
YoniBleier,Arts&EntertainmentEditor
published. Originally, audiences were excited, saying they couldn’t wait to watch critically acclaimed actress Blake Lively play the main character Lily Blossom Bloom, but by the release of the movie, fans were less than impressed due to news about controversy on set.
On December 20, 2024, Blake Lively filed a complaint about Baldoni’s behavior on set, claiming sexual harassment and mistreatment. Fighting Baldoni with the support of Hoover, the public immediately came to Lively’s defense, but Baldonit filed a countersuit in order to show the truth behind the matter.
Allegedly, Lively was brutal to work with. Originally, she wasn’t given creative liberty beyond her character, but over the span of filming, she slowly began to take control. Sources claim that Lively took over her character’s wardrobe, spending way over budget and working the crew hard in order to transfer the clothing from one place to another. Lively also had her husband, Ryan Reynolds, change the script, apparently pressuring Baldoni into approving the changes. Messages were leaked of
Lively implying the use of both Reynolds and pop star Taylor Swift to intimidate Baldoni. People are split between who they support and will have to wait until 2026 for Baldoni and Lively’s first court appearance.
New York Times Best Selling book It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover sold its movie rights to famous actor Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios in 2019, three years after the book was
2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show Review
AvivaMarkowitz,OpinionEditor
The highly anticipated Super Bowl Halftime Show hosted by Kendrick Lamar had mixed reviews across various audiences. This was not his first performance at the Super Bowl; he was a guest artist in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and others. However, this time, Lamar used the halftime show as an opportunity to tell a story about America, specifically the censoring of P.O.C artists and the standards set that do not apply to others. The show featured famous actor Samuel L. Jackson; award-winning singer SZA, who is known for collaborating with Lamar on multiple songs; and award-winning tennis player Serena Williams. Out of these three features, SZA was the only singer, with Jackson acting as a “host” and Serena Williams as a guest dancer. Throughout the entirety of the show, Lamar teased his most popular song “Not Like Us”, a diss track aimed at singer-songwriter Drake, to keep the crowd at the edge of their seats. Lamar also wore a necklace with a lowercase “a” as a reference to his song “Not Like Us” when he said “a-minor”. Another notable part of his performance was when he stared directly at the camera and sang a line directed at Drake, catching many viewers’ attention from home. Many memes were made from this performance from Drake’s reaction to people’s parents’ reactions. Older audiences who are not immersed in pop and rap culture did not fully understand the hidden meanings within the performance, finding it underwhelming and lackluster. This, however, is not how younger audiences felt. With a strong message of hope and unity, many people felt represented and had a great time watching Lamar perform. Overall, the performance was unforgettable and will be remembered forever in Super Bowl Halftime Show History.
Features & Games
Cougar Connections
AriEisenstadt,Features&GamesEditor
Features & Games
COUGAR CHRONICLE
Crossword
ArielShavit,Editor-in-Chief
Features & Games
Sodoku Puzzle
ClaireEnglander,SchoolNewsEditor
Features & Games
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Cougar Chronicle Advisor: Tmac
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