Here are the morning’s top stories on Monday, October 7, 2024…
- It’s been one year since Hamas-led militant groups launched attacks on Israel, killing more than 1200 Israelis and taking more than 200 people hostage. Many of those hostages have still not been released. And more than 41,500 people in Gaza have been killed by the Israeli bombardment according to Palestinian health officials, with a ceasefire still nowhere in sight. The war in the Middle East has also led to growing tensions here in the US. An LA-based organization is working to ease the tensions between the two communities.
- The state Department of Public Health is investigating a possible third human case of bird flu in the Central Valley. The first two confirmed human cases were in Tulare County.
Organization Pushes For Productive Engagement Between Muslim And Jewish Communities
The last year has been extremely challenging for Muslim and Jewish communities across California. Following the attack on Israel by Hamas-led militant groups on October 7, 2023, there’s been growing tension and discourse here in the United States.
In Los Angeles, the group NewGround is trying to ease some of those tensions. The nonprofit describes its mission as envisioning an America where Muslims and Jews and others, both secular and religious, model lasting partnerships and engagement in authentic communication and mutual cooperation. Program Director Tasneem Noor says conversations have been open and honest since last October 7. “They have been raw. They have been a process of leaning into that deep desire to open up, while also recognizing one’s own limitations. Conversations on Zionism and from the river to the sea. And is it a genocide? Is it not a genocide? All of those conversations have been happening and continue to happen,” she said.
State Investigating Third Possible Human Case Of Bird Flu
The state Department of Public Health is investigating a possible third human case of bird flu in the Central Valley. Health officials say the person was in contact with infected dairy cattle, and was experiencing mild symptoms.
It’s believed that this case occurred in Kern County. Health officials there released a statement over the weekend saying they’re working with the state and CDC to investigate the case.