Bar mitzvah of Abraham Abadi with his grandfather Moises Abadi

From the Eretz Israel to Panama, Colombia, and Israel, then back to Colombia, onward to New York, Panama, Guatemala, and finally returning to New York

Sarina Roffé

The family life we have, our exposure to religion, the different cultural experiences of the places and countries where we lived, are what determines who we are today. Gladys Mandalaoui was born in Guatemala to Syrian parents. Her sister Fortuna Debbah and brothers Moises and Abraham were born in Panama. Her family history of living in different countries as well as the values taught by her traditional parents shaped the person she became, full of pride in her heritage.

The story began in or about 1913 when Abraham Zafrani, a young man born in Aleppo, left his family in Jerusalem. He was looking for a better life and to help his family survive. The Turkish government was conscripting young men and many young men left. He had a kitab (school) education and spoke Arabic.

Abraham traveled to Panama where he met his cousin and other friends. They were selling material to the workers of the Panama Canal. They organized the first Sephardic Synagogue in Panama.

In1923 Abraham met and married Alegre Zayat, who also had a Syrian background and had just arrived in Panama from Egypt. Their daughter Esther was born in 1924 in Panama. Six months later Abraham was offered a better business in Barranquilla, Colombia, so they moved. The business did well and the family was wealthy. They had four more children and sent their children to private secular schools.

They kept the Syrian Jewish traditions. Abraham taught his children Friday night prayers and helped build up the Sephardic synagogue there. He always yearned for his homeland and in 1935 he tried to relocate the family to Israel where the last child was born. They stayed in Eretz Israel a few months and there were rumors of another war. The Arab kids were using words that were offensive. Abraham was disappointed in life in Tel Aviv and decided to bring his family back to Barranquilla, Colombia.

In1940, Abraham sent his son Isaac Zafrani to a boarding school in New York. After seeing the Brooklyn community, he decided to move the family here. He also felt his daughters would meet and marry Syrian men, so they moved to Bensonhurst in Brooklyn, NY in 1942. But in 1944, many Syrian men were serving in the U.S. Army, defending our country during World War II. There were few candidates for Esther to marry. So, her father decided to take Esther to visit Panama, where she had been born. That’s where Esther met Leon Abadi, who was also born in Panama, and they married in October 1944, where she had Fortuna in 1945, Moises in 1947, and Abraham in 1950 in Panama. Gladys was born in Guatemala in 1955. They had a store called La Fortuna in Panama.

From Panama to Guatemala

Business in Panama was not so good. Leon’s brother-in-law offered him an opportunity to work in a rice plantation in a town in Guatemala. The idea seemed great, but neither of them knew anything about growing rice. Leon was supposed to be sending money to Esther, but the money wasn’t coming.

In 1952, Esther moved to Guatemala with the three children and settled there with her husband. Within a few years, it was clear that the rice business was not going to support them and they needed to look for another business.

Another of Leon’s sisters had moved to Guatemala and married. Her husband was a good businessman, and helped Leon identify a small store called El Panameño where he sold textiles. Esther was pregnant with Gladys, so they stayed in Guatemala. Other Jewish community members who owned factories produced fabrics that helped him. By 1957, his inventory was so large that he opened another store where Esther worked.

The family was successful in Guatemala and actively participated in the Jewish community and Magen David Synagogue. They were all well accepted by the community.

From 1952 until 1959, the family lived close to the Sephardic synagogue. Leon liked to go to synagogue on Friday nights and Saturday. The community had 500 families, about half of whom were Ashkenazic, and the rest were Sephardic. A few wealthy men supported the synagogue.

In 1959, the family bought a plot of land to build a home. Leon’s brother was an engineer in Panama. He designed the house using drawings sent by Leon that showed the position of the plot, the angles of the sun and other details. Leon was his own contractor. Overseeing the building of the house. Houses in Guatemala did not have basements but Leon insisted on a basement. Gladys and Fortuna shared a room, as did their brothers. It was a ranch style house with a large terrace on the roof.

The family had a housekeeper, gardener and a person who came weekly to do the wash, since they had no washing machine. They had a nice home with big gardens. They raised chickens and got eggs from the chickens. Esther cooked Syrian foods but also learned to make some local foods so the family learned to eat black beans and tortillas. Because Leon was Ambassador of Panama in Guatemala, they entertained often, and Esther served them.

There was one synagogue in the north and another in the south. The house was in the middle so they had to drive to synagogue. The rabbis lived in the synagogue and were all friends of the family. Leon helped the rabbis adjust to life in Guatemala. He helped with fundraising, and helped the synagogue run smoothly.

Kashrut was hard. “My grandfather was a shokhet and taught my father how to kill chickens. Most of time we ate chicken, killed by my parents, plucked and everything,” said Gladys. “Rabbi Moises Zaccai, came from Panama. He was trained at Mirrer Yeshiva and was a rabbi, shokhet and mohel. He killed the cows and chickens. We were among the most religious there. A lot were not religious. Still, Rabbi Zaccai would not eat in our house except for boiled eggs and fruit or uncooked vegetables. When rabbis came, they came to us.”

While Esther helped Leon in his business, she stayed home Sundays and cooked food for the week, always cooking the same Syrian foods that we eat today.

The family had two cars and often went for rides in the car. Esther drove and they shopped for food.

While there were no Jewish schools, the four children had good Jewish role models in their parents. The children attended private schools. Gladys attended an English American school. Fortuna attended a Catholic school. The school was strict and Fortuna had difficulty there. At age 12, for one year, she attended school in New York where she lived with her aunt. Then she returned to Guatemala and attended the Austrian school, where they taught her German. Tuition was about $15 a month.

Guatemala was a Catholic country. “No one understood why we wouldn’t pray the way they did. We had mass in school and when they said stand, we stood while the kids said Hail Mary,” said Gladys, “We were respectful and didn’t talk when they prayed. We knew it was their religion. We never kneeled. Nothing happened to us, we respected them and they left us alone.

“I never had a play date with them. We knew those are people from the country and we knew we were different. We only associated with them when we had to. We didn’t mix with them or mingle. We never invited them to our home. The school had a boys and girls section. At the end of the year, when we celebrated Guatemalan Independence Day, the school brought the boys and girls together to practice for a parade. That’s the only time we saw them. They were not Jewish, so my parents would not allow us to mingle with them either.”

Gladys remembers having many Jewish friends. They used to socialize at a Jewish club on Saturday afternoons, where they learned Zionism, Jewish culture, Israeli songs and dances.

Some people had summer homes, where the Abadi children would visit. For fun, they went to fairs, the movies, picnics at a nearby lake, or visited farms. Leon liked the latest equipment. They had a color TV and he was a ham radio operator in Guatemala using the handle TG9AE. Often Israelis would come to try and convince them to make Aliyah to Israel, plant trees and sell Israel bonds.

In 1964, the Abadis sent Fortuna to Brooklyn as she was of marrying age. In 1965 she married Jaime Debbah, where she settled and raised her family.

By 1972, many were leaving Guatemala because they wanted a better education for their children so went to the United States. There was also the issue of safety as there were kidnappings and people couldn’t go out at night. As a diplomat, Leon had many parties at his home.

A few families made Aliyah to Israel. In 1972, Leon was appointed as a Delegate of Panama to the United Nations and he moved the family to Brooklyn. Gladys attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972.

Both Moises and Abraham went to Panama and married women from Barranquilla. Moises married Rina Gateno in 1980. Abraham married Miriam Birbragher in 1981. Abraham worked in the consulate of Panama in New York when he married Miriam. Then he became Vice Counsel of Panama in Bogota.

Gladys met Sol Mandalaoui, who was born in 1950 in Egypt and came to New York in 1962. They were married in January 1975 and had three children – Ikey, David and Paulette–and they all married in the community. Gladys and Sol have ten grandchildren ranging from ages 23 to 10 years old.

Leon passed away in 1990 and Esther passed away in November 2024 at the age of 100. Baruch dayan emet (blessed is the judge of truth). q

A genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017). She is researching a new book: Syria – Paths to Freedom. Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, and MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA.

Magen David Yeshivah Warriors Assist
Habayit in Making a Difference

Many sports teams often spend hours practicing together to build unity and enhance their skills, but it’s also important for teams to take their sense of unity and make an impact off the court. As Coach Ike Spike Dweck is known to say, “At MDY, we get young men ready for life, not just basketball”! And so, on a Sunday afternoon in December, the Magen David Yeshivah Varsity Basketball team demonstrated what it truly means to be a team by coming together to do an act of hesed (kindness). Partnering with Habayit, the community organization that provides short term apartments for people who come to NY for medical treatment, they set out to help families in need by moving heavy furniture and belongings from one home to another.

Known for having skills and determination on the basketball court, these Magen David Warriors showed that their dedication extends far beyond their athletic performance. Recognizing the challenges some families in the community face during their transitions, the team decided to step in and lend a helping hand. With rented moving trucks and a desire to make an impact, the players spent their Sunday hauling beds, couches, boxes, and other household items, making the moving process easier for a struggling family.

Teamwork on and off the Court

The values that make a great basketball team—communication, trust, and a shared goal—are the same qualities that contributed to the success of this hesed project. “On the court, we always rely on each other. Whether it’s moving the ball or supporting a teammate during a tough game, we know we are stronger together,” said team captain Philip Sherr. “Off the court, it’s no different. Helping others is a way for us to practice those same values—working together as a team to make a difference.”

The experience demonstrated the depth of the team’s bond, with players coordinating their efforts as if they were executing a play. They divided up the work, communicated effectively, and worked with precision to get each item moved quickly and safely. The boys learned firsthand how teamwork can change lives—not just through sports, but through the simple, meaningful acts of kindness that strengthen the fabric of a community.

The Importance of Hesed in the Community

For the players, the experience was also a valuable reminder of why doing good for others is so important. The concept of hesed teaches that kindness should flow freely and selflessly, without expectation of reward. The basketball team took this lesson to heart, understanding that service to others is an essential part of being responsible community members. “Our team has always believed that our purpose is bigger than just playing basketball. We strive to be leaders and role models, both on and off the court,” said captain Joshua Chabbott. “Doing hesed is about helping people in ways that truly matter, and it made me feel good while doing it too.”

Looking to the Future

As the season continues, the team is excited to carry the lessons of hesed into their future games and beyond. They’re committed to putting in the work and making an impact, whether they are on the court competing or off it, contributing to the well-being of others. As the basketball season progresses, this act of charity serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork, not just in sport, but in the larger game of life. The team has shown that their commitment to working together doesn’t end when the final whistle blows—it’s a mentality that extends to every part of their lives, proving that hesed and hard work go hand in hand, on and off the court.

“A decade ago, on December 1, 2014, we opened the doors to the DSN Community Center with the dream of transforming community life on the Jersey Shore. Today, we can proudly say that dream has come true!” That is how DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt, who has been leading the Community Center from day one, summed up his feelings. Sammy credits the Community Center’s success over the years to his staff, whom he calls the “DSN Dream Team”.

The milestone anniversary celebration began on Monday, December 2, with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the staff. A special “Happy Anniversary” cake was presented from the DSN Seniors to the DSN staff, in recognition of their unwavering commitment. Next, Sammy introduced each of the staff leaders to the Seniors. “I want you to meet the heart and soul of our Center, the people who work every day to build our community.” The staff, many of whom have been at DSN since it opened, were overwhelmed. Each of them spoke to the gathering of nearly 100 people.

David Belhassen, DSN’s Building & Facilities Director, working with DSN for nearly 15 years explained, “Working at DSN doesn’t feel like work. It feels like being with family. Watching DSN evolve has been the most beautiful experience, and I’m grateful to contribute to the smiles we bring every day.”

Marcella Missry, DSN’s Finance Director, also with DSN for nearly 15 years, reflected on the journey. “It’s been an honor to see the incredible growth of both DSN and the community. First with my very own children and now with my grandchildren, I’m proud to be a part of it and excited for what’s next.”

Sharon Carlstrom, DSN’s Fitness Director, shared her sentiments about the occasion, remarking “I am so happy to be celebrating DSN’s 10-year milestone! The fitness and group exercise program has grown tremendously since its establishment, and we couldn’t have done it without the commitment of members and the hard work of our team.”

Other leading staff who spoke at the gathering included Frieda Betesh, DSN’s Membership Director, Jon Entel, DSN’s Sports Director and Frieda Shamah, DSN’s Youth Director.

The DSN Community Center building was decorated to honor the anniversary. Visitors were greeted by a festive balloon arch at the entrance and a walk-through history. A stunning display of 10 posters lined the hallways. These posters illustrated key moments from the building’s history, from its groundbreaking construction to cherished memories of the first programs and events. A continuous slideshow played in the lobby, offering a nostalgic look back at a decade of achievements.

DSN’s Youth Department brought their trademark creativity to the festivities. Children in after-school programs received custom cupcakes, while Club Friday featured a special session with Sara Chehebar, where kids decorated 10th-anniversary cupcakes and crafted snow globes featuring the DSN logo in art class. The activities highlighted the importance of engaging and nurturing the next generation.

The DSN organization was born in 2007, seven years before the Community Center opened. It came about from a collective need identified by young parents to provide extra-curricular and Sunday activities for the community’s children. Before DSN existed, parents sought to enroll their children in after-school programs and sports leagues, but options only existed outside the community and on dates that conflicted with the Jewish holiday calendar. DSN was envisioned as a solution: an organization where everyone could come together within our own community, protected and secure, while being true to our traditions. However, without its own building, DSN relied on renting local facilities to provide its programming. Eventually, the demand from the community for more programming necessitated DSN finding its own building, which it did in 2013. One year later, the Community Center opened.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, a decade ago, attended by esteemed community Rabbis and led by Chief Rabbi Saul Kassin A”H, symbolized the beginning of a new chapter. That chapter has since unfolded into a story of resilience, connection, and growth. Since then, the Community Center layered on programming, so that it currently caters to all ages from little infants to our most-respected Seniors.

“DSN is a pillar of community growth. Without DSN, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” said DSN’s Adult Director, Caleigh Silvera. “It’s easy to see that DSN is not just a center; it’s a cornerstone of our identity and lifestyle.”

As the DSN Community Center celebrates its 10th anniversary, the focus remains forward-looking. DSN continues to innovate, expanding with programs and opportunities that bring people together and foster Jewish pride. It has become a beacon of community, inspiring all who walk through its doors.

Sammy puts the past 10 years in perspective. “Talk about growth. Before we opened our building, we were a startup company with 4 full-time employees and a vision. Today, we have nearly 100 employees at our Community Center, all who have contributed to get us where we are today. This 10-year anniversary is a testament to their passion, as well as the dedication of our amazing executive board, and of course our countless volunteers. With Hashem’s continued help, the future is very bright for DSN and the entire Jersey Shore!”

A Tribute to Sephardic Contributions
in World War II

Raquel Hanon Boujo

The Sephardic Heritage Museum recently set up a showcase at the Sephardic Community Center in Brooklyn, New York, featuring a remarkable collection of artifacts from World War II. This exhibit highlights the contributions of Syrian Sephardic servicemen, alongside Egyptian, Persian, Iraqi, and other Jewish soldiers who valiantly served during the war.

Among the treasured items on display are Mickey Kairey’s tefillin bag, hat, war boots, and a heartfelt letter he wrote during his time in service. Also featured are Meyer Cohen’s Army Identification Card, his Persian Gulf Command Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, a wartime meal card, A Short Guide to Syria, and A Pocket Guide to Egypt.

The exhibit includes Jack Maslaton’s Certificate of Merit, awarded for his service in the European Theater Operations of the United States Army. You’ll also find a photograph of Sarah Kairey alongside fellow Red Cross volunteers, and Fortune Tawil Manopala, showcased in her raid warden uniform during the war.

One of the exhibit’s highlights is a four-page record of American Syrian Jewish war veterans. These pages honor many members of our own community, including great-grandparents and grandparents who proudly served and sacrificed during this pivotal time in history.

We invite you to visit the Sephardic Community Center to experience this incredible display of heritage and history. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the legacy of our community’s heroes.

Raquel Hanon Boujo is an accomplished author, humorist and mother from Brooklyn NY.

It’s well known that the faculty at Magen David Yeshivah High School is unparalleled and that student-teacher relationships are our claim to fame. This year’s Educational Enrichment Program, sponsored for the success by Jacob & Shelly Orfali for the success of their children & grandchildren, was MDYHS Mystery eXpedition, which took place on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024.

The program was designed to afford every student the opportunity to get to know and bond with their teachers outside of the formal classroom. Students were invited to select any teacher that they would like the opportunity to spend a day with on a mystery expedition preselected by that teacher. Some students didn’t know where they were going until the buses pulled up to their locations! The actual trip was secondary. The point was choosing a teacher they wanted to get to know better. The day was filled with fun, bonding, learning, and excitement.

At Magen David Yeshivah High School learning takes all forms, and we are sure this out of the classroom experience was extremely valuable. Thank you Dr. Daniel Vitow and everyone who worked behind the scenes that made this day possible.

What is it going to take?

Another little Jewish girl’s world completely overturned. I am screaming from the rooftops as loud as I can, but I am one person and my voice won’t carry as far and wide as it need. 

As I sit in my living room with my kids safely tucked in their beds, I am reading about another little girl whose world was completely overturned.  The tears will not stop falling and I feel as if I was punched in the stomach.  I want to throw up, I want to scream, I want to run upstairs and gather my own children in a safe embrace and never let go.  A 7 year old child was recently kidnapped and assaulted in Ashdod.  The perpetrator was Jewish, looked like a nice man and said a very common lure for kids.  “Your father sent me to pick you up today and I have some candy for you.”  That is all it took, that is how quickly it took to shatter this child and her parents trust and change their lives.

This story saddens me but even more than that it angers me.  I have sat across principal after principal, parent after parent, telling me that I am “overprotective” “what are the chances?” “Hashem is watching” and other comments of the like.   I want to say to all of you, you are right.  You are right!, Hashem is watching.  He’s watching us make mistakes, he’s watching us take these precious gifts for granted, he’s watching the diamonds he gave us go unprotected by the people who vowed to do that job.

You’re right I am overprotective.  I spent years feeling bad about myself and doubting my need to protect all children.  I questioned myself, a lot. But then I came to the conclusion that, I’m fine with it, I am comfortable and happy with being overprotective.  Now don’t get me wrong, there is a fine line between being anxious and nervous and constantly in a state of panic versus protecting our children in the ways they deserve to be, but setting up rules, regulations and protocols to protect our neshamos?, No! That, is not overprotective, that is our job as trusted adults.

You are right “what are the chances?”  It was one story right? Leiby Kletzky was one story right? An abomination that should never happen and probably won’t again right?  Wrong, there are unfortunately countless people reading this that understand all too well the dangers we are referring to.  If you don’t, count your brachos, but don’t get complacent.  Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security.  Don’t check out from your role of protector.

What can we do?

I run Magenu, an organization dedicated to the protection of children, and I see every day how important it is to teach our children basic safety lessons, but more importantly I see how children are so vulnerable and so trusting that it is completely insane to expect them to protect themselves.  To ask a child to be solely responsible for making the right decisions is unfair and unsafe.  Many of you are thinking, my child would never walk away from the line, my child would for sure check with me because we spoke about that.  Think again; when a child is in an actual situation, unless they are really prepared they will likely make the wrong decision.  They get confused and scared and intimidated.   Saying NO to an adult or even speaking up is more difficult than you can imagine.   It is therefore, the adult’s job to protect that child.  The responsibility falls on all of us.  Parents, we have to talk to our kids about these types of scenarios, role play, discuss situations and what your rules are, if you never speak about it your child will never have the knowledge to pull from, if it should arise.  School administrators, you have to set up protocols where children are being protected, who is allowed to pick up this child? What if someone else shows up? Who is making sure the kids are getting on the buses? Who is making sure the kids are getting in the right cars? These are topics every school needs to discuss and regulate.  I do not think it is an easy job for a school, in fact it is really difficult, parents get upset when they have to be inconvenienced, there’s not enough staff to monitor all the kids etc.  These problems pale in comparison to the pain and suffering that 7 year old girl will face. Close your eyes and picture that 7 year old girl, the fear, the pain, the confusion. Now imagine telling her, that you could have prevented all that but it was too difficult to figure out.  Don’t be reactive be proactive.

I am screaming from the rooftops as loud as I can, but I am one person and my voice won’t carry.  Please, please join in so our voices are strong and can be heard.  I want to protect all of our children, all of your children, don’t you?  Don’t’ you want to protect your own children, your sibling’s children, your neighbor’s children, your nation’s children?  Hashem is watching; let’s show him how much we love his children, how grateful we are to have been blessed with watching over them.

Please join me in a night of prevention and awareness where the topics discussed will be, “what is the role of the adult in regards to the safety of our children?  Taking the responsibility off the child?”

Dr. Shani Verschleiser,

Co-founder Magenu.org

Motzei Shabbos

January 10^th

8-10 pm

Prospect Park High school auditorium

1601 avenue R

Brooklyn NY

LAURA SHAMMAH MS, RDN

PEOPLE WITH ADHD know how much the condition can affect all aspects of their life — from how well they do in school to their relationships. But many people with ADHD may not be as aware of just how much the condition can influence their eating habits. And if left unchecked, these poor eating habits could eventually affect their mental and physical health.

Some of the most common problems are “hyper fixation” and binge eating. Hyper fixation is an intense fixation on certain activities or interests but can include eating habits, too. This means some people may only eat a specific food or meal for a while before becoming tired of it and moving on to a different food or meal.

Studies have also shown an association between ADHD and certain eating disorders, with binge eating disorders being one of the most common. Binge eating disorder is when people consume large amounts of foods over a short time, even when they’re not hungry. It’s estimated that almost a third of people in the U.S. who have binge eating disorders also have ADHD.

Some experts believe that people with ADHD may overeat to satisfy their need for stimulation. Binge eating may also happen because ADHD makes it difficult for people to have self-control and self-regulation, meaning they may be more likely to overeat if they’re feeling sad or angry, and they may not find it as easy to know when they’re full.

Some evidence suggests that binge eating in people with ADHD may be attributed to a heightened neural-reward response to food rather than impulsivity. This is when the brain is exposed to a stimulus that is rewarding and responds by releasing an increased amount of dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with reward and pleasure. However, impulsiveness (another symptom of ADHD) may also lead people to overeat — especially foods that are unhealthy.

Some ADHD medications can also suppress appetite during the day. But as the drug’s effects wear off in the evening, appetite increases, which may lead to binge eating. Sensory issues may also explain why some people with ADHD tend to eat or avoid certain foods. Certain textures or smells may cause sensory overload, making it difficult for people with ADHD to eat them – leading to avoidance of those foods or food groups altogether. Dopamine may explain why people with ADHD prefer high-sugar foods.

There’s also evidence that people with ADHD tend to gravitate toward junk foods, especially food that is high in sugar. This may be because high-sugar foods stimulate the release of dopamine. People with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine. As such, they may be more likely to seek dopamine out. Since eating simple carbohydrates like candy triggers a rush of dopamine in the brain, this may be why people with ADHD tend to hyper-fixate or binge on these foods.

NUTRITION AND ADHD

Not having a varied diet or only eating foods that may be high in sugar can lead to a range of health problems, from vitamin deficiencies to obesity. High-sugar diets can also affect energy levels and mood. Highly processed additives and preservatives, may also change behavior and cognitive development.

Several studies have shown nutritional deficiencies can affect behavior and cognitive function in people with ADHD. Vitamin D and magnesium, in particular, are important, they may improve attention and decrease hyperactivity somewhat. Vitamin D can also affect the way dopamine forms in the brain.

But even though ADHD can make it harder to keep eating habits in check, if you have ADHD, there are things you can do to improve the situation. Here are some of them:

1.PLAN

Shop and plan meals for the week ahead. Planning meals makes it easier to decide what and when to eat and may help you avoid buying or bingeing on unhealthy, processed foods.

2.EAT SMALL BUT NUTRITIOUS MEALS THROUGHOUT THE DAY

If these are planned, it can help you avoid filling up on unhealthy snacks – and may also help you avoid evening binges if you’re someone who forgets to eat throughout the day or medication suppresses daytime appetite. A balance vegetable, protein and complex carbohydrates (such as chicken, beans, and whole grains) and healthy fat will help you get enough proper nutrients and vitamins but will also help you feel fuller for longer and give you energy. This also helps brain focus and function better.

3. CREATE A HEALTHY FOOD
ENVIRONMENT AT HOME

Keep nutritious snacks in sight – such as fruit or vegetables, nuts and seeds, which may help improve your attention.

4.SUPPLEMENT CERTAIN VITAMINS AND MINERALS

People with ADHD are more likely to be deficient in certain micronutrients. Ask your doctor if including omega-3, magnesium, and zinc would be right for you. These nutrients are important for ensuring the brain, body, and immune system all function at their best.

While it may not always be easy to adjust your diet, working with a nutritionist, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, getting help from a loved one, or even using a daily meal planner may all be useful in helping you get on track. Even making just a few small changes to your daily eating habits can have a big positive impact on your daily routine and wellbeing.

I see many clients with ADD/ADHD who struggle with eating disorders. Once they find what I call their right cocktail they find success. What is the right cocktail? Everyone is different. For some it is going to therapy, a dietitian, exercise and taking supplements and for some taking right medication along with above is like putting on eyeglasses for someone who couldn’t see. If you are struggling find out what your right cocktail is–reach out to professionals to help you find it so you can live you best life.

Laura Shammah MS, RDN specializes in eating disorders but has clientele that run the gamut from people dealing with PCOS, infertility, hypertension, high cholesterol, Crohn’s disease, diabetes and cancer. She also helps clients who run in marathons, are pregnant and those who would like to lose or gain weight in a healthy way.

Linda Sadacka

In a world where headlines are shaped by legacy media and celebrities flaunt their endorsements as if they’re creed, something remarkable is happening beneath the surface. Across New York City, the recent election results have flipped the script, proving that the real power lies not in elite endorsements or media spin, but in the hands of everyday people. This grassroots surge has sent a shockwave through the political landscape, and it’s something every one of us should take to heart: our votes matter.

Take a close look at the recent shifts in traditionally working-class neighborhoods across the city. In places like Washington Heights, the West Bronx, Flushing, Richmond Hill, and Bensonhurst, we saw communities band together, ignoring the noise from mainstream influencers, and casting their votes for a change they truly believe in. Despite being flooded with media narratives and the predictable celebrity endorsements, people showed that they weren’t swayed by empty rhetoric. Instead, they chose candidates who genuinely represented their concerns—on issues like public safety, economic opportunity, and a better quality of life. This movement wasn’t driven by Hollywood; it was driven by you.

Why the Grassroots Shift Matters

These results reflect a new era of political engagement, one that is powered by voters who are tired of being told what to think. Trump’s success in these areas wasn’t handed to him by influencers or traditional media outlets. In fact, his gains were achieved despite them. This was a victory rooted in the real lives and real struggles of New Yorkers who feel overlooked by the establishment and who want leaders who will finally take their concerns seriously. This is what happens when the people take back the narrative.

Consider our own community’s role in this transformation. In the recent New York State Assembly race, we didn’t just show up—we broke records. Voter turnout soared from approximately 23,000 to over 33,000, an increase of nearly 50%. This wasn’t a passive response; it was a deliberate choice to show that we’re tired of being ignored. Our community’s voices resonated louder than any media personality or celebrity endorsement, proving that when we come together, we have the power to change outcomes.

Why Every Vote Matters—
And What Happens When You Don’t Show Up

If you’re not registered to vote, you’re handing over your voice to others who may not share your values or understand your needs. Every single vote contributes to a bigger picture, and when we fail to show up, we leave decisions that impact our lives in the hands of those who don’t represent us. Voting isn’t just a right; it’s a responsibility to ourselves, our families, and our community. It’s the single most powerful way we can demand accountability and ensure that our concerns are addressed.

When we don’t vote, we’re doing more than just skipping a civic duty. We’re allowing those with louder platforms and larger megaphones—often in the form of legacy media and celebrities—to shape policies and elect leaders who may not understand or care about our issues. By staying home, we’re giving them the power to define our future without our consent. This election showed what happens when we refuse to let that happen. It was a victory not just for candidates, but for the idea that real change is still possible when people come together.

The Path Forward:
Building on the Momentum

This election cycle has taught us an important lesson: grassroots movements are not just alive, but thriving. Our community’s increased turnout and impact didn’t go unnoticed. Political leaders are beginning to understand the strength of our voice and the weight of our values. This recognition alone has already strengthened our influence, enabling us to push for policies that align with our needs more directly than ever before. But this is only the beginning.

We must keep building on this momentum. We need to encourage everyone—friends, family, neighbors—to register and to vote. We need to ensure that our voices aren’t just heard in one election cycle, but in every election, at every level. When we continue to show up in numbers, we send a message that can’t be ignored, that can’t be spun, and that won’t be drowned out by celebrity endorsements or media bias.

A Call to Action:
Your Vote is Your Power

As someone who has spent years urging our community to register and vote, I want you to know that this is not just about a single election. This is about our future. This is about showing that no matter what the establishment says, we are the ones who hold the real power. We’ve proven that when we stand united, no narrative is too big, no media machine too powerful to drown out our voices. Let’s continue to push forward. Register to vote if you haven’t. Show up at the polls. Remind everyone around you that their vote is their power. Together, we are more than a community—we are a movement, and this movement has only just begun.

Linda Sadacka is a prominent political activist and community leader.