We are devastated by the Yom Kippur attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, UK, where a terrorist rammed his car into the synagogue and then stabbed members of the Jewish community, killing two and seriously injuring others. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families, those injured and the entire global Jewish community, which was observing the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar. We demand UK authorities crack down on those who carry out these acts of terror. (fb)

🚨 STATEMENT ON U.S. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: We are deeply troubled by the potential negative impact the government shutdown may have on older adults. As the largest national Jewish sponsor of subsidized housing for seniors in the United States, B’nai B’rith and its Center for Senior Services are uniquely aware of the important role federal programs play in the lives of older adults with limited means. Without federal funding, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with programs vital to seniors, could face challenges meeting its mission of providing affordable housing. A prolonged shutdown will put HUD senior housing and other critical programs for older adults in jeopardy. In addition, we call on Congress to ensure that any government spending bill fully funds vital federal government programs that provide critical resources to older Americans. We also call on Congress to find a bipartisan solution to extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits to ensure older adults have access to affordable healthcare. B’nai B’rith is deeply troubled by the prospects of making healthcare more expensive. Lack of access to affordable medical care endangers older adults, who may forgo preventive check-ups and medications vital to their well-being. Lastly, it’s unfortunate the administration is threatening to dismiss countless federal workers during a government shutdown. Federal workers across the country play a vital role ensuring seniors get the services they need, and a reduction in workforce could lead to a serious disruption of services. (fb)