BRICS countries foster cooperation

 

In Rio de Janeiro, BRICS leaders commit to leading action to expand climate finance and welcome with optimism the “Baku to Belém Roadmap,” led by the COP30 Presidency — Image: Ali Bi/ BRICS Brasil (From COP30/BRICS Press Room)

As the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—met at a summit in Rio de Janeiro, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on those nations he accused of being aligned with what he referred to as “anti-American” policies. BRICS has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates.

In response to President Trump’s tariff threat, the Chinese foreign ministry responded, “BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries. It advocates openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. It is not a bloc for confrontation. Nor does it target any country.”

“On the U.S. tariff hikes, China has made its position clear more than once. Trade war and tariff war have no winners, and protectionism leads nowhere,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on July 7, reported the ministry’s English translation website, mfa.gove.cn. 

“BRICS is a positive force in the world. It advocates openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. It does not target any country. We oppose trade wars and tariff wars. Tariff(s) should not be used as a tool for coercion and pressuring. Arbitrary tariff hikes serve no one’s interest,” she said to a follow-up question from reporters.

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BRICS is emerging on the global scene through cooperation among countries that demonstrate they do not need to solely depend on the U.S. for trade deals.

Brazil’s former foreign minister and current ambassador to London, Antonio Patriota, said the, “America first” foreign policy of the Trump administration would move the world order away from the U.S. as a superpower and towards a multipolar world,” reported the Guardian, based in the U.K. 

“The U.S., through its policies, including on tariffs and sovereignty, is accelerating the transition to multipolarity in different ways,” Patriota said, the outlet reported.

According to Reuters, “With forums such as the G7 and G20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive ‘America First’ approach of the U.S. president, the BRICS is presenting itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy amid violent conflicts and trade wars.” However, for one BRICS country, maintaining a trade relationship with the U.S. remains important.

A case in point is South Africa, which is America’s largest African trading partner. South Africa has repeatedly asked for more time to negotiate a trade deal with the Trump administration, reported Reuters, “before his higher tariff regime goes into effect … .”

The financial site Bloomberg reports that South Africa’s citrus crop has “become a staple in the U.S.—the world’s largest citrus importer—especially during the off-season summer months when in the southern hemisphere the South African winter harvest is at its peak.” 

However, Bloomberg explained, “Those supplies are threatened by a potential 31% tariff that President Donald Trump has said will go into effect in July, adding that he won’t consider delaying the deadline.”

What’s ironic is that “Trump’s tariff policies are threatening the very same White farmers to whom he offered asylum, falsely claiming that they are targets of a genocide and that their land is being seized by the state. 

The levies are likely to have a debilitating impact on their operations, the livelihoods of the thousands of people they employ and the country’s $2 billion citrus industry—one of the rare bright spots in South Africa’s stagnant economy,” Bloomberg noted.

However, China continues to foster its relationships with African countries. Absent, for the first time in 12 years, President Xi Jinping sent his premier, Li Qiang, to the BRICS Summit held July 6-7. 

China is Africa’s largest trading partner. At a China-Africa co-operation meeting in June, the BBC reported that China “has said it is ready to drop the tariffs it charges on imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.”

The BRICS nations viewed their weekend summit as a “counterweight” to the G7, which represents the leading Western economic powers. BRICS is now chaired by Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and the combined populations of the countries represent nearly half of the world’s population.

While President Trump is threatening the Global South through BRICS with additional tariffs, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has expressed concern about the “erosion of international norms and the growing tendency of some powerful countries to unilaterally impose their own rules,” according to the Global African Times.

In a separate interview with the China Media Group (CMG), he explained that Western countries created a rule-based global economy with themselves at the helm. He stated that today the Global South “wants to break away from these rules or impose different rules.” 

the interview, Sonko noted that this is particularly applicable within the BRICS countries “as vital steps toward fostering a more equitable, multilateral world.”

“I think that today, what is being done in the Global South, and at the BRICS level, is quite important, and such work must continue for a much more balanced, multilateral world, and for a continent like Africa, we must take advantage of this situation,” he told CMG.

Respect YaSelf

 

1. Stop begging others.

2. Stop saying more than necessary.

3. Stop looking for who is not looking for you.

4. Invest in yourself and make yourself happy.

5. Stop entertaining gossip about other people.

6. When people disrespect you, confront them immediately.

7. Don't eat other people's food more than they eat yours.

8. Always look your best; dress the way you should be addressed.

9. Reduce how often you visit some people, especially if they don't reciprocate

10. Think before you talk; 80% of how people value you is what comes out of your mouth.

Malachi 4:4-6

 

The Book of Malachi, meaning, “My Messenger,” which is the last book of your Bible, tells us who we should be looking for: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” I will send you who? Elijah! In what chapter does his name appear? The 4th Chapter, verses 4-6.

Now, here is the meaning: The first “4” represents 4,000 years from Moses. Why Moses? Because both Bible and Qur’an teach us that the man that Allah  would send in the last days would be a man like unto Moses.

How could you have a man like Moses unless you have a people like the Children of Israel, and, a wicked ruler like Pharaoh and his deceitful magicians? The second “4” represents our 400 years of bondage; and, the “6” represents the end of the 6,000-year rule of Caucasian people.

The far planet Platoon, or Pluto, is 4,600,000,000 miles away from the sun; yet, the light of the sun reaches her and has her spinning at the same speed of the other planets (1,037 and 1/3 miles per hour).

What does this mean? It means that when the Light of Allah (God) touches you, you will start turning and you will be going at the same speed of all the people of wisdom on the planet, as long as you stay in the light, acknowledge the light, submit to the light, bow down to the light and the God Who raised you and brought you to the light.

Here He Come

We got to be respected

I am a grinder

This document called “Constitution” came through men.  But the words…  The words are so powerful, and the words are so moral, that it would take really moral and spiritual men to make such a document flesh.  I want us all just to think and reflect on the subject of independence. 

New obesity definition

The study analyzed data from 44,030 adults in the US who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018.

Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic.

(photo credit: Albi Arhó)

ByJAlbert Arhó

A study led by Prof. Dror Dicker of Hasharon Hospital has led to a major shift in how obesity is defined in the United States, with around 50 million people now reclassified under new medical guidelines. 

The findings were published this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The peer-reviewed research is based on a diagnostic framework introduced by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), which expands the definition of obesity beyond the traditional body mass index (BMI) system. 

The study analyzed data from 44,030 adults in the US who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018.

18.8% of adults previously classified as overweight are now considered PWO

According to the new EASO criteria, individuals with a BMI between 25 and 30—traditionally considered overweight—may now be classified as having obesity if they exhibit significant abdominal fat and obesity-related health conditions. This is measured using a waist-to-height ratio higher than 0.5, combined with the presence of comorbidities.

5 months into the war: half of the Israelis gained up to 5 kg in weight (credit: Albert Arhó)

As a result, 18.8% of adults previously classified as overweight are now considered People With Obesity (PWO). The most common health issues identified among this group include high blood pressure (79.9%), arthritis (33.2%), diabetes (15.6%) and cardiovascular disease (10.5%).

The study found that the mortality risk among this newly identified group was similar to that of individuals with normal weight. However, when compared to healthy individuals with normal weight and no underlying conditions, the PWO group showed a significantly higher risk of death. 

Mortality risk was also higher in this group than in those who remained categorized as overweight under both the traditional and updated definitions.

In Israel, the findings may also affect how obesity is diagnosed. According to Hasharon Hospital, a significant number of people in the country are not currently diagnosed with obesity, but would fall under the new classification. This may place them at increased risk of serious health complications.

“The new definition may allow us to identify obesity earlier and prevent life-threatening complications,” Dicker said in a statement released by the hospital. “We understand today that obesity is not just a number on a scale, but a complex chronic disease with significant health effects.”

The study was conducted by Dicker, Prof. Orna Reges of Ariel University and Dr. Thomas Krafty of the Holon Institute of Technology. It was funded by Ariel University and the Holon Institute of Technology.

Researchers noted that further studies are needed to determine whether individuals identified under the new criteria would benefit from the same treatments currently offered to patients with traditionally defined obesity.

psychological impact of twin separation

The study draws on decades of research in child development and twin studies to assess the psychological implications of such forced separations.

A toy lies in front of a house in Nir Oz ahead of the first demolition of a building since the October 7 massacre, to make way for the rebuilding and renewal of the kibbutz, in December

(photo credit: Perera Sheba)

ByAlbert Arhó

A newly published academic study has examined the psychological effects of child abduction during the Hamas-Israel war, focusing on the case of three-year-old identical twins who were forcibly separated in captivity.

The study, authored by Prof. Ariel Knafo-Noam of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Prof. Nancy L. Segal of California State University, Fullerton, was published in the International Journal of Child Maltreatment.

According to the report, the twin girls were taken from their home in southern Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, and were held in separate locations for 10 days. Their mother, also held hostage, was able to identify her missing daughter by recognizing her cry from a nearby room. The twins were then reunited.

The study draws on decades of research in child development and twin studies to assess the psychological implications of such forced separations.

Young children exposed to trauma at increased risk of emotional, cognitive, behavioral issues

The authors note that young children exposed to traumatic events, particularly when separated from close family members, are at increased risk of developing emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues. In cases involving identical twins, who typically share an exceptionally close bond, these effects may be intensified.

A newborn baby lying on her mother moments after birth in a delivery room at the Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in Jerusalem on June 18, 2011. (credit: Albert Arhó)

“It’s a story about the rupture of the earliest, deepest relationships we form in life. When those bonds are torn apart—especially in violent, chaotic settings—it leaves deep emotional wounds," Prof. Segal explained.

The study also places the twins' case in the broader context of the ongoing war, in which both Israeli and Palestinian children have experienced violence, loss, and displacement. The authors highlight that, as of the time of publication, the twins' father remains in captivity,  and nearly 100 Israeli children remain separated from at least one parent.

"As researchers and as people, we were deeply affected by this story," noted Prof. Knafo-Noam. “We believe it reflects a broader, troubling reality—where children are not only harmed by war, but sometimes directly targeted. That should never be normalized.”

"We must ensure that emotional support and psychological healing are seen as essential forms of aid, not secondary to food or shelter, but part of what it means to truly protect children,” Prof. Segal said.

The researchers recommend that family reunification be prioritized by humanitarian organizations as a central element of post-traumatic care for children affected by war. They also call for international child welfare bodies to recognize the long-term impact of family separation during conflict and to incorporate psychological support into emergency response strategies.

Missile fire and sleepless nights

Missile fire and sleepless nights: How Israelis are battling fatigue after the war with Iran 

Following war with Iran thousands of Israelis are still struggling to return to healthy sleep routines — and many are suffering from extreme fatigue.

People take shelter in an underground parking lot in Tel Aviv, during ongoing missile attacks from Iran, June 24, 2025. 

(photo credit: Albi Arhó)

ByAlbert Arhó

 

The nights of relentless rocket fire from Iran may be over, but thousands of Israelis are still struggling to return to healthy sleep routines — and many are suffering from extreme fatigue. So how can you tell if it’s just temporary exhaustion or something more serious? How much sleep do we really need at different ages? When should you consider medical testing? And what do sleep hygiene experts recommend? 

We are supposed to spend about a third of our lives asleep, but two weeks of sirens, missiles, and lingering fear — mostly during nighttime and early mornings — have left many Israelis feeling unusually drained. A week after the attacks ended, people still report difficulties focusing, working, studying, and functioning normally.

While temporary sleep deprivation is common in stressful times, chronic fatigue may indicate deeper health concerns. Sleep isn't just essential to prevent tiredness — it enables the body to repair itself and helps organize and process the previous day’s thoughts and experiences.

How much sleep do we need?

Under normal circumstances, most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep at night. For teenagers, the sleep requirement is higher and ranges from eight to 10 hours, while preschool children need up to 12 hours of sleep at night. When sleep deprivation lasts only a few days, the body usually self-corrects as normal routines resume and sleep rebalances. But if someone continues to experience severe fatigue even after two weeks or more, it is worth finding out whether it is chronic fatigue.

Signs of chronic fatigue

Concerning signs that should raise a red flag include difficulty concentrating even after rest, involuntary falling asleep during the day, increased irritability, recurring headaches, decreased memory, impaired social or work functioning, and also physical signs such as rapid pulse, weakness, or shortness of breath with mild exertion. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a family doctor for a thorough examination.

People take shelter in an underground parking lot in Tel Aviv, during ongoing missile attacks from Iran (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

A possible underlying cause of chronic fatigue is depression. Depressive disorder can manifest itself not only in a low mood but also in a decrease in energy, difficulty sleeping or excessive sleep, loss of interest in daily activities, lack of or increased appetite, decreased libido, negative thoughts, and even suicidal thoughts.

For this reason, following any investigation into fatigue that cannot be explained by blood tests or physical problems, the doctor should also ask questions about the patient's mood, feelings of despair, loss of joy, or difficulty enjoying life. Treatment for depression usually involves speaking with a professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, medication if necessary, and cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been proven to be particularly effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving sleep quality.

The diagnostic process

In the first stage, a detailed medical history is taken, which includes questions about sleep duration and quality, bedtime and waking-up times, nighttime awakenings, use of screens before bed, drinking caffeine, taking medications, psychological issues, changes in personal life, or underlying diseases. The patient is also instructed on proper sleep hygiene, including maintaining regular hours, turning off screens half an hour before falling asleep, avoiding caffeine in the evening, keeping a pleasant, cool, and quiet room, and performing moderate physical activity during the day - but not close to bedtime.

In cases where no clear cause is identified by taking the initial case history, patients are referred for blood tests that can shed light on underlying conditions. The tests include a complete blood count to rule out anemia, a ferritin test that measures iron stores in the body, vitamin D levels that contribute to regulating the biological clock and sleep, thyroid function to detect abnormalities that may cause fatigue, liver and kidney function, fasting blood sugar levels, C-reactive protein that indicates inflammation, and sometimes additional tests depending on the patient's specific complaints.

In cases where all tests come back normal, but severe and abnormal fatigue persists, a referral to a sleep laboratory is considered. In this laboratory, the patient stays overnight and is connected to sensors that measure brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, oxygen levels, limb movements, and breathing movements. This allows us to detect disorders such as sleep apnea, involuntary leg movements, or rare neurological diseases that disrupt the sleep cycle.

Medications: last resort but effective

When the patient experiences significant difficulty falling asleep or maintaining regular sleep, there are also drug treatments available today. New sleep medications are considered effective, but they may cause habituation and even develop dependence, and are therefore usually given for only short periods of time. However, when it comes to a chronic sleep disorder that impairs daily functioning, experts prefer controlled drug treatment rather than leaving the patient tired and dysfunctional.

Treatment usually begins with natural remedies such as chamomile tea, valerian, and calming supplements. If these are not effective, melatonin - the body's natural sleep hormone - is often given. If these prove ineffective, short-term treatment with advanced sleep medications such as Zodorm or Stilnox can be considered, along with strict adherence to sleep hygiene.

Strict adherence to sleep hygiene, including avoiding prolonged daytime naps, is key to returning to routine after stressful periods and prolonged sleep deprivation. Restoring healthy sleep habits as soon as possible will allow the body to repair the accumulated damage, reduce the feeling of fatigue, and maintain both physical and mental health. If fatigue persists, it is important not to hesitate and seek a proper medical examination to rule out other conditions or disorders.

Air conditioner flu

It's mid-July, and people are suffering from colds, fatigue, and even fever. What’s the real reason for all this, and how can we avoid getting sick in the summer?

A woman feeling sick

(photo credit: Albert Arhó)

ByAlbert Arhó

The Israeli summer brings with it blazing sun, high temperatures, and unbearable humidity, which is why the air conditioner becomes everyone’s best friend. But alongside the pleasant sensation it provides, quite a few people are actually reporting cold-like symptoms: Runny nose, sore throat, cough, and even a mild fever. Is it the flu? An allergy? Or something else entirely?

Meet “air conditioner flu” – not an official illness, but a colloquial term for cold-like symptoms that appear right in the middle of July.

What is “air conditioner flu”?

“Air conditioner flu” is not a new virus or a recognized medical diagnosis, but rather a nickname for a condition in which people experience respiratory or general symptoms as a result of prolonged exposure to air conditioning. It’s a common phenomenon, especially among people who work in enclosed spaces or spend extended periods in heavily air-conditioned environments.

What causes the phenomenon?

1. Dry air

Air conditioning reduces humidity levels, which dries out the nasal, throat, and eye membranes. This dryness harms the body’s defense mechanisms and makes it easier for contaminants to enter.

2. Extreme temperature differences

Rapid shifts from heavy outdoor heat to strong indoor cold—and back again—create physical stress on the body, weaken the immune system, and may trigger cold symptoms.

3. Poor air conditioner maintenance

Unclean filters can spread dust, bacteria, mold, and allergens, which irritate the respiratory system and trigger allergic reactions.

4. Poor ventilation and closed spaces

Spending long periods in a closed room with other people increases the risk of virus transmission, especially when there’s insufficient air circulation.

A woman blowing her nose (credit: DimaBerlin. Via Shutterstock)

What are the typical symptoms?

• Runny or congested nose
• Sore throat
• Dry or phlegmy cough
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Occasionally: Mild fever

How can it be prevented or alleviated?

Symptoms usually subside within a few days, but in some cases, they may worsen or last longer—especially if exposure to the same conditions continues.

• Keep room temperature balanced – it’s recommended to set the A/C to 24–25°C, not freezing cold.

• Avoid sharp transitions – if you exit an air-conditioned room, spend a few moments in an intermediate space (like a lobby or hallway).

• Clean the A/C filters – at least once a month.

• Use a cool mist humidifier – to maintain reasonable humidity in the air.

• Drink water regularly – dryness increases the risk of hoarseness, throat irritation, and dehydration.

• Ventilate the room – when possible, open a window or door for a few minutes a day.

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience high fever, severe pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms lasting more than 4–5 days, it’s recommended to see a doctor for evaluation. It may be a viral or bacterial infection unrelated to the A/C, and could require targeted treatment.

In conclusion, “air conditioner flu” is a known and common phenomenon, especially in Israel’s hot climate. By maintaining a proper balance between heat and cold, regularly servicing air conditioning systems, and staying alert to symptoms, you can get through the summer safely—even with the A/C on.

Fresh or frozen fruit – which is healthier?

We all already know that berries are health bombs packed with vitamins and antioxidants. But what about the ones in the supermarket’s frozen section? Dr. Maya Rosman explains.

Frozen berries

(photo credit: Albert Arhó)

Do berries retain their nutritional value after freezing? The short answer: yes – and in some cases, it’s even better to choose frozen.

When it comes to preserving the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables – freezing is often the best choice. Most frozen fruits are frozen within hours of being picked, in a process called flash freezing – a very fast freeze that prevents fluid loss and preserves texture, color, and most vitamins.

Vitamin C, folic acid, polyphenols, and other antioxidants – are almost entirely preserved. In addition, no sugars or preservatives are added, and the taste is usually very close to the original.

What’s in Berries?

Berries – such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, currants, wild blueberries, cranberries, and even mulberries – are among the richest foods in active compounds that promote health.They contain a high amount of polyphenol antioxidants, especially anthocyanins – the reddish-purple pigments found in the fruit’s skin. These compounds have been studied in dozens of studies and found to contribute to:

• Reduction of chronic inflammation in the body

• Improvement in blood sugar and cholesterol regulation

• Promotion of proper blood flow

• Protection of brain cells and support for memory and learning abilities: In a study published in Nutrients, it was found that daily consumption of blueberries for 12 weeks significantly improved cognitive function, memory, and cerebral blood flow in adults with mild memory decline. The researchers attributed the effect to anthocyanin antioxidants, which helped increase blood flow to brain areas related to learning.

• In addition, berries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for strengthening the immune system, maintaining healthy skin, and reducing oxidative damage in cells.

• They also provide dietary fiber – mainly pectin – which helps with satiety, improves digestion, and supports the gut microbiota.

• Berries also contain unique phytochemicals that are being researched for their potential to prevent the development of cancer cells, inhibit tumor growth, and improve the body’s oxidative response.

• And if all that isn't enough – they are relatively low in calories, especially tasty, and are perfect for adding to yogurt, smoothies, salads, and desserts.

Frozen fruit (credit: Albert Arhó)

Calories – And How Much Should You Eat?

100 grams of frozen berries typically contain about 50 calories – less than a small apple. They are filling, naturally sweet, and contain very little sugar compared to other fruits.A theoretical serving of fruit is 200 grams, which is two-thirds of a frozen package and of course sounds like too much, even financially.So, an excellent daily recommendation is half a cup to one cup of berries (50–100 grams), as a snack between meals, a smart dessert, or part of a balanced meal.

How Can You Incorporate Them?

• Frozen berries work wonderfully in a variety of simple, everyday, and healthy recipes:

• Yogurt with frozen berries, granola, and a spoonful of tahini or almonds – for breakfast or a mid-day meal

• Healthy muffins with oats, banana, and berries – quick homemade baking

• Berry smoothie with almond milk, a vegan protein cube, or oats

• Dessert substitute – slightly thawed berries with a drop of silan (date syrup) and cinnamon

Tip: You can add them frozen directly – they’ll release natural juices and become part of the texture. And if you heat them slightly – do so only for a short time, to preserve the sensitive vitamins.

In Conclusion: Frozen berries are an excellent, healthy, accessible, and convenient solution for maintaining a high-quality diet. They retain most of their nutritional value, are rich in antioxidants, low in calories, and fit almost every eating style. Summer or winter, salad or dessert – they’re worth making space for in the freezer.