Sloths, Yeshiva U's pride alliance, and bald eagles

Sloth home visits should be stopped

As a former clinical supervisor of nursing for Ambulnz/DocGo, which tested COVID-19 vaccines in New York City, and a New York State-licensed wildlife rehabilitator, as well as a mother, I am appalled that Sloth Encounters continues to endanger animals and children alike by hauling sloths to Suffolk County homes in violation of a state Supreme Court order [“A pivot after court order,” News, Sept. 22].

I know firsthand how fast-spreading and deadly zoonotic diseases can be. Remaining under duress for extended periods lowers a sloth’s body’s immune response making a sloth more susceptible to illness and putting the ones at Sloth Encounters at constant risk for illness. And doing so near humans exponentially increases the risk for zoonotic disease, which is spread to humans.

Captive sloths are frequently hosts for parasites, such as coccidia, tapeworm and even scabies.

Just as my wildlife rehabilitation license cannot supersede local law, owner Larry Wallach’s exhibitor license does not allow him to operate in violation of local ordinances or court orders.

Not only should Wallach’s license be revoked, but close encounters with wild animals that can not only harm the animals but also put our children at risk should be banned.

— Karenlynn Stracher, Merrick

Yeshiva U doesn’t deserve a lecturing

I am shocked at Randi F. Marshall publicly lecturing Yeshiva University on Jewish religious doctrine [“Rejecting Pride Alliance isn’t right,” Opinion, Sept. 21].

Does she have rabbinical ordination, that she feels she can lecture prominent leaders of this Orthodox Jewish School? Even if she did, she must know that Orthodox Judaism does not accept women as rabbis. And, according to many Orthodox Jewish interpretations, homosexuality is one of the few sins that the Torah refers to with the term “abomination.”

Does she really expect one of the world’s leading Orthodox Judaism schools to ignore its teachings and thousands of years of tradition and openly embrace something that it finds repugnant?

If Yeshiva University were a Catholic or Muslim institution, would she lecture the pope or the ayatollah?

— Allan Mosak, Cedarhurst

I am puzzled by Randi F. Marshall’s op-ed. I am helping my son look for colleges. We are not being compelled to attend any particular institution.

The internet and campus visits allow us to figure out what a college values and what clubs are on campus. Almost every college we checked out had LGBTQ+ clubs and statements about diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

This is why I am confused over why Yeshiva University, which clearly states its values and lacks certain clubs because of their incompatibility with Orthodox teachings, must change to conform to students who freely chose to attend.

Yeshiva University is not engaging in discrimination. It’s simply living out its mission that any student should understand before matriculating.

— Amanda Bonagura, Floral Park

Holiday foods hard to find on shelves

We accept the way things are, but it could be better. Antisemitism can take many forms “This Jewish New Year is a call to unite,” Opinion, Sept. 23]. For instance, where are the holiday foods that are advertised in the flyers with the added benefit of coupons? What good are the coupons after searching each aisle and the holiday foods cannot be found?

Recently, much has been blamed on COVID-19, including empty grocery shelves, but this stocking problem has been around for years. If workers are asked where the holiday food is, they either say they don’t know or it is situated in a tiny display off to the side, almost hiding.

I am not a religious person, but I do believe Jewish people are not getting equal time in grocery stores when celebrating holidays. All stores may not be like this, but many are.

This issue does not align with uniting during the Jewish New Year. Unity is about listening to others all year long.

It is sad that after living in Nassau or Suffolk counties for about 44 years, I’ve seen that little has changed. We still see antisemitism in various ways.

No one should be embarrassed about who they are or what their religion is.

— Julie L. Newman, West Babylon

Name of bald eagle a hairy situation

With no offense to my bald friends and relatives, I want to know why the magnificent bird that symbolizes our country is called “bald” [“Official: Bald eagle hit by vehicle euthanized,” News, Sept. 23].

Why can’t we call it the American Eagle or the White Crown Eagle, or a similar name? The current name does not do this bird or our country justice.

— Ralph Daino, Wantagh