Latest news with #Ohana
News18
28-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Hamas Releases Video Of Two Israeli Hostages Alive In Gaza
Last Updated: The three-minute video footage shows one of the hostages, 36-year-old Bohbot, visibly weak and lying on the floor wrapped in a blanket. Hamas's armed wing released a video on Saturday showing two Israeli hostages alive in the Gaza Strip, with one of the two men calling to end the 19-month-long war. The pair were identified by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group as Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Haim Ohana, who were kidnapped during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war. The undated three-minute video footage released by Hamas's Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades shows one of the hostages, 36-year-old Bohbot, visibly weak and lying on the floor wrapped in a blanket. The second hostage, Ohana, 24, speaks in Hebrew urging the Israeli government to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of all remaining captives — a similar message to statements made by other hostages, likely under duress, in previous videos released by Hamas. In a statement, Bohbot's family said that 'Elkana and Yosef are crying out to be saved. While all the people of Israel hear their calls, a handful of decision-makers refuse to listen," echoing criticism of the Israeli government for failing to bring back the hostages. 'How much more can we bear? How much more can they endure? The fact that they are still there is a disgrace," the family said. Late Saturday, Israeli demonstrators calling for the release of the hostages and an end of the war gathered outside the defence ministry headquarters in the coastal city of Tel Aviv. AFP images showed some protesters holding pictures of the hostages and placards that read 'we can save the rest" and 'all of them now". Bohbot, a Colombian-Israeli, was seen bound and injured in the face in footage from the day of the Hamas attack, and his family have expressed concern about his health. Bohbot and Ohana, both abducted by Palestinian militants from the site of a music festival, are among 58 hostages held in Gaza since the 2023 attack, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Hamas also holds the remains of an Israeli soldier killed in a 2014 war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that the fate of three hostages presumed alive was unclear, without naming them. 'We know with certainty that 21 hostages are alive… and there are three others whose status, sadly, we do not know," Netanyahu said in a video shared on his Telegram channel. Israel resumed its military offensive across the Gaza Strip on March 18, after a two-month truce that saw the release of dozens of hostages. Since the ceasefire collapsed, Hamas has released several videos of hostages, including of the two appearing in Saturday's video. Israel says the renewed offensive aims to force Hamas to free the remaining captives, although critics charge that it puts them in mortal danger. Hamas's October 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Saturday that at least 2,701 people have been killed since Israel resumed its campaign in Gaza, bringing the overall death toll since the war broke out to 52,810. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - AFP) First Published:
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Controversial Ending Of Disney's New ‘Lilo & Stitch,' Explained
Disney's live-action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch' Viewers have something of a love-hate relationship with Disney's slate of live-action remakes, which are often criticized for failing to live up to the original animated films, yet sometimes proving very popular at the box office. The original Lilo & Stitch was a modest success, grossing $273 million worldwide, but fans look back on the film fondly—it's beautifully animated, boasts unique character design, a good sense of humor, and depicts Hawaii as a lush, colorful paradise. While the new Lilo & Stitch has already overtaken the original film at the box office, commentators have pointed out that the live-action remake doesn't capture the beauty and heart of the animated film. Plus, a significant change made to the ending of the film has sparked backlash and controversy on social media. Lilo & Stitch depicts Lilo and her sister Nani in a difficult, but very loving relationship—the two are orphaned and Nani is tasked with taking care of her little sister. Nani is the only one who understands Lilo's eccentricity, but Nani is overstretched and struggles to care for her little sister, resulting in the state threatening to take Lilo away from Nani. Of course, the sister's lives face greater disruption when the alien Stitch enters their lives disguised as a dog, sabotaging Nani's desperate attempts to get her life in order. The story emphasizes the importance of 'Ohana,' meaning family that binds beyond traditional blood ties. The original animated film grants Lilo's family a happy-ever-after, ending with Nani, Lilo and Stitch finding peace together, bolstered by a new support system of aliens and humans. The live-action remake, however, has a different interpretation of Ohana. Spoilers Ahead In the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, Nani (Sydney Agudong) and Lilo (Maia Kealoha) are in the exact same situation, but the film ends with the state taking Lilo away from her big sister. Fans of the original film were quite shocked to see the change. For context, this change is presented as an unambiguously happy ending for Nani, as a new character is introduced, Tūtū (Amy Hill), a grandmotherly neighbour who adopts Lilo. This ensures that Nani can still see Lilo regularly and remain close, but also gives her the freedom to leave for college in California to study marine biology. However, fans pointed out that there was something dark about Nani's future career being placed above her care of Lilo, a strangely cold ending with a glossy, 'girlboss' spin. Lilo hasn't gone away, exactly, but the two no longer live together, and Nani is no longer taking care of her sister. Given that the original film (and the remake) very much emphasizes the importance of keeping families together with the phrase 'no one gets left behind,' this struck many viewers as a cold attempt at a happy ending. Indeed, given the terrible history of indigenous children being torn away from their families, many pointed out that the creative choice came across as wildly insensitive. The outcry was so strong, it even inspired satirical fan art. Others wondered why Nani couldn't simply study marine biology in Hawaii. Some speculated that the change was made to give the film a newfound sense of realism. Whatever the reasoning behind the change, the result is that the theme of the story shifts to a more individualistic message. During the ending of the live-action Lilo & Stitch, the phrase 'nobody gets left behind' is countered by Tūtū, who tells Nani, 'don't leave yourself behind.'
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How Ohana Is Revolutionizing Mental Health By Helping Parents And Kids Build Resilience
A first-of-its-kind program, Ohana was created by nationally renowned youth mental health leaders, ... More and is staffed by experienced and compassionate mental health professionals. What if we thought about mental health the way we think about physical fitness? Not just as the absence of illness, but as a proactive, daily practice—a skillset that can be cultivated. Dr. Susan Swick is leading this charge with Ohana, a groundbreaking initiative in Monterey County, California, aimed at revolutionizing youth mental health through prevention, early intervention, and community education. Backed by a $105.8 million philanthropic gift from Bertie Bialek Elliot, Ohana isn't just another mental health center. It's a movement built on the principle that resilience can be developed, that early childhood experiences shape lifelong mental well-being, and that parents play a pivotal role in fostering mental fitness. The name 'Ohana'—Hawaiian for 'family'—emphasizes the interconnectedness of support systems, reinforcing the idea that no one navigates mental health alone. In fact, Elliot made naming the center 'Ohana' the only condition of her transformative gift. As she explained: 'Young people who are facing emotional and mental challenges, they can't do it alone. Families can't do it alone. Even the wonderful staff can't do it alone. It takes a community — and that's why I suggested 'Ohana.' And I'm so happy and proud to be part of this bigger effort.' Bertie's vision for Ohana is rooted in prevention: 'If you can help young people early, rather than waiting to rescue them later, how great is that?' The Crisis We Can't Ignore The statistics are sobering: Yet, in a world prioritizing academic success and digital connectivity, foundational mental health skills remain overlooked. Ohana reframes resilience as an essential life skill—one that should be taught as widely as swimming or dental hygiene. Building Mental Fitness: A Paradigm Shift Dr. Swick's approach challenges conventional thinking on adversity and overprotection. "Kids need to face age-appropriate challenges to build resilience," she explains. "Boredom, frustration, and even small failures help develop coping mechanisms that prepare us for the big challenges that are a part of every life. When we shield our children instead of supporting them, we deny them the chance to grow." The Ohana model offers parents and educators free tools, both online and in person, to guide children through challenges, fostering grit and emotional agility rather than stepping in to rescue them. The Critical Window: Early Childhood Attunement One of Dr. Swick's most transformative insights is the impact of early parent-child interactions, particularly in the first three months of life. "Parent-infant attunement during this window is more predictive of adolescent mental health outcomes than even later trauma," she notes. "This is the critical foundation upon which resilience is built." By equipping new parents with research-backed strategies for fostering healthy attachment, Ohana aims to set children up for success before challenges arise. Dr. Susan Swick Resilience: The Science Behind Strength Research supports the notion that some adversity is necessary for psychological development. Resilience follows a U-shaped curve—too little hardship hinders growth, but too much can be overwhelming. According to Dr. Swick, the key lies in perception: Teaching children these skills early may hold the key to reversing the rising tide of youth mental illness. Ohana Campus Scaling Mental Fitness for a Wider Impact Ohana's vision extends beyond Monterey County. Dr. Swick envisions a scalable curriculum for parents—one that can be adopted by communities, schools, and organizations worldwide."We need to think of mental health education as an essential skill for all parents, like CPR, but even more widely applicable," she says. Potential pathways include an open-source platform, partnerships with mental health organizations, and widespread distribution of evidence-based parenting tools. A Call to Action: Bending the Curve on Mental Illness With youth mental health issues escalating, the opportunity to "bend the curve" through early intervention and resilience-building is more critical than ever. Dr. Swick and her team are on a mission to transform how we approach mental fitness. The question now is: how do we scale this impact? How do we ensure every parent has access to the knowledge that could change the trajectory of their child's life? Interested partners should reach out to them because the time to act is now. Because in the end, mental health isn't just about responding to crises—it's about preventing them. And that starts with building resilience, one child at a time.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Kamokunani Hula Hālau founder shares Aloha spirit via dance
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Johnette Kamokunani Palumbo uses Polynesian dance to make people feel like ohana or family. 'Because it is my culture, I'm very proud. And what I love about it is I'm able to share with everyone,' she said. Palumbo is the founder of Kamokunani Hula Hālau which stands for Kamokunani's dance school. She offers Polynesian dance classes from Hawai'i, Tahiti and more. 'We do Māori, which is New Zealand as well. So Māori, Tahitian, Cook Island and Hawaii, which also we do modern and Kahiko, which are the ancient dances as well,' she said. Palumbo was born in Hawai'i the same year it became the 50th state of the United she was six, Palumbo's family came to the continental U.S. when they moved to then visited Hawai'i every other year, keeping her connected to her Polynesian heritage. 'And because my mom started me at age four back then it was great. As I was going into my teenage years I was like really I gotta go to Hawai'i again,' Palumbo said. 'I didn't appreciate it until I was older of course. Then I was able to realize that I wanted to do this for most of my life and share it with others.' Palumbo opened her dance school in 2008. There was a period of a six-year sabbatical but she came back in 2023. From Palumbo's mom to her grandchildren, hula is an important part of their heritage. 'When my mom does come down, we do have a four-generational dance. And it's fabulous. She's 93 years old,' she said. 'What's amazing is after all the show everybody's crying seeing my mom dance. She's old hula. Where old hula is this and new hula is this, very soft.' Palumbo said her students become ohana. She wants everyone to take a class to experience the ohana and aloha spirits. 'As you can see we have very mixed nationalities. And I want all nationalities to come and try it,' she said. 'Because it's fun and we love each other and we give to each other and we give the Aloha spirit to one another.' To find a class for you at Kamokunani Hula Hālau click here. See how Breanna Rittman did taking a dance class here: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
India Today
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
90s cartoon legends we want back after Lilo & Stitch's return. Reload the nostalgia
We're not crying, you're crying. Okay fine, we're all crying. Lilo & Stitch, the mischievous alien tale that made Ohana a household word, is getting the live-action treatment in 2025. And while some purists are side-eyeing the remake, most of us are screaming into our pillows out of sheer living in a world of remakes, reboots, and reimaginings, but not all of them hit where it matters- the heart. With the 2025 return of Lilo & Stitch in a live-action avatar, it's a reminder that some cartoon characters weren't just animated, they were emotionally made us laugh, cry, and believe in everything from friendship to flying cars. In a time of doomscrolling, hyper-edits, and AI-generated chaos, these characters deserve a comeback, not just to entertain a new generation, but to remind us millennials of what pure, pixel-powered joy felt like. The world doesn't just need content, it needs comfort. And what's more comforting than a cartoon hug from your childhood?But that got us thinking, if Stitch gets a second chance to wreak adorable havoc, what about the other animated icons we grew up with? The ones that shaped our humour, fuelled our snack binges, and made us believe the remote control was a sacred LILO & STITCH CAN RETURN, SO CAN THESE ICONS:Here's our ultimate wish list of cartoon characters that need to be resurrected, reimagined, and rebooted, because these legends still live rent-free in our COURAGE THE COWARDLY DOG Image: Wikimedia commons It was the OG horror-comedy show before Stranger Things. We had this pink paranoid pupper living in 'Nowhere'. Courage faced demonic cats, haunted mattresses, and cursed amulets, every night was a psychological it needs a comeback: With today's VFX and horror trends, Courage could finally get the terrifying visuals he deserves. Give him a Guillermo del Toro treatment, and we're sold.2. TOM AND JERRY (Image: Wikimedia commons) The eternal cat-and-mouse chase that somehow never got old. No dialogue, just pure slapstick chaos, visual comedy, and surprisingly deep emotional arcs, if you were paying it needs a comeback: We've rebooted them before, but never with heart. Think 2D animation meets Pixar emotions, a reboot where Tom and Jerry still don't talk, but finally get the emotional redemption arc they NODDY (Image: Wikimedia commons) Our favorite wooden boy with a bell on his cap and a red-yellow car was the unofficial ambassador of Toyland diplomacy. Every episode was a polite negotiation between friends, enemies, and that slightly shady goblin it needs a comeback: In a world of loud chaos, Noddy's quiet curiosity and conflict-resolution skills deserve a Gen Alpha upgrade. Picture a Studio Ghibli-style Toyland, soft pastels, life lessons, and tea with Big Ears. Wholesome, reloaded.4. OSWALD (Image: Youtube) A blue octopus with a bowler's hat and the patience of a monk, Oswald's world was a calm oasis of slow-paced joy. Every tiny adventure felt like a meditation app with it needs a comeback: In our hustle-burnout loop, we need Oswald more than ever. A reboot could be a gentle, animated mindfulness series; no villains, just vibes. Pair it with lo-fi jazz and you've got a preschool Ted BOB THE BUILDER (Image: Wikimedia commons) Yes we can! And yes, we did, build memories brick by brick with Bob, Wendy, and the whole machine crew. It was teamwork, trust, and toolbox-level it needs a comeback: Today's kids are coding robots, not just fixing fences. A new-age Bob could teach sustainability, smart tech, and empathy-led design thinking. Also, we miss Scoop's unhinged optimism.6. ED, EDD N EDDY (Image: Wikimedia commons) They were the kings of junkyard entrepreneurship. This chaotic trio turned cardboard boxes into rocket ships and scammed the entire neighbourhood for jawbreakers. Messy, loud, and endlessly creative, they were peak childhood it needs a comeback: A live-action series with a 'Home Alone' vibe could hit the nostalgia jackpot—slapstick, smarts, and suburban THE POWERPUFF GIRLS (Image: Wikimedia commons) The OG feminist icons before it was cool. Made from sugar, spice, and Chemical X, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup fought monsters, went to school, and saved Townsville by 6 it needs a comeback: A proper live-action Powerpuff Girls that balances cute and kick-ass could inspire a new generation of girls to wear capes over pajamas.8. JOHNNY BRAVO (Image: Wikimedia commons) He was the himbo we didn't know we needed. With a pompadour higher than your future and confidence levels that defy gravity, Johnny was the clueless but lovable it needs a comeback: Cast someone like Chris Hemsworth and throw in a self-aware, woke twist? Comedy gold. Bonus points for Elvis-inspired dance breaks.9. KIM POSSIBLE (Image: Wikimedia commons) advertisementShe was always mission-ready and mid-exam. Kim juggled cheerleading, algebra, and saving the world, with a pager and a mole rat. She was every multitasking teen's role it needs a comeback: In a tech-savvy 2025 world, imagine her using AI, smartwatches, and drones, all while dealing with finals. Ron Stoppable still forgets his pants. Some things never change.10. DEXTER'S LABORATORY (Image: Wikimedia commons) Dexter was our favourite boy genius. He was an introverted nerd who had a secret lab, a mind too big for his tiny body, and a sister who could dismantle it all with it needs a comeback: A modern-day Dexter battling AI gone rogue? He could be the next 'Black Mirror' meets 'Spy Kids' 90S CARTOONS WERE NEVER JUST CARTOONSThese shows weren't 'just for kids.' They shaped how we see friendship, fear, fun, and even failure. In a world that now moves at hyper-speed, maybe it's time we returned to these slow-burn joys, one live-action reboot at a yes, Lilo & Stitch might be coming back, but we've got our eyes (and childhood hearts) set on the rest of the gang if you're listening, we have the nostalgia, we have the fanbase, and we have the memes. Let's make it happen.
