Page 39 - Jewish News_04-2021

COMMENTARY April 2021 39A

Israel, Covid-19 and the vaccine

By Rabbi Howard A. Simon
e have spent months read- shots with a group the same size that protecting the entire Israeli-Palestinian
ing about and experiencing did not receive shots. The study proved area from infection and the threat of
Wthe results of vaccine doses that the Pfizer vaccine is effective af- spreading the disease. The results have been most positive.
given to people to combat the virus. ter one week of taking the second shot. We all worry about Covid-19, the It is hoped the same results will take
Many of the articles have dealt with The Maccabi Healthcare Services’ re- variants of the pandemic and the ben- place in our cities, states and the entire
the limited supplies of vaccines, which search team confirmed a 60% reduc- efits of receiving vaccines as opposed country.
groups receive the vaccine, and wheth- tion in Coronavirus infection within to refusing to take the shots. Israel has Rabbi Howard A. Simon is the found-
er political motivations days after the second dose set the standard for the world’s pop- ing chair of the Robert and Esther
dictate where vaccines are of the vaccine was giv- ulation. It is based on a government Heller Community Relations Commit-
distributed. en, and there was a 60% decision to vaccinate the entire state. tee, formerly known as the Heller IAI.
What we are interest- drop in hospitalizations
ed in are the results. What among persons 60 years Opinions printed in The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee
can we expect after the first and older after the second do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation
dose and after the second dose. of Sarasota-Manatee, its Board of Directors or staff.
dose of the vaccine? We Much of the success
received a number of an- of Israel’s inoculation
swers, some based on facts, stems from the fact that
others based on expecta- the country has expe- ADULTS
tions. There is, however, Rabbi Howard A. Simon rienced three separate CULTURE
only one country in the world that has lockdowns to protect the public from CHARITY
vaccinated about a fifth of its popula- infecting one another while, at the
tion and hopes to inoculate most of its same time, encouraging everyone to KIDS
population within a month. That coun- get vaccinated. Israel has also made JEWISH
try is Israel. We have learned a great it clear to its citizens that those vacci- CALENDAR
deal from what Israel has done to guar- nated will be granted more privileges, OF EVENTS Your Hub
antee the health of its population. such as access to museums, gyms and IN SARASOTA for Jewish Events
The latest data from Israel states intercontinental travel without the re- AND MANATEE
that the country shows a 94% drop quirement of quarantining.
in symptomatic Covid-19 infections Israel has now extended inocu-
among 600,000 people who received lation to all individuals over 16 years
two doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech of age. The goal is to have as much of
vaccines. The vaccinated group was the country inoculated as quickly as LEARN
also 92% less likely to contract serious possible to lower the number of those FAMILY
illness from the disease. becoming ill and to assure the public
These statistics come from a study of the safety surrounding all aspects of
conducted by Clalit, Israel’s largest the vaccine. To further this goal, Israel
healthcare provider. Clalit teamed with has extended the inoculation program
Harvard University in comparing the to the Palestinians, hoping that the JFEDSRQ.org/JewishEvents
results of 600,000 people who received same results will occur, thus further
build. advocate.

remember. support.

Government Affairs

Meetings with elected officials are increasingly important as we see support for Israel
eroding around the world. Advocating for Jewish interests starts locally and often goes
to Washington D.C. You can count on the Heller CRC when it matters most, from
advocating in our local school systems to championing national bills.

^ Builds Bridges
Robert and Esther Heller
CRC ^ Advocates through Government Affairs

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE ^ Remembers the Holocaust

Holocaust

Heller CRC assists school teachers, synagogues, churches and libraries to “Never
Forget.” The Holocaust Speakers Bureau brings survivors’ personal stories to school
children and adults alike. Classrooms Without Borders takes elite teachers
each year to Poland with a survivor. These experiences change how they
teach the Holocaust, helping them create upstanders in their schools.

HELLER CRC’S MISSION
To build relationships within the

Jewish and non-Jewish communities
and to advance common interests
through education and advocacy. jfedsrq.org/HellerCRC