Page 3 - HaMizrachi #33 Sukkot 2021 USA

MUTATING VIRUSES

Biological and Moral Masters of Deception – Part 2

Rabbi Doron Perez
A and reproduction. Viruses have there- code into proteins to carry out cellular
virus is a master of
fore evolved to become maestros of
deception.
functions.
deception.
Its aim is to reproduce and
multiply, but as it is only How does this deception work? These molecules act like instructions,
so when viruses bring their DNA and
a simple microscopic clod of organic To enter the cell, a virus floats up to or RNA instructions to the cell, they trick
matter, it cannot do so on its own. The the cell into following them and gen-
only way it can reproduce is to infiltrate lands on a cell and then attaches itself erating all the necessary conditions
to a receptor. Receptors are proteins
a living organism with reproductive situated on the cell surface that act like for the virus to multiply. New copies
abilities and then hijack its reproduc- protective locks, and only a specific key of the virus can then be constructed
tive mechanism – an ingenious yet will fit these “locks.” The duplicitous inside the cell and the formerly vital
diabolical double act of trickery and virus contains proteins shaped just like cell now becomes an assembly line for
deception. new virus particles. The helpless cell is
that key, which slot into the receptor. now serving the virus, manufacturing
This is how biological viruses multiply This starts a process that leads to the thousands of new particles which are
and spread contagion. And this is pre- virus entering the cell whole or gradu- released to continue corrupting count-
cisely how the virus of antisemitism, ally injecting itself into the cell. less more cells. Contagion awaits.
and particularly today’s mutation of Like a Trojan horse, it can now unleash
anti-Zionism, works as well. 1 a surprise strike from the inside. Antisemitism today: infiltration
Let us analyze these dynamics of decep- and hijacking the host
tion to gain a clearer understanding of Deception 2: hijacking the
their inner workings and to develop host’s production line The same is true with antisemitism.
a strategy to counteract the virus of Antisemitism is a virus of prejudice
antisemitism in its current incarnation The virus’ second act of trickery is and discrimination that is relatively
of Israel demonization. hijacking and corrupting the cell’s innocuous unless it can find a host. The
reproductive mechanism. While the cell host this virus requires is the human
is programmed to reproduce its cells, heart and mind, containing thoughts,
Deception 1: infiltrating it ‘unknowingly’ becomes hijacked by emotions and motivations.
the host the virus and instead of only produc- It is not easy for destructive ideas to
The immune system is the body’s tool ing its own cells, it produces the virus’ penetrate the heart because human
to ensuring its physical health and infected cells. beings have a strong natural moral
survival. All living beings have vary- The sneaky seizure takes place as fol- immune system: a conscience. Our
ing degrees of sophisticated immunity lows. Every cell in our bodies is a tiny ethical compass prods us to do good
networks to protect against harmful factory, constantly making proteins and to resist hateful and self-destruc-
foreign bodies (pathogens) which can and reproducing new cells. Viruses tive behavior. This is why antisemitism
infect and spread disease. Viruses are and living cells use DNA and RNA, the must present itself in a morally legit-
pathogens and so must find a way to two main molecules critical to genetic imate form. It can only circumvent
circumvent the immune system to gain functioning. DNA provides the code for the moral immune system and stim-
entry. No way in? No chance of survival cell activity, while RNA converts that ulate people to act if it can be morally

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