Israel has reason to celebrate the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines, which are quickly protecting millions of people — nowhere more efficiently than in Israel. As of December 27, Israel has already vaccinated 379,000 people, at the rate of perhaps 100,000 a day. If the government begins administering doses 24 hours a day (which it has considered), the nine million population of Israel could be immunized within weeks.
Yes, Israel should rejoice that it has been able to vaccinate so many people. But it should get some more doses — and offer them to every Jew in the world willing and able to come get it. (Providing the vaccine in people’s home countries could be very complicated legally and medically.)
During the three weeks between the first inoculation and the second, Diaspora Jews could tour, spend money and interact with Israelis and fellow Jewish travelers. Once the government lifts the current lockdown, organizations of all stripes could form countrywide tours, especially for people who have never been to Israel. Local Jewish communities could partner with Israel to raise money to bring Jews with fewer resources to Israel to get lifesaving inoculations.
Of course, in order to be inoculated in Israel (which by then will have herd immunity), Diaspora Jews would still have to travel at a dangerous time. But Israel could try to minimize risk by arranging El Al flights from cities like Seattle and Mexico City, which have no nonstop charter flights. A massive airlift that evokes the rescue in Uganda and bringing Ethiopian Jews home? What a chill-inducing landmark in Jewish history.
For far too long, conversation between Israel and Diaspora Jewry has revolved around the secondary status of non-Orthodox movements regarding conversion and the Kotel — and the political system that enables that status to continue. But by inoculating millions of Jews, Israel can rise above those conversations and demonstrate that it cherishes its brethren around the world.
by inoculating millions of Jews, Israel can demonstrate that it cherishes its brethren around the world.
A mass Diaspora vaccination campaign could be a landmark pivot in Jewish communal solidarity, long remembered as a time when Jews from all communities and backgrounds joined together in common purpose. And it would live up to the highest ideals of our faith.
Of course, there are many Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza who are also at risk, as are others in the developing world. All of them need and deserve vaccination.
But in life-saving triage, Jewish law is unambiguous: Jews get priority. One example of the many texts that emphasize that point is in the Talmudic tractate Bava Metzia 71a, which explicitly says that if the choice is between helping a Jew and a non-Jew, the Jew gets preference (עמי ונכרי – עמי קודם). This sentiment is also echoed by the oft-cited Talmudic dictum (Shevuot 39a), “All Israel is responsible for one another.” The meaning is “Jews,” but the word, fittingly, is Israel.
With the priorities of ancient Jewish texts in mind, Israel can send a very modern WhatsApp text to every Jew in the world: Israel has vaccines. Come get one.
David Benkof is an online teacher and freelance writer living in Jerusalem.
Israel Should Offer to Vaccinate Every Jew in the World
David Benkof
Israel has reason to celebrate the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines, which are quickly protecting millions of people — nowhere more efficiently than in Israel. As of December 27, Israel has already vaccinated 379,000 people, at the rate of perhaps 100,000 a day. If the government begins administering doses 24 hours a day (which it has considered), the nine million population of Israel could be immunized within weeks.
Yes, Israel should rejoice that it has been able to vaccinate so many people. But it should get some more doses — and offer them to every Jew in the world willing and able to come get it. (Providing the vaccine in people’s home countries could be very complicated legally and medically.)
During the three weeks between the first inoculation and the second, Diaspora Jews could tour, spend money and interact with Israelis and fellow Jewish travelers. Once the government lifts the current lockdown, organizations of all stripes could form countrywide tours, especially for people who have never been to Israel. Local Jewish communities could partner with Israel to raise money to bring Jews with fewer resources to Israel to get lifesaving inoculations.
Of course, in order to be inoculated in Israel (which by then will have herd immunity), Diaspora Jews would still have to travel at a dangerous time. But Israel could try to minimize risk by arranging El Al flights from cities like Seattle and Mexico City, which have no nonstop charter flights. A massive airlift that evokes the rescue in Uganda and bringing Ethiopian Jews home? What a chill-inducing landmark in Jewish history.
For far too long, conversation between Israel and Diaspora Jewry has revolved around the secondary status of non-Orthodox movements regarding conversion and the Kotel — and the political system that enables that status to continue. But by inoculating millions of Jews, Israel can rise above those conversations and demonstrate that it cherishes its brethren around the world.
A mass Diaspora vaccination campaign could be a landmark pivot in Jewish communal solidarity, long remembered as a time when Jews from all communities and backgrounds joined together in common purpose. And it would live up to the highest ideals of our faith.
Of course, there are many Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza who are also at risk, as are others in the developing world. All of them need and deserve vaccination.
But in life-saving triage, Jewish law is unambiguous: Jews get priority. One example of the many texts that emphasize that point is in the Talmudic tractate Bava Metzia 71a, which explicitly says that if the choice is between helping a Jew and a non-Jew, the Jew gets preference (עמי ונכרי – עמי קודם). This sentiment is also echoed by the oft-cited Talmudic dictum (Shevuot 39a), “All Israel is responsible for one another.” The meaning is “Jews,” but the word, fittingly, is Israel.
With the priorities of ancient Jewish texts in mind, Israel can send a very modern WhatsApp text to every Jew in the world: Israel has vaccines. Come get one.
David Benkof is an online teacher and freelance writer living in Jerusalem.
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
“Screams Before Silence”
Remembering Ken Holtzman, Outstanding Jewish Pitcher for the Cubs and A’s.
Why Are Presidential Statements About Jews So Weak?
UCLA Hillel on Pro-Palestinian Encampment: Jewish Students “Feeling the Intensity of the Situation”
USC Cancels Main Commencement Ceremony
Chosen Links – Colleges and Passover Edition – April 25, 2024
Culture
Beth Lee: OMG Yummy, Exciting Flavors and Preserved Lemons
Passover Breakfast
Dr. Nicole Saphier on Motherhood and Jewish Advocacy
Friendship Warms the Heart of ‘The Bespoke Overcoat’
Nova Festival Exhibit in Manhattan Harrowing and Inspiring
The travelling, immersive exhibit puts you in the middle of the dance festival attacked by Hamas.
Steve Garvey Holds Press Conference Calling for Action Against Pro-Palestinian Campus Protests
Dodger first-baseman turned GOP Senate candidate demanded “leadership” from politicians and school administrators.
West Hollywood’s MASH Gallery Exhibition to Feature Female Jewish Art
West Hollywood gallery hosts a charity art exhibition of female Jewish artists, “Women of Valor: In The Land of Milk and Honey.” Proceeds from the event will benefit women victims of trauma and sexual violence in Israel.
Echad Mi Yodea? Who Knows One?
The numbers never change.
The First Alphabet and the Third Plague
Hollywood
Spielberg Says Antisemitism Is “No Longer Lurking, But Standing Proud” Like 1930s Germany
Young Actress Juju Brener on Her “Hocus Pocus 2” Role
Behind the Scenes of “Jeopardy!” with Mayim Bialik
Podcasts
Beth Lee: OMG Yummy, Exciting Flavors and Preserved Lemons
Shani Seidman: Manischewitz, Passover Memories and Matzo Brei
More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.