When the first wave of coronavirus hit Israel, then-Health Minister Yakov Litzman made the decision to shut down air travel. The faster and wider the virus spread, additional restrictions were imposed on after the other, culminating in a total lockdown. When it appeared that we had defeated coronavirus, interest groups upped their pressure and the government opened up the economy too hastily. And then, how astonishing, the second wave crashed over us, and the more time passes, the more decisions are made to open more things. Gatherings are allowed in larger numbers, gyms are open again, hotels and flights are operating, and now, the peak – all the schools have started back when the number of confirmed cases is jumping by 3,000 a day.
Netanyahu, Edelstein, Gamzu, the head of the National Security Council, and the members of the Corona cabinet all know perfectly well how to stop an epidemic. In Lombardy in Italy and Hubei in China, outbreaks were stopped through hermetic lockdowns. The decision-makers need to maneuver between trying to prevent economic harm and the vital mission of flattening the curve.
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If they weren't afraid of the interest groups, they would have immediately declared a tight lockdown for several days, and establish a controlled exit. This is exactly when we need to tell the doctor to stop pitying the patient and do whatever needs to be done to cure them. This is when every citizen needs to become a "member" of the cabinet and made difficult decisions to restrict their own behavior. This is when we as a society must carefully consider whether any excursion outside our home is necessary. We must examine our every meeting and any gathering we attend.
This week, over 60 schools in the Haredi sector were shut down after coronavirus carriers were identified among the pupils or staff. It was expected, but under pressure from the interest groups, the decision-makers opted to try and contain outbreaks rather than refrain from starting the school year. Every responsible parent must resist giving into the interest groups and decide not to send their children to school.
Yes, it's difficult. It limits us all. But every one of us needs to contribute to the fight beyond merely following instructions. We need to take responsibility when the decision-makers give in.
The fact that up to 20 people are permitted to gather in an enclosed space does not mean that we need to accept every wedding invitation. The fact that we are permitted to pray in synagogues does not mean that we should choose to do so rather than hold minyans in courtyards or on balconies. Don't restrict yourself to the letter of the law – try to do what the decision-makers know what must be done.
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