In a resilient country that has weathered the dual scourges of frequent wars and rampant terrorism, Israelis are now in lockdown mode. Even in Jerusalem, with Israelis only permitted to leave homes for essential needs, the normally bustling capital city has been turned into a virtual ghost town.
Here to explain how the embattled nation is meeting the Corona challenge is David Rubin, the former Mayor of Shiloh, Israel and the author of “Trump and the Jews”.
Suggested Q&A:
- While no Israeli has yet died from the Coronavirus, Israel is now in lockdown mode. Why is that? Israel is a very lively country, but also a very resilient country that suddenly becomes incredibly disciplined in times of war and increased terrorism. The Coronavirus is at least as great a challenge, mainly because of all the uncertainties, and for that reason, it’s better to be stricter rather than lenient.
- There have now been 427 Israelis diagnosed with coronavirus, and they are not allowed to leave their homes or places of treatment. The Jerusalem Post quoted Netanyahu as having said, “We will send these people into isolation. These will be large numbers. Isolation is not a recommendation – it is mandatory, and we will enforce it without compromise.” What do you make of that? It’s necessary to crack down on those who are irresponsible. Anyone who violates the regulations is risking the lives of his/her fellow citizens. This is not a game.
- Specifically, Israel is using technology to track those under mandatory quarantine to make sure that they don’t leave their homes for any purpose. How is this being done? They are being tracked via their cell phones, among other means.
- According to the BBC, Prime Minister Netanyahu passed these new emergency powers without parliamentary approval. Isn’t that an infringement of individual liberties? We are living in a life and death situation. The rules are different. We Israelis cherish our freedom and will absolutely insure that those rights our restored when the crisis is over, but for now, we have to save lives.
- In a country that greatly values the traditional family, Israeli children are being instructed not to visit their grandparents. With all the schools closed, isn’t this a good time for families to stick together? Of course it is, but not through physical contact. Israeli children, who by the way are continuing their organized learning via their cell phones and computers, are being instructed to call their grandparents and make sure that their needs are taken care of, but not to visit, so as not to run the risk of infecting them.
- Isn’t the Israeli economy suffering on all levels from the shutdown? Of course, it is, but the sooner we end the crisis, the faster the economy will rebound. Israel has been through worse crises and we will survive this one, as well. We have to be disciplined, accept the extreme measures lovingly, and remember that we are all in this together.
Bio: David Rubin, former Mayor of Shiloh Israel, is the author of the book, “Trump and the Jews” and five other books. Rubin is the founder and president of Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund, established after he and his then three-year-old son were wounded in a terror attack. He can be found at www.DavidRubinIsrael.com or at http://www.ShilohIsraelChildren.org
