Train tracks leading to Birkenau Concentration Camp
Historical Background
In the Name of Public Health — Nazi Racial Hygiene
by Susan Bachrach, PhD
“Physicians and medically trained academics, many of whom were proponents of “racial hygiene,” or eugenics, legitimized and helped to implement Nazi policies aiming to “cleanse” German society of people viewed as biologic threats to the nation’s health. Racial-hygiene measures began with the mass sterilization of the “genetically diseased” and ended with the near-annihilation of European Jewry.”(Emphasis added.)
“Over the past six decades, the science of human heredity has advanced greatly, from knowledge of the operation of DNA to the mapping of the human genome. Such progress holds great promise for medical advances but also inspires new, utopian visions of perfecting humankind. The history of Nazi racial-hygiene policies and eugenics reminds us of the importance of maintaining democratic checks and balances in the application of biomedical research and of always guarding against the use of genetics for the purpose of discriminating against persons or groups.“(Emphasis added.)1
Germany – Holocaust Encyclopedia
Deceiving the Public
“Combined with terror to intimidate those who did not comply, a new state propaganda apparatus headed by Joseph Goebbels manipulated and deceived the German population and the outside world. Propagandists preached an appealing message of national unity and a utopian future that resonated with millions of Germans. They also waged campaigns that facilitated the persecution of Jews and others excluded from the Nazi vision of the “National Community.””(Emphasis added) 2
NO JEWS or DOGS ALLOWED
NO UNVACCINATED ALLOWED
Israel
Reflections on the Nuremberg Declaration of the German Medical Assembly
by Shmuel Reis, MD MPHE
“… Rather, these events appear to have resulted from the enthusiastic and innovative contributions of, and effective execution by physicians and a medical establishment leading the way.”
“Moreover, the realization that almost an entire scientific and medical establishment, arguably one of the most preeminent of its time, and many of its leading practitioners and scientists were involved in the absence of coercion, makes it impossible to turn a blind eye to the fact that it could have happened and could happen again, elsewhere, even to us and here. Abuse of power is a risk inherent in being a physician. Jewish and Israeli physicians are not immune. … We must recognize slippery slopes and make sure we do not get overpowered by them.”(Emphasis added)3
Today
In the name of public health – Covid 19 Eradication Hygiene
In Israel, the Green Passport is currently available to those who have been vaccinated, those who have recovered, and those who are willing to keep on testing “to prove their health” and have a recent negative PCR test. Some venues will not accept the negative PCR test, either. Since the emphasis is on targeting those who have made the personal decision not to get the vaccine, we are using the term unvaccinated throughout.
Are the unvaccinated murderers?
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says they are:
COVID: The future of the Jewish holidays depends on vaccination – Bennett
“I ask each of you to go and get vaccinated, you are endangering yourself and the people around you, as if you were walking with a machine gun and shooting Delta viruses at all of us,” the prime minister said. “This is selfish, unworthy and irresponsible. None of you want to kill people by mistake, we are waiting for you at the vaccination stations.””4’5’6
Do the unvaccinated deserve to be part of society or worship freely?
The Israeli Cabinet doesn’t think so:
Some Cabinet Members Furious Synagogues Exempted from New Green Pass Rules
“Starting Sunday, August 8, only people holding a Green Pass will be permitted to enter indoor social halls, conferences, cultural and sports events, indoor seating areas in restaurants, gyms and studios, hotels, cinemas, and places of worship with over 50 worshipers.”7
Shopping malls and supermarkets, no matter how many shoppers present, are open to all, but synagogues aren’t.
Should the unvaccinated be allowed to travel to all cities freely?
These Israeli Mayors don’t think so:
Non-vaccinated people to be prevented from entering the city of Hadera
“People travelling to the city via public transport will only be allowed to enter if they can provide proof of vaccination, the Hadera Municipality has announced.
“Non-vaccinated people will no longer be permitted to enter the Israeli city of Hadera, the municipality announced on Thursday via their Facebook page.
“As part of the city’s attempt to lower the number of daily coronavirus cases, Hadera Mayor Zvika Gandelman announced that the entry of non-residents into the city using public transportation will only be permitted for those who can present proof of vaccination.
“Director of the Hadera Enforcement and Security Division, Gil Shlomo, has been appointed by Gandelman to enforce the directive starting immediately.”8
Israeli city barring unvaccinated from entry accused of anti-Palestinian discrimination
“The mayor of Acre, Shimon Lankri, and city council members instructed municipal employees to ensure that the Health Ministry’s rules are enforced without exception, and thus prevent the spread of the disease among the city’s residents. As such, buses of unvaccinated residents will not be allowed to enter the city and its shores. The Acre Municipality will intensify its enforcement during this time in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of the public.””(Emphasis added.)9
Should the unvaccinated be barred from some of the holiest sites to Judaism?
The religious site authorities think so:
Unvaccinated individuals not allowed into Wilson’s Arch at the Western Wall
Parapharased – Entry to pray in Wilson’s Arch only open to those who were vaccinated/recupperated/or had a negative corona test
in accordance with green passport regulations
http://www.generationword.com/jerusalem101-photos/wilsons-arch/wilsons-gate-photo-labeled.jpg
Unvaccinated individuals not allowed into the Me’arat HaMachpela, the Tomb of the Patriarchs, in Hebron
Narrator: This is the line to get a green passport, to wear on your wrist in order to enter the Me’arat HaMachpela. Whoever doesn’t have a green passport cannot go in.10
United States/Canada
Should unvaccinated worshippers be allowed to sit wherever they want?
This synagogue doesn’t think so.
Congregation Beth Aaron, Teaneck, NJ
Separate seating and masks to replace the Yellow Star for those who will suffer the indignity.
Should unvaccinated students be allowed to eat in the cafeteria?
This school doesn’t think so.
Ida Crown Hebrew Academy, Chicago, Ill.
“For four years, Academy students devote serious effort to developing their minds and characters. It is our students’ shared commitment to growth, reinforced by a staff that supports each student as an individual, that makes the Academy such a warm and nurturing Jewish community.”
1. All students, staff, faculty, and visitors to ICJA, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks that cover their mouth and nose when inside our building. Vaccinated students will be allowed to move BRIEFLY (NOT remove – just move) their masks to take a sip of water while inside the building.
Once the FDA issues a regular approval for the COVID-19 vaccine, we will enforce the same policy as for the MMR vaccine – all students, faculty, and staff must be vaccinated to attend ICJA. The only exception will be in cases of a medical need, and then, those cases must be presented to our medical committee for special approval.
7. Our cafeteria will be fully reopened (including an expanded menu, soda bar, and soft-serve yogurt machine!). However, only vaccinated students will be permitted to eat at the tables in the cafeteria, but must be socially distanced (at least three feet). Until the weather changes, unvaccinated students will need to eat both breakfast and lunch outdoors.
Do Jewish children have a right to a Jewish education:
This school doesn’t think so.
SAR Academy, SAR High School, Riverdale, NY
Should unvaccinated students be allowed to have a full education?
This university doesn’t think so.
TOURO COLLEGE, New York
“Our students in turn become accomplished, thoughtful citizens who
share and perpetuate our belief in equal access to quality education,
the treatment of all human beings with integrity and respect…”
Do unvaccinated Jews have a part in the Jewish future?
This Jewish teen outreach program doesn’t think so.
National Council of Synagogue Youth
“NCSY is the premier organization dedicated to connect, inspire and empower Jewish teens and encourage passionate Judaism through Torah and Tradition.”11
Do unvaccinated teachers deserve to work?
These schools doesn’t think so.
North Shore Hebrew Academy, Great Neck, NY
NSHA imbues its education with the following core values:
Derech Eretz: respect for, sensitivity to and acceptance of others in thought, speech and action.
Hebrew Academy of Five Towns and Rockland, NY
Do unvaccinated parents have a right to enter their child’s school?
This school doesn’t think so.
Har Torah, Little Neck, NY
“The environment at Yeshiva Har Torah is a special one.
While we have the resources, programs, and professional infrastructure of a large school,
there is a pervasive feeling of a close-knit community and family.
The strong emphasis on relationships and Kavod HaBriot (respect for humanity),
is reinforced through consistent modeling of respectful interactions…”
Are unvaccinated staff, students, and visitors pariahs?
“Get tested repeatedly, keep your distance, and wear a mask instead of a Yellow Star.”
This school thinks so.
Yeshiva University, Wahsington Heights, NY
Should the unvaccinated have the right to pray in a synagogue?
This synagogue doesn’t think so.
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, New York, NY
The KJ Difference
A caring congregation that is open to everyone.
This synagogue doesn’t think so, either.
Shaare Shalom, Brooklyn, NY
Or this one.
West Clarkstown Jewish Center, NY12
A place of love & belonging is your birthright
In-person Shabbat morning services to begin on Saturday, July 31 at 9:30 am
– Please do not come if you are ill
– Please do not come if you are unvaccinated
Or this one.
Shaare Tefila, Olney, Maryland
All people who follow the “fully vaccinated” rule outlined above will be permitted to attend.
**Fill out this form to affirm that you are asymptomatic and that you are fully vaccinated.
What about yours?
Should the unvaccinated be allowed to stand next to the vaccinated?
This city doesn’t think so.
Airport, Vancouver, Canada13
Should the unvaccinated be rounded up and segregated “for their own protection”?
The CDC thinks so.
CDC Internment Camps
Social/Cultural/Religious Practices
Consideration: Plan for potential disruption of social networks.
“Explanation: Community celebrations (religious holidays), bereavement (funerals) and other rites of passage are cornerstones of many societies. Proactive planning ahead of time, including strong community engagement and risk communication is needed to better understand the issues and concerns of restricting individuals from participating in communal practices because they are being shielded. Failure to do so could lead to both interpersonal and communal violence.“14
Do the unvaccinated deserve to live?
This person doesn’t think so.15
Is history repeating itself?
REPLACE THE WORD “UNVACCINATED” WITH “DIRTY JEWS”
“This topic [the Holocaust] allows us to study the ramifications of prejudice, racism, and stereotyping … to explore the danger of silence and indifference in the face of human rights abuses, and to examine the use and abuse of power.”16
How Will It End, This Time???
Feature image by Ron Porter from Pixabay
Footnotes