EMMY Opinion. Tradition. ROSSUM ISRAELI THE PROPHETIC TOUTS RESPONSE TO VIEW OF SHABBAT COVID-19 DISTORTED SACRIFICE OBSERVANCE A2. A10. A11. THE algemeiner JOURNAL $1.00 - PRINTED IN NEW YORK FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020 | 2 NISSAN 5780 VOL. XLVII NO. 2449 US Has Potential of Coronavirus Takes Heavy Toll Becoming Coronavirus on Prominent Epicenter, Says WHO Jewish Leaders in US, Israel, Europe BY BENJAMIN KERSTEIN The coronavirus pandemic is taking a heavy toll on prominent Jewish leaders, with several dying of the disease and others seriously ill. The head of Israel’s United Hatzalah emergency service, Eli Beer, was placed on a ventilator and sedated on Friday. The group said in a statement that he’s expected to make a A deserted Times Square New York City, New York, March 23, 2020. Photo: Reuters / Carlo Allegri. A medical worker wearing a protective mask and suit treats patients suffering from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in an intensive care unit at the Oglio Po hospital in Cremona, Italy, March 19, 2020. Photo: Reuters / Flavio Lo Scalzo. BY REUTERS Europe and the United States, have a very large outbreak and slow but full recovery, though he will continue to be sedated & ALGEMEINER STAFF WHO spokeswoman Margaret an outbreak that is increasing in for up to two weeks. Harris told reporters. Of those, intensity,” Harris added. In a video message issued just before his intuba- The World Health Organiza- 40 percent were from the United Overall, the global outbreak tion, Beer said, “I need you to keep davening, keep doing tion (WHO) said on Tuesday it States. was accelerating very rapidly and mitzvahs, it’s very important.” was seeing a “very large accelera- Asked whether the United she expected large increases in He urged those watching to “make sure that people’s tion” in coronavirus infections in States could become the new case numbers and deaths from the lives are saved and all their needs will be met through your the United States which had the epicenter, Harris said: “We are now 334,981 cases and 14,510 deaths support.” potential of becoming the new seeing a very large acceleration reported. The South Florida NBC affiliate Channel 6 reported epicenter. in cases in the US. So it does have Over the past 24 hours, 85 that potential. Continued on Page A3 percent of new cases were from “…They (the United States) Silver ShabbatCalendar Parshat VAYIKRA Times for New York City, Friday Candle Lighting Shabbat Begins: 6:58pm | Shabbat Ends: 7:58pm פרשת ויקרא Lining in COVID-19 P.O.B. 208 East 51st St, Suite 185 New York, NY 10022 page A8 Tel: (718) 771.0400 | Fax: (718) 771.0308 Email: [email protected] www.algemeiner.com © Copyright 2020 The Algemeiner Journal - All Rights Reserved. A2 | FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020 Opinion. Israel’s Critics Distort the Country’s Coronavirus Response Taking a conspiratorial tone, he claims worst, but which others, including some of his that “the coronavirus arrived at just the political opponents, believe to be legitimate. SEAN DURNS right moment to provide pretexts for seizing Suffice it to say, these are not ideal WASHINGTON authoritarian powers.” Elsewhere, he adds that circumstances for a tiny nation with a signifi- the “exponentially rising number of confirmed cant elderly population to be handling a global coronavirus infections” gives “Netanyahu new pandemic. Indeed, it could be reasonably opportunities.” argued that these circumstances, including At a time of a global pandemic, Israel is Gorenberg protests: “I don’t use the word political gridlock, make decisive action more taking drastic measures to prevent COVID-19 ‘coup’ lightly.” But unfortunately — given the imperative. Health Ministry inspectors speak with a from potentially killing thousands of its rapidly developing crisis and the need for Israel itself is in a very unique predica- woman in self-quarantine as a precaution citizens. But while the world is changing — calm and reasoned thinking — he does. ment when it comes to confronting the against coronavirus spread in Hadera, Israel, and changing fast — Israel’s critics aren’t. At a It is perfectly reasonable — indeed it virus. In a March 10, 2020 interview with Dr. March 16, 2020. Photo: Reuters / Ronen Zvulun. time of crisis, the usual suspects are seeing an is imperative — for all citizens to continue Tomer Hertz, an immune system researcher There is reason then for a small country opportunity to single out the Jewish state for to question their government’s actions and and head of microbiology, immunology and the size of New Jersey to take decisive action. opprobrium. to continue to voice their criticisms and genetics at Ben-Gurion University, The Times From the beginning, Israel has reacted Take, for example, the Global Opinion concerns. A global pandemic mustn’t stop of Israel highlighted the dangers. Reporter more forcefully than many other countries, page in The Washington Post, and a March 19 that. And it’s perfectly reasonable to ask if the Nathan Jeffay noted that “If not controlled, quickly initiating border controls and quaran- op-ed by Gershom Gorenberg, entitled “With actions of the Israeli government, or any other coronavirus could paralyze Israel’s health tines. As Gilead Ini, a senior research analyst a pandemic as cover, Netanyahu is carrying government, are for the best. That is part of a system in a way that didn’t happen as a result for the Committee for Accuracy in Middle out a coup in Israel.” And the inflammatory well-functioning and healthy society. of swine flu or any other health crisis.” East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA), has and sensationalized headline is only the But Gorenberg omits essential context. As Hertz told the Times: “Even with 10% of documented, these moves enabled some, such beginning. The chief problem with Gorenberg’s the people with corona needing medical treat- as New York Times Jerusalem bureau chief Gorenberg charges that Israeli Prime argument, aside from his reckless and hyper- ment,” an occurrence that he said was quite David Halbinger, to showcase their anti-Israel Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “carrying out bolic language, is that he fails to place Israel’s possible, “there might not be enough beds. … biases. But although Israel was among the first a palace coup. Under the cover of a pandemic, actions in either global or local perspective. Hospital wards in Israel right now are at about to take drastic steps, it is far from alone. he is transforming himself from lame-duck To be sure, Israel’s political circumstances 80% capacity and there are not a lot of free Gorenberg cites Netanyahu’s use of prime minister to unelected strongman. He are unique: the Jewish state has held three beds.” Also of note: “One in four households in broad executive powers and orders, as well and his henchmen have shut down parlia- democratic elections in the last year, each the country included an elderly person age 65 as the temporary closing of the courts and ment, enacted extreme ‘security’ measures with inconclusive results. It has been unable or more,” according to a 2015 study. Given the Knesset, to buttress his argument. But this without legislative oversight and shelved the to form a government. And Netanyahu is virus’ high transmission rate, and its proclivity singles out Israel, treating the Jewish state as courts just as Netanyahu was about to go on facing corruption charges — charges that the to lead to more problematic and lethal if it were the exception. It is not. trial for corruption.” Israeli premier and his supporters argue are outcomes for senior citizens, this statistic also flimsy at best, and politically motivated at provides cause for increased concern. Continued on Page A9 Calling for a Unity Government in Israel urgency of the situation that they do not see But his bitter hatred has blinded him. Does what everyone else sees? he really believe Gantz is capable of leading ISI LEIBLER It is beyond belief when one reads Israel in this crisis? And even if we set aside the JERUSALEM columnists in Haaretz pontificating that all reservations about him, is now the time Algemeiner Journal Bibi is a far greater threat than the corona- to replace a leader who has demonstrated virus. Netanyahu appeared on the main TV that he was ahead of the rest of the world in (USPS 927800) is published weekly channels on Saturday night and set out the tackling this crisis? (except for the week of Passover We are experiencing a global nightmare terms of his offer for a national unity govern- Gantz has been offered the opportunity and Succos) that could result in many deaths. No one could ment. He offered the Blue and White Party to become prime minister in 18 months, when Subscription rate $40 per year have anticipated the extent of the coronavirus equal government representation with the hopefully the coronavirus will be behind us. Algemeiner Journal impact. The tragic images emerging from Italy right-wing bloc, with the key ministries of For the sake of the country, we urge opposi- are now also occurring across the globe. We defense and foreign affairs, and undertook tion leaders to set aside their hatred and focus 208 E 51st Street, Suite 185 that he would resign as prime minister after solely on the welfare of this nation. There is New York, N.Y. 10022 are still trying to comprehend and learn how to navigate through this nightmare. 18 months. no alternative but to form a national unity Periodicals Postage In this context, the efforts of Prime But within minutes, Lapid tweeted that government at this time of emergency. Those Paid at Brooklyn, N.Y. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Health Bibi is a liar and can’t be trusted, and Ya’alon who oppose this are literally putting our lives and at additional mailing offices Ministry officials deserve the highest praise.