Is Israel overreacting regarding Covid19?

Next Week, the Israeli government will be discussing the new travel policy. So far a 14 day quarantine is mandatory for anyone flying into Ben Gurion's International airport, from many parts of Europe. Flights have been canceled altogether from other countries like China and Korea.

At the time of writing Israel has no more than 30 cases of Novel Coronavirus, and thousands have been placed on self quarantine, awaiting results.

Next Monday, the list will encompass most of the world, including the United States, Israel's biggest tourism partner. Some speculate that every single person regardless of origin will be placed on a general 14 day quarantine. The cost will be in the billions of dollars.

Is Israel overreacting? The mortality rate is currently estimated at 1% - 2.5%. Many have suggested that the virus will be impossible to contain and that it will be around for some time until an effective vaccine is found.

The vast majority of fatalities have been people 80 years and older, with underlying health issues.

Israel's policy is sound health wise. More importantly it pays homage to its elderly population, sometimes called the Miracle Generation. This generation was called upon to defeat Hitler and to disembark in Normandy. They are the children of the great depression who effectively changed the world. Israel is a country with a very good memory. Its politicians frequently act upon recent history, and many times ancient history. While this generation was not the first to envision the state of Israel, It was they who made it a reality. They fought and won Israel's first Impossible war. They became the backbone of Israeli society. Many of them came from Europe, having survived Hitler's war on the Jews, only to fight for survival once again.

Israel's strict visiting policy will cost billions, many jobs will be lost and many businesses will shut down. By doing so, the State of Israel refuses to close the chapter of the Shoa without a final fight. This unprecedented and extreme policy defends the generation whose sacrifices allowed the dream of Israel to come true.