Israeli plan to vaccinate all Holocaust survivors draws praise, skepticism

An Israeli government initiative to help vaccinate Holocaust survivors worldwide against COVID-19 is drawing praise for its intentions but also skepticism.

The initiative, announced by Diaspora Affairs Minister Omer Yankelevich on January 12, seeks to vaccinate the estimated 200,000 Holocaust survivors who live outside of Israel. The vast majority of survivors are in their 80s and 90s—the age group most at risk for COVID-19 complications and death. 

“It is our collective obligation to safeguard this treasured yet vulnerable population in the spirit of mutual responsibility,” Yankelevich told the Israel Hayom newspaper. “Now is the time for all of us, Jewish institutions and leaders from across the world, to come together in this operation. Together, we can ensure that Holocaust survivors are efficiently vaccinated, wherever they live.”