“How Many Funerals Will Come From This One?”
The New York Times’ Patrick Kingsley reports that the ultra-Orthodox in Israel are suffering from exponentially higher rates of Covid due to large social and religious gatherings, as well as an aversion to hospital care. Many members of the Haredi community have ignored social distancing guidelines because they view attendance of large religious gatherings—such as funerals—as a personal duty. Yet, Kingsley writes, “For every ultra-Orthodox person attending a crowded funeral, or posting a subversive sign, there is another diligently staying at home.”