Israel’s pathway out of the pandemic – online event

On Monday night, members of The Moriah Foundation, Moriah Foundation Circle and The Mount Scopus Foundation came together on Zoom to hear from an eminent panel of Israeli professors from Tel Aviv University, who shared their insights into Israel’s pathway out of the pandemic.

A warm welcome from our Foundation President

Warmly welcoming more than 150 guests, Judy Lowy shared her delight in inviting The Mount Scopus Foundation to join the event. “Moriah and Mount Scopus are modern orthodox Zionist schools, with so many shared values and goals. We are two of the largest Jewish Day schools in the Diaspora and together, we have produced thousands of well-educated Jewish Australians who have gone on to lead rich Jewish lives steeped in our traditions and Zionism, contributing to Australian and Israeli society, many serving in the IDF, many making Aliya.”

Judy thanked the audience for their support of our families, particularly those who are struggling financially during this difficult time, and for investing in our children’s Jewish education and the sustainability of our schools.

In introducing our distinguished guests, Judy spoke with pride about Israel’s remarkable success in leading the way in the delivery of the world’s fastest vaccine rollout.

President of Tel Aviv University, Professor Porat introduces the panel

Professors Ariel Porat, Ariel Munitz and Ady Pauzner provided us with in-depth and meaningful insights into Israel’s immediate response to the pandemic, from the outbreak in 2019 when they were instrumental in setting up the first mass testing Covid labs in Israel to advising the Israeli government on the strategy of response, to current thinking on the vaccines, boosters, and future plans to live with the virus.

Stepping up to contribute their knowledge and skills to resolving this crisis, they created virtual platforms for hundreds of researchers throughout Israel to study key issues including the true mortality ratio, the cost of lockdowns, the efficacy of vaccinations, unemployment policies and learnings from other countries.

Identifying an exit strategy that would not exceed their health care capacity, and using smart mechanisms for mass testing, Israel was able to lead the way in introducing vaccinations and other measures to reduce infections. Applying innovative thinking, they also suggested a policy that can reduce the risk of vaccine resistant variants by dividing countries into smaller regions so that vaccinations could be administered sequentially and in high concentrations.

Their remarkable journey, pivoting quickly to create think tanks, open labs, collaboration with other universities, work with the Mossad and liaising with policy makers, was truly inspirational.

In conversation with Cheryl Bart AO

Moriah Foundation Board Member Cheryl Bart moderated questions from the audience engaging with the professors on a range of issues including the effectiveness of boosters, new vaccines, children getting vaccinated and their views on extended lockdowns. Cheryl thanked the panel for their candid insights and learnings, and for providing the audience with the unique opportunity to develop a better understanding of Israel’s remarkable and world leading achievements in responding to the pandemic.

In closing

Mount Scopus Foundation President, David Gold shared Judy’s positive sentiments about our schools collaborating and sharing more opportunities in the future.

David thanked our distinguished panel and our supporters for assisting our children to build better futures.

Thank you to all who joined us for the webinar, and we look forward to hosting more events, hopefully in person, as we emerge from this lockdown.

If you were unable to make the event, please view the recording at your leisure by clicking on the image below.

With warm wishes,
The Moriah Foundation team