The first lockdown was accepted almost universally, albeit reluctantly. We all knew there was a terrible thing happening, and that we were additionally handicapped by the fact that this was a pathogen that was previously unknown and poorly studied. As much as there was a pandemic of a disease, there was a reaction of shock, bewilderment, and the infusion of a huge amount of folklore and foolishness that tends to attempt to fill the gaps.
This second wave, though predicted, encounters quite a different ambience. Many have had it and recovered. There is a proliferation of tests (with varying degrees of accuracy), and there are more treatment options. There is, at least, some awareness that there is a psychological side to this disease, and that isolating the afflicted person from the world is not the answer.
The yeshivos had varying success with remote learning, and it would be interesting to see some empirical data to analyze. Meanwhile, it was clear that remote was only second best, and that prolonged closing was harmful in the short and long term.
What is not unique is how the politicians are dealing with this. NYS has encountered a contemporary Haman, who brazenly admits that he is basing his decrees on fear, not science. So far, the numbers do not support his discriminatory manner applied to the lockdown. NYC has watched the mayor, whose true colors are now more apparent, support domestic terror while attempting to crush everything religious. This is not unique. Jews have experienced pogroms, inquisitions, concentration camps, and persecution. We just did not expect to find it in the “land of the free”.
A major difference is that we, even Jews, can vote. And we can do our best and bravest to oust these evil anti-Semites from public office. They are part of the movement to reshape the ideology of America. It has become fashionable to claim victimhood. The liberals have advanced that to making ridiculous claims of Jews being perpetrators. That must be abolished, and the voting booth is the only place to do that.
Remember in November.