Modern Israel celebrates its 73rd birthday this week. Let me put my cards on the table: I’m not dispassionate when... One reason for this phenomenon is that the median age of those afflicted with the virus has dramatically decreased since the start of the pandemic. Another is the fact that some two months ago, thanks to a statement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the uncertain safety of vaccines for pregnant women, Israeli authorities initially recommended against it. Though the Health Ministry quickly reversed this position, insisting that the virus poses a far greater risk to mother and baby than the vaccine, many still remain unwilling to subject themselves to what they consider “untested” toxins being injected into their bodies.