Los Angeles County Faces Criticism for Singling Out Jews in Coronavirus Restrictions

[Free Vulcan]

Public health officials in Los Angeles County are facing criticism for singling out Jews in a message reminding people to avoid large family gatherings as the region continues to battle the coronavirus.

A September 1 press release from the county read (emphasis added):

    There continues to be widespread transmission of the virus in L.A. County, which is why it is important not to gather with people who aren’t part of your household as it puts you at a greater risk for COVID-19. It is still safest to stay at home and avoid gatherings, even if everyone present is taking precautions.

    The following examples of in-person gatherings are not permitted, even if they feel safe: celebrating the new arrival of a baby with a baby shower or gender reveal party; having a barbeque with a group of friends in the backyard for Labor Day; hosting a study group with school students; having dinner with extended family and friends to honor the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur); gathering at the beach with friends over the hot weekend. These types of gatherings are risky as they bring together people who do not live together and increase the chances of community transmission.

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, observed for two days starting on Friday at sundown. Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement, observed for one day starting next Sunday evening.

https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2020/09/18/los-angeles-county-singles-out-jews-in-coronavirus-restrictions-criticism/

[PeteS in CA]

https://www.cnsnews.com/index.php/article/national/patrick-goodenough/update-la-county-says-it-wont-send-deputies-jewish-homes-high

Update: LA County Says it Won’t Send Deputies to Jewish Homes at High Holidays to Enforce COVID Policy

(CNSNews.com) – Los Angeles County has informed a legal organization representing an orthodox rabbi that it will not dispatch law enforcement officials to private homes to enforce a coronavirus health measure that prohibits “having a meal with extended family and friends for a religious or cultural holiday.”

The written assurance to First Liberty Institute came on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, which began at sunset on Friday.

Earlier, Rabbi Yisrael Gelb had indicated his intention to meet with another family in his congregation, as he does every year, despite the health order – which L.A. County originally made clear explicitly covered the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (the wording was later changed to the more general “religious or cultural” holidays).