Coronavirus in Israel
Description: Right now, Israel is instituting its second national
lockdown since the beginning of the pandemic due to the rising number of Covid-19
cases. In the beginning of the pandemic, Israel maintained some of the lowest
numbers of covid-19 cases in the world, but cases have been on the rise again
after they began to open the country again in May. Now, Israel is imposing
strict regulations to stop the virus, but citizens are protesting because the
restrictions will not allow the Jewish population of Israel to conduct their
religious celebrations as usual. These restrictions will also result in the
loss of nearly 6.5 billion shekels (1.9 billion USD) in their economy.
Analysis: Throughout the article, the author continues to emphasize
the effect of the lockdown on Jewish citizens and their New Year celebration.
Before discussing the measures being taken by Israel to combat the virus, the
writer first briefs the reader on the importance of Rosh Hasanah, the Jewish
New Year, and then discusses the current state of Israel. This approach points
the spotlight on how Jews are affected by the new regulations which sets the
theme of the article. As well, it gives context to the protests that are
discussed later and the resignation of the Housing Minister of Israel, Yaakov
Litzman.
Interpretation: In the article, the writer calls attention
to another adverse effect of the covid-19 related regulations that are being
instituted as the pandemic continues. The media often calls attention to how
the economy is affected, or even the effects on travel, but here a new angle is
being presented. This uses the situation in Israel to bring a new perspective
to consider for the world as the pandemic continues globally.
Evaluation: The article effectively acts as a service of
information for a global audience by taking the time to shine light on the
struggle of Israel’s economy and Jewish population in the face of new covid-19
regulations. Although, the language and construction of the article seems to
point to a bias in favor of the Jewish protestors. Nevertheless, it proves
useful in building context for the protests and changes among government
officials which contribute to the Israel’s political climate, giving us a
fuller scope of the status of Israel.
Engagement: To make this a more comprehensive update on the
status of Israel, one could consider including a comparison of the current
covid-19 cases to the cases recorded in May and the differences in regulations
instituted. Also, expanding upon the current state of Israel’s economy and the
changes it has experienced during the pandemic would help provide a fuller
report on the covid-19 in Israel and emphasize the necessity for these
regulations.
In the above feedback my classes did a good 5 step critique. From analysis to engagement providing some insight I didn't saw at first. I agree, that even though there was some input in the news from citizens it's lacking a point of comparison to see why it was necessary a second lockdown besides 6000 cases daily.
ReplyDeleteWonderful analysis, Qaden. A I've mentioned in other of your classmate's posts, an interesting pattern seems to be emerging when reporting the management of the virus by authorities, as well as when reporting figures and other Covid-related information. In this case, it seems that this new item focuses on the people's experience of the pandemic. While reports of how countries are managing the control of the pandemic allows the reader to gain an informed opinion on how well their local/national authorities are handling the situation, more "human" new stories, can put things into perspective...
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