We know that infectious diseases do not recognise boundaries and wars. The continuing need for robust effective vaccination policies is critical, and recent reports about poliovirus in Gaza are disturbing. A group of eminent Israeli health policy and public health experts, alarmed by the threat of a polio outbreak, wrote an article to the effect that ceasefire is not only to end violence but also to prevent disease: Cease-fire. The Only Way to Prevent a Polio Epidemic Among Gazan and Israeli Babies.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policies play a role in healthcare settings. Whether they take into account and affect Jews (and Muslims) is often neglected and was discussed in JAMA: The Evolving Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs in Academic Health Institutions.

The US Office of the Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (Prof Deborah Lipstadt) has issued “Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism”, which was launched to coincide with commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the bombing of a Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires. As of 23rd July 2024 these guidelines have been endorsed by over 30 countries, and by the Council of Europe and Organisation of American States. Both Israel (Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism) and the UK (Lord Eric Pickles, UK Government Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues) have endorsed it. The full text can be accessed here.