Fact Check: Is the corona virus less dangerous to jewish people?

Is the Coronavirus Less Dangerous to Jewish People?

Introduction

The claim that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is less dangerous to Jewish people has emerged in various discussions, often linked to perceptions of health outcomes within specific communities. This assertion raises questions about the epidemiological data and social factors influencing COVID-19's impact on Jewish populations. This article will explore available evidence regarding COVID-19's effects on Jewish communities, examining mortality rates, health disparities, and the broader context of the pandemic's impact on these populations.

What We Know

1. Mortality Rates: Research indicates that Jewish populations, particularly in the UK, experienced higher mortality rates during the pandemic. A report found that excess mortality among Jews during the first wave of COVID-19 was approximately 280% higher than that of non-Jewish populations in the same region 6. In Britain, at least 366 Jews died from COVID-19, which represented about 1.7% of all deaths, despite Jews making up only about 0.3% of the population 4.

2. Community Vulnerabilities: A study highlighted that towns with predominantly ultra-Orthodox Jewish populations faced higher risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general Jewish population 3. This suggests that certain community practices and demographics may contribute to increased vulnerability.

3. Global Overview: A global overview of COVID-19 mortality among Jews indicated significant impacts, with studies suggesting that mortality rates were notably high in various Jewish communities worldwide 5.

4. Health Disparities: Research has shown that health outcomes related to COVID-19 can vary significantly among different religious and ethnic groups. A study indicated that Jews, along with other minority groups, had elevated mortality rates compared to Christians 9.

5. Psychological Impact: The pandemic has also affected the psychological well-being of Jewish communities, with reports of increased psychological distress during the crisis 8.

Analysis

The claim that COVID-19 is less dangerous to Jewish people lacks substantial empirical support and is contradicted by various studies indicating higher mortality rates within Jewish communities.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited include peer-reviewed studies and reports from reputable institutions, such as the Journal of Biosocial Science and the Times of Israel, which lend credibility to the findings. However, it is essential to consider potential biases; for instance, studies focusing on specific communities may not fully represent broader trends and could be influenced by the researchers' affiliations or the communities' unique characteristics.

• Methodological Concerns: While some studies provide data on mortality and infection rates, they may not account for confounding factors such as socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and community practices that could influence health outcomes. For example, the higher mortality rates in ultra-Orthodox communities may be linked to factors such as population density and communal living arrangements, which are not solely attributable to religious identity.

• Contextual Factors: The context of the pandemic's impact on Jewish communities is complex. Factors such as antisemitism, community cohesion, and health behaviors play significant roles in shaping outcomes. The rise of antisemitism during the pandemic, as noted in one study, highlights the social ramifications of COVID-19 beyond health impacts 1.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The assertion that the coronavirus is less dangerous to Jewish people is unsupported by the available evidence, which indicates higher mortality rates among Jewish populations during the pandemic. Key studies reveal that Jewish communities, particularly in the UK and other regions, faced significant health challenges, with mortality rates substantially exceeding those of non-Jewish populations.

It is important to recognize that while certain community practices and demographics may influence health outcomes, the overarching data contradicts the claim of reduced danger. Additionally, the complexities of health disparities and the social context surrounding the pandemic must be acknowledged.

Limitations in the evidence include potential biases in the studies and the need for further research to fully understand the multifaceted impacts of COVID-19 on different communities. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the broader context when interpreting claims related to health and disease.

Sources

1. A Study of the Impacts of COVID-19 on World Jewry. (2022). Retrieved from PMC
2. The Orthodox Jewish Community and the Coronavirus: Halacha ... (2021). Retrieved from PubMed
3. A nationwide analysis of population group differences in ... (2021). Retrieved from ScienceDirect
4. Update: How COVID-19 is hitting Jewish communities around the ... (2021). Retrieved from Times of Israel
5. COVID-19 mortality among Jews in 2020. (2024). Retrieved from Cambridge
6. Did Jews in the UK die disproportionately from Covid-19? (2021). Retrieved from JPR
7. The COVID-19 Israeli tapestry: the intersectionality health ... (2023). Retrieved from IJHPR
8. Psychological distress among Israelis during crisis. (2025). Retrieved from ScienceDirect
9. Religious affiliation and COVID-19-related mortality. (2021). Retrieved from BMJ
10. Prevalence of Long-COVID Among Low-Income and ... (2022). Retrieved from SSPH+