SHJ URGES CALM AND REASONED RESPONSES IN DEALING WITH COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
As Humanistic Jews, we are concerned that certain populations may be unjustly stigmatized because of associations with frightening diseases poorly understood by the general public such as Ebola and AIDS.
As Humanistic Jews, we believe scientific principles and practice should be the basis for formulating responses to communicable diseases.
As Humanistic Jews, we believe reasoned judgment, scientific knowledge, and respect for human dignity should be the underlying principles applied in the prevention and treatment of communicable diseases.
As Humanistic Jews, we condemn sensationalized news stories and social media that increase anxiety without enhancing understanding of communicable diseases.
As Humanistic Jews, we are concerned with funding cuts to government agencies responsible for dealing with such health crises.
As Humanistic Jews, we believe Western nations have a responsibility to the world community to support health care infrastructure of developing nations and to adequately fund research on medicine that may not be profitable.
We therefore call upon governmental agencies and health professionals to provide responsible leadership and reassurance in responding to public concerns about the spread and treatment of communicable diseases. We call upon pharmaceutical companies to develop and provide vaccines and medications to address outbreaks of communicable diseases. We also call upon the media to exercise restraint in reporting on such matters.
