The following statement was given to YWN by frum female physicians called JOWMA, Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association:

We, physicians of the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association (JOWMA), condemn the anti-vaccination movement recognized in some members of the Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities across the United States and Israel. JOWMA is an association composed of Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jewish female physicians.

We have gathered together to firmly state that non-vaccination, altered vaccination schedules, anti-vaccination and delayed vaccination all pose significant threats and endanger the lives of infants, children and adults. There are no individuals who are safe from the medical risks posed by measles.

Unfortunately, false information regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccinations has been widespread throughout the public and some members of religious Jewish communities. Fear has been instilled via pamphlets, lectures, and hotlines comprised of false medical information that directly contradicts established scientific research and evidence based medicine. Dangerous websites touting erroneous vaccine information have been propagating, some of which require payments for products, memberships or consultations.

A well known tenet of Judaism is ‘VeNishmartem Me’od LeNafshoseichem,’ (Devarim 4:15) translated to English to mean: “carefully guard your health.” As physicians and Orthodox Jews, we affirm:

Non-vaccination is antithetical to the core beliefs of Orthodox Judaism. There are no religious exemptions from vaccination within Orthodox Judaism.

Concerned individuals with questions should reach out to their pediatrician or primary care physician. A physician is an individual with a medical degree including MD, DO, or MBBS. It is dangerous to seek medical advice from untrained professionals or laypersons. JOWMA is committed to educating the public regarding the truth about vaccinations. We implore the community to vaccinate all eligible individuals as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) vaccination guidelines, on schedule.

Shari Hirsch, MD Miriam Lieberman, MD Sherrie Neustein (Orzel), MD, FAAP And the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association board of directors: Eliana Fine (Feld), MD candidate Miriam A. Knoll, MD, DABR Bat-Sheva Maslow, MD, FACOG, MSCTR Mira Hellmann-Ostrov, MD, FACOG Sherrie Neustein (Orzel), MD, FAAP Chana Weinstock Neuberger, MD



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