The End of Rumors: Why is Rabbi Zamir Cohen Currently in Isolation?

Watch an interview with Rabbi Zamir Cohen about the trip to Thailand and his time in isolation:

Although the flight to Thailand was scheduled long in advance, Rabbi Zamir Cohen and the Hidabroot team, who were supposed to accompany him, faced limited options. The day before the planned departure, the Ministry of Health issued a travel advisory for Thailand due to the spread of coronavirus, making cancellation seem nearly inevitable.

But then the call came from the lecture organizer in Thailand, Dudi Vaknin, a caring and warm-hearted Jew.

"Honored Rabbi, please do not cancel the lectures," he pleaded. "A wide audience has gathered here, including from other cities in Thailand. Everyone is eagerly anticipating this Shabbat, which will be an island of spirituality amidst all the materialism and impurity here in Thailand. If this Shabbat is canceled or postponed, we won't have another opportunity to bring together the large crowd that has gathered. It's a matter of life and death."

It was a significant challenge for the Rabbi, who has been devoted to the Jewish people for many years. Those familiar with his daily routine find it hard to understand how so much can be accomplished in one day. Yet, the Rabbi manages everything - spiritually guiding the Hidabroot organization with its 20 departments, leading the "Heichal Meir" yeshiva in Beitar Illit, lecturing almost daily across the country, attending international conventions, writing many books, and counseling countless people. And even that isn't all.

There Won't Be Another Opportunity

"It's a seminar that was arranged about two months ago in the city of Pattaya in Thailand, considered very low in terms of spirituality," said Rabbi Zamir Cohen in an exclusive interview with the Hidabroot site. "Many Israelis live there, facing great challenges. Two precious Jews, hotel owners David Marciano and Kobi Elbaz, announced that this Shabbat they offer free accommodation and meals to those who attend the lectures and strengthen themselves, stay away from assimilation and the great temptations there, like kashrut and other matters."

When did you first hear about the travel warning from the Ministry of Health?

"The day before the trip, the Ministry of Health in Israel issued a travel warning for Thailand, so initially, we canceled the trip. But then they called from there and announced a large crowd had already arrived, including from other cities in Thailand. They said the Jews there were eagerly awaiting this Shabbat, and if it were canceled, there wouldn't be another chance to gather them again, so for them, it's a matter of life and death.

After much consideration, it was decided that the non-essential Hidabroot companions would not go, but regarding myself, since there were no other lecturers – unlike other seminars where there are also local speakers – it was crucial to go. After all, El Al flight attendants and diplomatic staff in the Far East are exempt from the travel advisory because they do not roam the city streets and adhere to safety guidelines. In a mitzvah mission, I said that we, too, can and must be no less cautious."

How did you actually protect yourself from the dangers of the coronavirus upon landing?

"We received guidance on how to maintain health. We used masks and hand sanitizers with 70% alcohol. It is written 'those on a mitzvah mission are not harmed,' as long as they take all necessary health precautions. So that's exactly what we did. We went to Bangkok airport with masks as we were instructed, since it's a public place, and used sanitizer for any possible contact risk.

From the airport, the Rabbi traveled with an Israeli driver who greeted him and took him to the hotel. It soon became clear to Rabbi Zamir that it was worthwhile to insist on coming. "The seminar took place, thank God, with much strengthening and acceptance," the Rabbi recounts, and the excitement and satisfaction in his voice are evident. "One of the Israelis there mentioned he had been separated from his wife for several years and was now living with a local woman. He heard in one of the lectures about the significance of the greatness of the Jewish people and the gravity of the matter, and afterward, he approached for advice. He said his wife had been wanting for about two years to restore the situation, but he resisted. Thank God, this Shabbat he was inspired and decided to return. We've already forwarded his name and phone number to the head of the Shalom Bayit department, Rabbi Eliyahu Nakesh, who will guide him personally. There were other stories like this of good-hearted people with a passion for Judaism who made special and wonderful commitments. The lectures were full, and people stayed for personal talks until late hours."

I know that when you left for Thailand, there was a travel warning from the Ministry of Health, but there was no mention of quarantine yet. When were you informed about this?

"We arrived in Thailand on Thursday and returned on Sunday evening. Two hours before landing, the Ministry of Health announced that anyone who had been in Thailand would need to remain in a two-week quarantine without attending public places. So we are adhering to this decision by the Ministry of Health and using the time to advance in writing and studying Torah. Until last week, I was unsure if we would manage to publish the commentary on the Scroll of Ruth by Shavuot, as after completing the writing and proofreading, it needs to be sent for graphic editing and then printing. Now, thank God, we are utilizing this time to advance in writing and learning. And with God's help, may everything be only for the benefit."