Vaccination passports may open society but increase inequality

For the first time since the pandemic began, Israeli musician Aviv Geffen played electric piano in a show above a shopping mall north of Tel Aviv. 300 people gathered for the show, wearing masks and maintaining social distance. 

“A miracle is happening here tonight,” Geffen told the crowd.

The mesmerizing experience Monday night was not accessible to everyone. Only people having a “green passport” that proved they had been vaccinated or Covid negative could get in.

The highly regulated concert offered a look at a future that many are desiring after months of Covid-19 restrictions. The government says that getting vaccinated and having proper documentation will ease the way to travel and other social gatherings in a post-pandemic world.

But this may divide the world along the lines of wealth and vaccine access than before creating ethical and logical issues that have bothered decision-makers around the world.  

Other governments are eyeing Israel to churn through the world’s fastest vaccination program and struggle with the ethics of using the shots as tactful currency and power.

Inside Israel, green passports or badges obtained through an app is the coin of the realm. Greece and Cyprus have agreed with Israel to recognize each other’s green badges, and more such tourist-boosting accords are expected.