The city of Nuremberg holds significant historical weight as it symbolizes both Hitler’s ascent and the downfall of the Nazis, culminating in the Nuremberg trials that pursued justice for WWII atrocities. Recently, references to Nuremberg have surfaced in conversations about modern vaccine science, particularly for Dr. Peter Hotez, a Jewish vaccine scientist. During a lecture, Hotez addressed unsettling emails he received, suggesting that COVID scientists like him might face a “Nuremberg 2.0” tribunal for their roles in the pandemic.
Hotez, known for combating medical misinformation and for his stance against the anti-vaccine movement, shared how his work made him a target for anti-science rhetoric. He highlighted the overlap between anti-science and antisemitic sentiments, calling his position as a Jewish vaccine scientist a “trifecta” for attack. He recounted how since his 2018 book, which debunks the myth that vaccines cause autism, he has faced increasing hostility, notably from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Hotez expressed concern over the potential rollbacks of vaccine policies under the incoming administration, fearing a significant disruption to vaccination programs. He emphasized the urgent need for serious attention to public health amidst growing anti-science attitudes, especially given rising health threats like the recent H5N1 bird flu death.
