Iranians look to each other, not government, for solidarity amidst COVID-19
Iranians attempt to lift each other's spirits with comedy, online cooking shows and by writing off debts, among other ways.
Iranians from all walks of life are supporting each other amidst the anxiety, fear and increasing deaths due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the country.
One of the first morale-boosting videos came from a profession hit very hard by the coronavirus — doctors — who have been working nonstop. They posted videos of themselves dancing with each other. The videos went viral, leading to dozens of other similar clips appearing on social media.
Aware that coronavirus restrictions would overshadow Nowruz, the Persian New Year, famous Iranian artist and singer Ashkan Khatibi posted an energetic video clip of his new song on Instagram March 14.
The video, viewed more than 1.5 million times, shows the singer along with some of his acting students. The song, called “Dasteto Bede Man” (“Give Me Your Hand”), is based on a French melody by Christophe Mae, but the lyrics are written by Khatibi himself.
