Just before Israel was to enter its second nationwide lockdown, President Reuven Rivlin apologized to Israelis over the country's failure to better handle the coronavirus and asked for forgiveness over his breaking the confinement rules during the first pandemic closure in April when he celebrated the Passover dinner with his daughter and her family, contrary to government restrictions. "I understand the feelings of confusion and uncertainty, the anxiety that many people are feeling. On a personal level, I ask your forgiveness for my behavior here at the president’s house during the lockdown during Passover. … My loneliness is no more painful than the loneliness that many of you — who were so careful to follow the word and the spirit of the instructions — experience,” said the president.
Rivlin said the government had failed in handling the coronavirus crisis and pleaded with Israelis to follow the new restrictions that go into effect at 2 p.m. Sept. 18, just before the beginning of the Jewish New Year. ‘’I want to say to the government of Israel — its leaders, ministers and advisers: The trust of the people is beyond value. We must do everything to restore personal, medical and economic confidence to our fellow citizens. This is a second chance and we must take it because we will not, I fear, get a third one.”