Israel’s president apologizes for failure to cope with coronavirus

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.”

The final version of the lockdown approved by the Cabinet generally prohibits people from traveling more than 500 meters (a third of a mile) from their home except for essential shopping, going to work and walking for exercise. The country also will close schools for three weeks. Synagogues would open only partially for the High Holidays season. Many Israelis expressed anger over limits imposed on synagogues, while political demonstrations are allowed. It was also unclear whether some preschools would be authorized to open. Israel could go to work, though most businesses and the public sector would function at a reduced capacity. Business and restaurant owners are warning that a second lockdown would ruin them, after a first, very difficult closure in April. Several restaurant and shop owners said they will open despite the restrictions.

The Health Ministry announced Sept. 17 that the country’s pandemic death toll had risen to 1,169, with 4,791 new cases diagnosed, a new record, since the previous day. With numbers still climbing by the day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu summoned the coronavirus czar, Dr. Ronni Gamzu, to an urgent meeting the same day to discuss further tightening the lockdown. According to some reports, Netanyahu called the meeting because he is concerned about the public’s response to the lockdown.