Passover songs and prayers ring out across Israel amid Seder Night lockdown

Residents in Israel have united together whilst in curfew on the first night of Passover with Israelis taking to their balconies and gardens to celebrate God’s deliverance from Egypt.

Instead of large family celebrations, Seder Night was limited to only immediate family at home due to the lockdown measures, but many shared the celebration with songs and prayers echoing through the night across the country. Others cheered their support for the show of unity.

Under curfew, Israelis sing Seder songs together from their balconies https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HyxLqsoDI

Under curfew, Israelis sing Seder songs together from their balconieshttps://www.ynetnews.com/article/HyxLqsoDI

Posted by Ynetnews on Wednesday, 8 April 2020

Another video emerged of a man praying in the middle of the street, with people from surrounding balconies repeating.

Quarantine prayers for Passover in Israel.

Our people have celebrated this holiday through exiles, slavery, and genocide.

We will also get through this pandemic.

We have endured and will continue to endure. pic.twitter.com/pC2mdAKZmK

— Yoni Michanie (@YoniMichanie) April 9, 2020

In one Be’er Sheva neighbourhood, local residents set their Seder tables out on the street.

In Be’er Sheva, #Israel families decided to take the #Passover #seder outside to the street while following the orders of the health care office, so that they all would celebrate together even those who are without their families. THIS IS ISRAEL! #Holiday #jews #COVID pic.twitter.com/Ky7rKhOB9w

— 🇮🇱Michali✡️ (@Michali1990) April 8, 2020

In hospitals across Israel, medical teams in protective clothing prepared a Seder meal for patients on coronavirus wards.

In Givatayim near Tel Aviv, local police chief Revital Karko took a tour of the city with a special message for local residents.

“Residents of the city of Givatayim, this is station commander,” she said through a loudspeaker.

“We love you, wish you a happy holiday. You are amazing. Look after your health.”

Residents clapped and cheered in response to Karko’s message of support.

#Givatayim Police Station Headquarters Revital Karko is excited with the residents: “You are amazing!”. @ynetalerts pic.twitter.com/T5wZa1RVlK

— איתי בלומנטל Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) April 8, 2020

In contrast to the rest of Israel, world’s largest Seder Night was held at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv, which is currently housing some 500 coronavirus sufferers. Managed by the IDF, the Dan Panorama is hosting those with mild symptoms to take the pressure off hospitals.

The decision to impose a curfew and prevent Israelis from traveling to other cities to celebrate the Seder with their families was made earlier this week.

“Pesach will not be Purim,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, referring to last month’s traditionally festive holiday, which preceded a spike in virus cases.

“Every family will have Seder alone,” he said. “Only celebrate with the family who are now at home with you.”