Israeli army delivers food packages … to Muslims for Ramadan

In another act that shows that Israel is one of the most humane countries on earth, Israeli soldiers began delivering food packages to Muslims in Israeli Arab communities for the upcoming month of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of daytime fasting which is set to begin on Friday.

The Israel Defense Forces’ Homefront Command said the delivery is part of an effort to spread awareness about COVID-19. Printed materials about the coronavirus will accompany the food packages.

Ramadan is marked by daily fasting followed nearly every day by large feasts with family and friends. Israel’s Arab community has reported a low rate of coronavirus infection until now, but Israeli Health officials are concerned that these gatherings could lead to a spread of the virus at a time when Israel seems to be controlling the spread.

In light of that, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering Ministry of Health recommendations to impose a curfew in Arab cities and villages every night during the month of Ramadan from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The curfew will be similar to that placed on Israelis during the Passover holidays and possibly the upcoming Memorial Day holiday next week.

In other Muslim countries curfews and travel bans will be in place. Neighboring countries Lebanon and Egypt, for instance, will loosen their curfew and start at 8 p.m. to allow some gatherings during Ramadan, but will keep people from straying too far from home.

Palestinian Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Hussein announced last week that Muslims must pray during Ramadan. Mosques have been closed and will remain shuttered despite the holiday.

A Muslim man watches as Jewish soldier deliver food packages for the month of Ramadan. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON’S UNIT)