The coronavirus pandemic has dealt another blow to public morale last week, as the government ordered a nationwide lockdown on Independence Day, marked this week between Tuesday evening and Wednesday night.
The move, in line with the Health Ministry's social distancing directives, resulted in the cancelation of all public events, from street parties and parades to the annual Israel Air Force flyover, while state ceremonies will be held without audiences.
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The flyover is one of the most popular Independence Day events, drawing millions to beached and parks to watch fighter jets, helicopters, and cargo planes fly over the entire country. The aircraft aerobatics display is considered the highlight of the event.
The military said it decided not to hold the flyover this year to avoid public gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak. Instead, a smaller aerobatics salute will take place over major hospitals across the country, in a show of solidarity with medical personnel.
The events will be televised, the IDF said.
Another sign that the pandemic had dimmed celebrations was a slump in the sales of Israeli flags ahead of the country's 72nd birthday.
Flag sales usual spike ahead of Independence Day, but this year, Marom – Israel's chief producer of flags, masts and other state symbol-related memorabilia - reported a 40% drop in sales.
Major cities nationwide have also canceled their fireworks displays, this despite the government's approval to hold them.
While Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev argued that fireworks could "cheer people up," most mayors said that it would be inappropriate to sponsor what is usually a lavish display at a time of economic hardship.
The restrictions placed on economic activity as part of the efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus have triggered record-breaking unemployment rates of 26%, or over a million Israelis, and thousands of small businesses are on the brink of collapse.
The mayors of Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Kfar Saba, Hod Hasharon, Netanya, Beersheba, Zichron Yaacov, Holon, Karmiel, Ramat Gan, Givatayim, Raanana, Herzliya, and other localities announced they would be diverting the funds usually spent on fireworks displays to support their struggling communities.
"In the painful reality emerging, when every shekel is essential to help those in need and help save lives, I simply don't think extravagant celebrations are in order," Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich wrote in a Facebook post.
Raanana Mayor Chaim Broyde echoed the sentiment, saying, "As I see it, there is no moral justification for spending tens of thousands of shekels on fireworks, while the public is facing an economic crisis as a result of the coronavirus. The money we save will be repurposed for other channels. However, we will do everything in our power to make the residents of Raanana feel the spirit of Independence Day."
Givatayim Mayor Ran Konik announced that the funds usually spent on fireworks "will go towards subsidizing tax exemptions, helping the elderly and Holocaust survivors, special education, and a long list of other issues."
