The Ministry of Health has launched the Green Pass, which is essentially an approval card for people who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19. The pass, while some question its legality, is, for now, allowing some limited cultural events to take place. After about a year of the economic shutdown, there is a need for a return of culture, art, music, and shows to create spaces for people to enjoy life.
The return to culture has invited new and necessary creativity to make events corona-friendly. In Jerusalem, one concert was held for a small number of attendees in a big park, only for Green Pass holders with Digitel cards, which is for retired senior citizens. Masks and social distancing were required. “Follow the Lights” is a drive-through light show, highlighting 22 popular landmarks in Jerusalem, which offers a taste of history and art through a self-guided app, all from the comfort of the car. The Ministry of Tourism has also allocated NIS 10 million for free guided tours throughout the cities, parks, heritage sights, and nature reserves. Running from now through Passover, about 1,600 tours are being offered to infuse a boost of life back into the local tourism industry.
“Culture and music are like medicine for the soul. It is more than just music,” says Alon Amir, a content creator. “It relaxes us. It makes us happier. It gives us the opportunity to create more music and to make more people happy, to ease their nerves and all the emotions of this last year. People have been missing culture. I’m more than excited that culture is coming back.”
