Health Minister Rabbi Litzman Speaks With Israelis on Cruise Ship Off Japan

Following the daily assessment of the coronavirus in the Health Ministry, Health Minister Rabbi Yaakov Litzman and Ministry Director Moshe Bar Siman Tov made a number of video calls with Israelis on the ship off the coast of Japan who are currently in isolation for fear of possible infection with the coronavirus.

The minister encouraged them, took an interest in their safety and listened to their plight, in view of their being in isolation for the time required by the World Health Organization. Rabbi Litzman even gave them the personal telephone number of his assistant to answer their calls at any time.

Rabbi Litzman told the Israelis that the people of Israel are concerned for their safety and are awaiting their return in peace and good health soon. “We hope and pray that there will be no cases of infection, chalilah,” said Rabbi Litzman, “but if there are, we are prepared to treat them in Israel. We will fly them to Israel and not leave them in Japan.”

Moshe Bar Siman Tov added in his calls with the Israelis on the ship that they should heed the instructions of the professionals and strictly follow hygiene to prevent possible contagion.

“We are in direct contact with all the agencies, including the Foreign Ministry, the Japanese authorities, and the embassy,” he added.