After a discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Corona Commissioner Prof. Gamzo clarified that he did not change his position on the issue • "My heart goes out to Breslav's followers, but preserving life is most important"

• "Keeping citizens healthy is more important than anything else"

  Photo: 

  Oren Ben Hakon - Archive

The director of Magen Israel, Prof. Roni Gamzo, refers to the decision not to allow a flight to Uman during the Tishrei holidays: "I left the debate headed by the prime minister and I do not intend to change my position on Uman," he said. "I am confident that the government ministers will make the right decision to prevent flights to this destination.

"The Torah obliges all of us 'and you are very much saved for your souls.' "Protecting the lives of Israeli citizens and their health is more important than anything else."

On Tuesday, Prof. Gamzo told Israel Today: "I do not believe that flights will depart from Israel to Uman as usual, after my letters to the President of Ukraine and my unequivocal professional position that she is at risk of entering a closure."

As stated, the Corona commissioner called for a halt to flights there several days ago for fear of a mass contagion event: "The government should instruct the Airports Authority to prevent direct flights to Ukraine for health reasons." He noted that he hoped that the leaders of the two countries would work for a complete halt to those who go to Uman this year, out of responsibility for public health.

Former Health Minister Yaakov Litzman sharply attacked Gamzo. Litzman, now the Minister of Housing, argued in a conversation with reporters that Gamzo should resign, given the various steps he is taking to prevent flights to Uman, including an appeal to the President of Ukraine. Earlier, he claimed that Gamzo had exceeded his authority when he addressed the President of Ukraine with a request, and in his opinion this was a detour of the Prime Minister and the Corona Cabinet. Litzman added that this was a "slap in the face to tens of thousands of Breslav followers."

Breslav, on the other hand, refuses to surrender. "Israel Today" has learned that there are already hundreds of followers who are in Uman. Fearing the cancellation of flights and the tightening of the closure in Ukraine and Israel, the Hasidim decided to advance their arrival in the city by a full month.