Letter to the Prime Minister

To:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Minister of National Security Gilad Erdan
Minister of Health Rabbi Yaakov Litzman
Attorney General Dr. Avichai Mandelblit

Subject: Emergency Regulations (Novel Coronavirus – Restriction of Activity), 2020: Restrictions on Settlements with a Muslim Majority

We are writing to you on behalf of the Arab Economic Forum and the Arab citizens and business owners of this country with the following concerns:

1. Background of the Regulations:
   On April 22, 2020, the government approved Amendment No. 7 to the Emergency Regulations (Novel Coronavirus – Restriction of Activity), 2020 (hereinafter referred to as “Emergency Regulations”). This amendment added Regulation 5(c), which imposed restrictions on commercial activity in areas with a majority Muslim population and specific areas in Jerusalem. Specifically, these restrictions prohibit the operation of commercial establishments between 6:00 PM and 3:00 PM the following day, except for pharmacies. Only delivery services are permitted, while pick-up and in-person services are prohibited.
2. Implementation and Initial Validity:
   Article 5(c) provisions took effect on April 23, 2020, with validity initially limited to May 3, 2020. We understand that this period was intended to evaluate the regulation’s effectiveness and suitability, particularly in light of the holy month of Ramadan, and to make necessary adjustments.
3. Concerns of the Arab Economic Forum:
   The Arab Economic Forum represents a professional voice for Arab business owners—spanning small, medium, and large enterprises—and wishes to raise the following concerns:
   • Economic Disparities: While the goal of protecting public health is commendable, the measures outlined in the Emergency Regulations fail to account for the unique cultural and economic needs of Arab society, particularly during Ramadan, when business activity traditionally peaks. The regulations impose severe economic harm on Arab businesses, many of which rely heavily on this period for their annual revenue.
   • Lack of Economic Expertise: Although we understand that consultations were held with heads of Arab local authorities and religious leaders, it appears no economic experts familiar with the Arab community’s unique challenges were involved. Effective decision-making should balance public health with economic, cultural, and social considerations.
   • Disproportionate Impact: The restrictions apply uniformly to all Arab-Muslim settlements, regardless of local morbidity rates. This approach disregards the government’s stated strategy of tailoring restrictions based on infection rates and fails to provide clear criteria for imposing such sweeping measures.
   • Inefficiency of Restrictions: The blanket restrictions could lead to unintended consequences, such as Arab residents traveling to nearby Jewish settlements where restrictions do not apply, thereby increasing crowding and the risk of infection. This contradicts the intended goal of the regulations.
4. Recommendations for Immediate Action:
   In light of these concerns, we propose the following:4.1. Inclusion of Arab Experts: Ensure that all government committees addressing restrictions, consequences, and recovery plans in light of the COVID-19 crisis include representatives and experts from the Arab community, particularly in economics and related fields.

   4.2. Targeted Restrictions: Tailor restrictions based on local morbidity rates rather than imposing a blanket ban on all Muslim-majority settlements.

   4.3. Support for Businesses: Develop specific support packages for Arab businesses affected by the Ramadan restrictions, including financial assistance and incentives for businesses to comply with public health measures.

   4.4. Transparent Communication: Provide clear and justified criteria for imposing restrictions, and ensure affected communities are involved in the decision-making process.

Conclusion:
The Arab Economic Forum acknowledges the importance of protecting public health during this challenging time. However, the current approach fails to consider the broader social and economic implications for Arab society. We urge the government to adopt a more balanced and inclusive strategy to ensure the well-being of all citizens.

Sincerely,
Dr. Sami Miaari
Chairman of the Arab Economic Forum
Lecturer at Tel Aviv University and Oxford University