csmonitor--2020-04-28--Africa goes to war on COVID misinformation – with song

“ I hope # DontGoViral can give artists a new awareness of their societal importance , ” says Islam Elbeiti , a radio DJ , jazz bassist , and activist who works with i4Policy .
It ’ s a useful tool for places where there ’ s less COVID-19 information available in local languages .
But it also highlights art ’ s unique power to educate and unite – and artists ’ power for good .
Ugandan political and musical star Bobi Wine helped kick off the effort with “ Corona Virus Alarm , ” which quickly became a hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization guidelines on public health , such as emphasizing social distancing and hand-washing .
And all art must be openly licensed , meaning anyone can use , remix , or translate it , helping public health messages spread beyond boundaries like language and culture .
# DontGoViral , an initiative led by UNESCO and i4Policy , enlists artists across Africa to combat the so-called infodemic : the flood of unfounded rumors about coronavirus that has accompanied the pandemic .
As concern about the coronavirus spreads , falsehoods pass from person to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told men to keep safe by shaving their beards , while black tea has been touted as a cure in Kenya .
Across Europe , arsonists torched dozens of cellphone towers , after conspiracy theories linked 5G technology to the pandemic .
In India , rumors spread that cheering for health workers had caused sound waves that weakened the virus .
It ’ s an “ infodemic ” that public health experts warn could compound the medical crisis , as social media and gossip spread unfounded tips and rumors .
And late last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men in Uganda decided to do something about it .
Popstar-turned-political-opposition-leader Bobi Wine swapped his trademark red beret for a colorful cap , and dispensed some practical advice in a catchy Afrobeat melody .
“ The bad news is that everyone is a potential victim , but the good news is that everyone is a potential solution , ” sings Mr. Wine , teaming up with fellow musician Nubian Li .
“ Sensitize the masses to sanitize , keep a social distance and quarantine.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free .
No paywall .
The song became a sensation .
Days after releasing his explosive hit , Mr. Wine announced that anyone was welcome to cover it , launching the # DontGoViral campaign .
Sponsored by the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) and the Innovation for Policy Foundation ( i4Policy ) , # DontGoViral mobilizes African artists to combat misinformation with creativity .
Musicians , dancers , and visual artists can share public health messages that comply with World Health Organization guidelines , uploading submissions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hashtag .
All art must be openly licensed , meaning anyone can use , remix , or translate it – and that its messages can jump over boundaries like language and culture .
“ Corona Virus Alert , ” Mr. Wine ’ s rallying cry , has already been covered in Acholi , which is spoken in northern Uganda , and by Kampala children , joined by young actress Nattembo Racheal Monicah .
“ In situations like this one we have to use every tool at our disposal , and music is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wine .
It can be an effective one , says Carlos Chirinos , a New York University professor who studies music ’ s role in public health and collaborated with West African musicians to produce “ Africa Stop Ebola ” in 2014 .
In times of crisis , songs are easy to repeat and remember , help defuse panic , and “ pack health information into three minutes.
” While the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is relatively low on the continent , experts fear that skeletal health systems could soon be overwhelmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic is fighting the infodemic , by providing the right information to communities , ” says Eva Sow Ebion , a co-founder and director of community at i4Policy .
But most educational materials are in languages primarily spoken in North American and Europe , according to Sasha Rubel , who leads UNESCO ’ s collaboration on the project .
“ Our hope is to create a massive movement to push artists to create openly licensed content that is accessible and locally adapted , in terms of both format and language , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk , ” she says .
Already , more than 400 artists from 36 African countries have participated , according to i4Policy .
# DontGoViral submissions are promoted on the campaign ’ s website , as well as on YouTube and social media .
Songs are also played on local radio stations and via the BBC World Service , in a joint advocacy initiative .
Nigerien composer Omar Adam Goumour , frontman of the band Ezza , croons about the coronavirus in Tamashek , which is spoken across parts of Algeria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Corona exists .
It is a reality and not a lie , ” he intones , joined by other local singers .
“ Whatever you touch , wash your hands with soap.
” In another video , dancers from Compagnie Tcheza in Comoros demonstrate the importance of social distancing by spinning away from each other in a series of impressive flips and high-energy turns .
Jon Stever , co-founder and CEO of i4Policy , hopes the campaign creates a dialogue that transcends borders .
“ It is not just about telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s about engaging people in a discourse so they can understand why hand-washing is important [ and ] become agents of response and recovery , ” he says .
Artists “ help us to touch the soul of our interconnectedness ” and mobilize us for the common good , he adds .
Many performers focus on harmony and compassion in their # DontGoViral submissions .
“ Don ’ t you worry , don ’ t you be scared , ” members of Kenya ’ s Mukuru Youth Initiative sing in Swahili .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shall overcome.
” “ This song should be playing back to back on all the radio stations , ” a comment on the video reads .
Listeners aren ’ t the only ones learning from # DontGoViral .
“ I hope # DontGoViral can give artists a new awareness of their societal importance , ” says Islam Elbeiti , a radio DJ , jazz bassist , and activist who works with i4Policy .
Contradictory and confusing perspectives on COVID-19 aren ’ t just coming from chain emails and Facebook feeds .
World leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Madagascar went door to door last week distributing an untested herbal cure promoted by President Andry Rajoelina .
U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that people could be treated with disinfectant injections and ultraviolet light .
In mid-April , United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced an initiative to counter misinformation , calling it “ a poison that is putting even more lives at risk.
” “ Together , let ’ s reject the lies and nonsense out there , ” he said .
That message seems to be catching on .
African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ N ’ Dour and Senegalese rapper Didier Awadi , have also joined the # DontGoViral campaign .
Mr. Wine ’ s original video now has more than 1 million views on YouTube .
“ This motivates me to know that whatever little I do is not in vain , ” Mr. Wine says .
“ It adds on to other people ’ s efforts to fight against the pandemic.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

“I hope #DontGoViral can give artists a new awareness of their societal importance,” says Islam Elbeiti, a radio DJ, jazz bassist, and activist who works with i4Policy.
It’s a useful tool for places where there’s less COVID-19 information available in local languages. But it also highlights art’s unique power to educate and unite – and artists’ power for good.
Ugandan political and musical star Bobi Wine helped kick off the effort with “Corona Virus Alarm,” which quickly became a hit. Artists’ submissions should comply with World Health Organization guidelines on public health, such as emphasizing social distancing and hand-washing. And all art must be openly licensed, meaning anyone can use, remix, or translate it, helping public health messages spread beyond boundaries like language and culture.
#DontGoViral, an initiative led by UNESCO and i4Policy, enlists artists across Africa to combat the so-called infodemic: the flood of unfounded rumors about coronavirus that has accompanied the pandemic.
A new UNESCO initiative channels artists’ creativity to combat the flood of rumors around COVID-19. Take this seriously, the songs say – but also, remember we’re in this together.
As concern about the coronavirus spreads, falsehoods pass from person to person, too. A Nigerian newspaper told men to keep safe by shaving their beards, while black tea has been touted as a cure in Kenya. Across Europe, arsonists torched dozens of cellphone towers, after conspiracy theories linked 5G technology to the pandemic. In India, rumors spread that cheering for health workers had caused sound waves that weakened the virus.
It’s an “infodemic” that public health experts warn could compound the medical crisis, as social media and gossip spread unfounded tips and rumors. And late last month, one of the most famous men in Uganda decided to do something about it.
He wrote a song.
Why We Wrote This A new UNESCO initiative channels artists’ creativity to combat the flood of rumors around COVID-19. Take this seriously, the songs say – but also, remember we’re in this together.
Popstar-turned-political-opposition-leader Bobi Wine swapped his trademark red beret for a colorful cap, and dispensed some practical advice in a catchy Afrobeat melody.
“The bad news is that everyone is a potential victim, but the good news is that everyone is a potential solution,” sings Mr. Wine, teaming up with fellow musician Nubian Li. “Sensitize the masses to sanitize, keep a social distance and quarantine.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
The song became a sensation. Days after releasing his explosive hit, Mr. Wine announced that anyone was welcome to cover it, launching the #DontGoViral campaign.
Sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Innovation for Policy Foundation (i4Policy), #DontGoViral mobilizes African artists to combat misinformation with creativity.
Musicians, dancers, and visual artists can share public health messages that comply with World Health Organization guidelines, uploading submissions to an online forum and sharing them with the hashtag. All art must be openly licensed, meaning anyone can use, remix, or translate it – and that its messages can jump over boundaries like language and culture. “Corona Virus Alert,” Mr. Wine’s rallying cry, has already been covered in Acholi, which is spoken in northern Uganda, and by Kampala children, joined by young actress Nattembo Racheal Monicah.
“In situations like this one we have to use every tool at our disposal, and music is one of them,” says Mr. Wine.
It can be an effective one, says Carlos Chirinos, a New York University professor who studies music’s role in public health and collaborated with West African musicians to produce “Africa Stop Ebola” in 2014. In times of crisis, songs are easy to repeat and remember, help defuse panic, and “pack health information into three minutes.”
Many voices, one message
While the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is relatively low on the continent, experts fear that skeletal health systems could soon be overwhelmed.
“The first step to fighting the pandemic is fighting the infodemic, by providing the right information to communities,” says Eva Sow Ebion, a co-founder and director of community at i4Policy.
But most educational materials are in languages primarily spoken in North American and Europe, according to Sasha Rubel, who leads UNESCO’s collaboration on the project. “Our hope is to create a massive movement to push artists to create openly licensed content that is accessible and locally adapted, in terms of both format and language, to marginalized and rural communities in Africa most at risk,” she says.
Already, more than 400 artists from 36 African countries have participated, according to i4Policy. #DontGoViral submissions are promoted on the campaign’s website, as well as on YouTube and social media. Songs are also played on local radio stations and via the BBC World Service, in a joint advocacy initiative.
Nigerien composer Omar Adam Goumour, frontman of the band Ezza, croons about the coronavirus in Tamashek, which is spoken across parts of Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. “Corona exists. It is a reality and not a lie,” he intones, joined by other local singers. “Whatever you touch, wash your hands with soap.”
In another video, dancers from Compagnie Tcheza in Comoros demonstrate the importance of social distancing by spinning away from each other in a series of impressive flips and high-energy turns.
Jon Stever, co-founder and CEO of i4Policy, hopes the campaign creates a dialogue that transcends borders. “It is not just about telling people to wash their hands; it’s about engaging people in a discourse so they can understand why hand-washing is important [and] become agents of response and recovery,” he says.
Artists “help us to touch the soul of our interconnectedness” and mobilize us for the common good, he adds.
Many performers focus on harmony and compassion in their #DontGoViral submissions. “Don’t you worry, don’t you be scared,” members of Kenya’s Mukuru Youth Initiative sing in Swahili. “Together we shall fight. We shall overcome.”
“This song should be playing back to back on all the radio stations,” a comment on the video reads.
Listeners aren’t the only ones learning from #DontGoViral. “I hope #DontGoViral can give artists a new awareness of their societal importance,” says Islam Elbeiti, a radio DJ, jazz bassist, and activist who works with i4Policy.
Team effort
Contradictory and confusing perspectives on COVID-19 aren’t just coming from chain emails and Facebook feeds. World leaders have also spouted unscientific claims. Soldiers in Madagascar went door to door last week distributing an untested herbal cure promoted by President Andry Rajoelina. U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that people could be treated with disinfectant injections and ultraviolet light.
In mid-April, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced an initiative to counter misinformation, calling it “a poison that is putting even more lives at risk.”
“Together, let’s reject the lies and nonsense out there,” he said.
That message seems to be catching on. African megastars, including Grammy Award winner Youssou N’Dour and Senegalese rapper Didier Awadi, have also joined the #DontGoViral campaign. Mr. Wine’s original video now has more than 1 million views on YouTube.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
“This motivates me to know that whatever little I do is not in vain,” Mr. Wine says. “It adds on to other people’s efforts to fight against the pandemic.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-04-28--New Zealand lifts restrictions, France and Spain to follow

France and Spain , two of the worst-hit countries in the coronavirus pandemic , were laying out separate roadmaps Tuesday for lifting their lockdowns , while signs emerged that the virus has been all but vanquished in New Zealand and Australia .
But on the other side of the globe , Brazil was emerging as a new hotspot for infections .
And new doubts were raised over whether Japan would be able to host the already postponed Summer Olympics next year without the development of a vaccine .
The key question of when to reopen schools loomed around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economies .
Although the coronavirus seems to affect children far less seriously than adults , many officials , teachers , and parents are concerned about the health risks that school openings could pose .
Some point to the difficulties of ensuring that children stick to social distancing , frequent hand washing , and the health risks for teachers .
But many parents would struggle to return to work without schools being open , hampering efforts to counter the world 's deep economic tailspin .
In France , President Emmanuel Macron wants schools to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , parents , and some mayors are raising alarms .
The government says parents can decide whether to send their children back to class and is releasing more details later Tuesday .
Joel Wilmotte is among a growing number of French mayors refusing to re-open their schools , at least for now .
`` I am not against the reopening of schools , '' he said on the Facebook page of his northern town of Hautmont .
But he listed seven reasons why he 's not ready to do so , including ill-equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that suggests that most French parents oppose school reopenings .
So he 's keeping his town 's six schools closed `` until further notice . ''
Greece , which has managed to keep its coronavirus death toll low at 136 people , was also releasing more details Tuesday about easing its lockdown , but schools remained a tricky topic .
Schools will be reopened `` gradually , with conditions , '' and subject to constant review , said the Health Ministry 's coronavirus spokesman , infectious diseases specialist Sotiris Tsiodras .
No opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree children are less at risk from the virus and appear to transmit it less than adults , said Mr. Tsiodras .
Hard-hit Italy , however , is keeping schools closed until September .
That is putting parents in the difficult position of returning to work without access to their typical fallback babysitters : grandparents , who are now considered off-limits because they are the most vulnerable to the virus .
Emer McCarthy , who works in the Vatican 's child protection office , tweeted that Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte had addressed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's children .
Incredible .
No mention of schools , childcare options , nothing .
But football yes .
# ChildrenNotSeenNotHeard . ''
In China , where the pandemic began , schools began opening on Monday , but only to seniors at middle and high school levels preparing for exams .
Class sizes were cut to no more than 30 .
China 's daily number of new cases has fallen into the single digits , but authorities remain vigilant over the possibility of a second wave of infections .
In the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll at more than 56,000 , President Donald Trump said states should `` seriously consider '' reopening their public schools before the end of the academic year , even though dozens already have said it would be unsafe for students to return until the summer or the fall .
`` Some of you might start thinking about school openings , because a lot of people are wanting to have the school openings , '' Mr. Trump said .
`` Young children have done very well in this disaster . ''
Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could reach 70,000 in the U.S. , after citing 60,000 several times this month .
The number of confirmed infections worldwide has risen to over 3 million and the confirmed death toll has topped 211,000 , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
The true toll of the pandemic is likely much higher because of limited testing , mild cases that are missed , flaws in counting the dead , and governments that may be trying to conceal the extent of their outbreaks .
Italy , Spain , France , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths each .
In Brazil , President Jair Bolsonaro has insisted COVID-19 is just a `` little flu '' and claimed there is no need for the type of restrictions that have slowed the infection 's spread elsewhere .
Latin America 's most populous country with 211 million people , has reported 4,600 deaths and 67,000 confirmed infections .
Medical officials in Rio de Janeiro and at least four other major Brazilian cities have warned that their hospital systems are on the verge of collapse or are too overwhelmed to take any more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resume their lives to prevent an economic meltdown but most state governors have adopted restrictions to keep people home and slow the virus ' spread .
New Zealand , on the other hand , reported just three new infections Tuesday .
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said people had done an incredible job of breaking the chain of virus transmission but cautioned they needed to remain vigilant .
`` There may still be some smoldering ashes out there , and they have the potential to become a wildfire again , if we give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , quoting a microbiologist .
Her government loosened its lockdown , which had shuttered schools and most businesses .
Surfers hit the waves at dawn on Tuesday , builders returned to construction sites , and baristas fired up espresso machines .
In Australia , hundreds returned to the water after Sydney 's iconic Bondi Beach reopened to swimmers and surfers .
Still , people can only use the beach during daylight , can not linger , and are limited to ensure social distancing .
Australia has reported only 83 virus deaths , less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. states .
But the virus is still a long-term foe .
The president of the Japan Medical Association , Yoshitake Yokokura , said he thinks it will be difficult to hold the rescheduled Tokyo Summer Olympics even in 2021 without an effective coronavirus vaccine .
Japan and the International Olympic Committee agreed to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Games until July 2021 due to the pandemic .
Japan is under a month-long state of emergency amid a rapid increase of infections , and medical workers say hospitals are overburdened .
This story was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

France and Spain, two of the worst-hit countries in the coronavirus pandemic, were laying out separate roadmaps Tuesday for lifting their lockdowns, while signs emerged that the virus has been all but vanquished in New Zealand and Australia.
But on the other side of the globe, Brazil was emerging as a new hotspot for infections. And new doubts were raised over whether Japan would be able to host the already postponed Summer Olympics next year without the development of a vaccine.
The key question of when to reopen schools loomed around the world as nations sought to restart their battered economies.
Although the coronavirus seems to affect children far less seriously than adults, many officials, teachers, and parents are concerned about the health risks that school openings could pose. Some point to the difficulties of ensuring that children stick to social distancing, frequent hand washing, and the health risks for teachers.
But many parents would struggle to return to work without schools being open, hampering efforts to counter the world's deep economic tailspin.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron wants schools to start reopening May 11, but teachers, parents, and some mayors are raising alarms. The government says parents can decide whether to send their children back to class and is releasing more details later Tuesday.
Joel Wilmotte is among a growing number of French mayors refusing to re-open their schools, at least for now.
"I am not against the reopening of schools," he said on the Facebook page of his northern town of Hautmont.
But he listed seven reasons why he's not ready to do so, including ill-equipped teachers and cleaning staff and a poll that suggests that most French parents oppose school reopenings. So he's keeping his town's six schools closed "until further notice."
Greece, which has managed to keep its coronavirus death toll low at 136 people, was also releasing more details Tuesday about easing its lockdown, but schools remained a tricky topic.
Schools will be reopened "gradually, with conditions," and subject to constant review, said the Health Ministry's coronavirus spokesman, infectious diseases specialist Sotiris Tsiodras. No opening date has yet been set.
Scientists agree children are less at risk from the virus and appear to transmit it less than adults, said Mr. Tsiodras.
Hard-hit Italy, however, is keeping schools closed until September. That is putting parents in the difficult position of returning to work without access to their typical fallback babysitters: grandparents, who are now considered off-limits because they are the most vulnerable to the virus.
Emer McCarthy, who works in the Vatican's child protection office, tweeted that Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte had addressed a lockdown exit "for everyone except Italy's children. Incredible. No mention of schools, childcare options, nothing. But football yes. #ChildrenNotSeenNotHeard."
In China, where the pandemic began, schools began opening on Monday, but only to seniors at middle and high school levels preparing for exams. Class sizes were cut to no more than 30.
China's daily number of new cases has fallen into the single digits, but authorities remain vigilant over the possibility of a second wave of infections.
In the United States, which has the world's highest death toll at more than 56,000, President Donald Trump said states should "seriously consider" reopening their public schools before the end of the academic year, even though dozens already have said it would be unsafe for students to return until the summer or the fall.
"Some of you might start thinking about school openings, because a lot of people are wanting to have the school openings," Mr. Trump said. "Young children have done very well in this disaster."
Mr. Trump also admitted the number of virus deaths could reach 70,000 in the U.S., after citing 60,000 several times this month.
The number of confirmed infections worldwide has risen to over 3 million and the confirmed death toll has topped 211,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. The true toll of the pandemic is likely much higher because of limited testing, mild cases that are missed, flaws in counting the dead, and governments that may be trying to conceal the extent of their outbreaks.
Italy, Spain, France, and Britain accounted for more than 21,000 virus-related deaths each.
In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has insisted COVID-19 is just a "little flu" and claimed there is no need for the type of restrictions that have slowed the infection's spread elsewhere. Latin America's most populous country with 211 million people, has reported 4,600 deaths and 67,000 confirmed infections. Medical officials in Rio de Janeiro and at least four other major Brazilian cities have warned that their hospital systems are on the verge of collapse or are too overwhelmed to take any more patients.
Mr. Bolsonaro says Brazilians need to resume their lives to prevent an economic meltdown but most state governors have adopted restrictions to keep people home and slow the virus' spread.
New Zealand, on the other hand, reported just three new infections Tuesday. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said people had done an incredible job of breaking the chain of virus transmission but cautioned they needed to remain vigilant.
"There may still be some smoldering ashes out there, and they have the potential to become a wildfire again, if we give them the chance," she said, quoting a microbiologist.
Her government loosened its lockdown, which had shuttered schools and most businesses. Surfers hit the waves at dawn on Tuesday, builders returned to construction sites, and baristas fired up espresso machines.
In Australia, hundreds returned to the water after Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach reopened to swimmers and surfers. Still, people can only use the beach during daylight, cannot linger, and are limited to ensure social distancing. Australia has reported only 83 virus deaths, less than the tolls reported by over 25 U.S. states.
But the virus is still a long-term foe. The president of the Japan Medical Association, Yoshitake Yokokura, said he thinks it will be difficult to hold the rescheduled Tokyo Summer Olympics even in 2021 without an effective coronavirus vaccine.
Japan and the International Olympic Committee agreed to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Games until July 2021 due to the pandemic.
Japan is under a month-long state of emergency amid a rapid increase of infections, and medical workers say hospitals are overburdened.
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This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-05-04--Monday Sunrise Briefing: US tries to balance liberty and safety

President Trump tried to reassure Americans Sunday that the U.S. economy could reopen while protecting lives .
But clashes over individual freedom vs. public safety continued this weekend .
In New York City , where some 50 summonses were given Saturday for social distancing violations , video of the violent arrest of one man resulted in an investigation of a police officer .
In Arizona , two county sheriffs refused to enforce the governor ’ s lockdown orders .
In Ohio , Gov .
Mike DeWine extended partial stay-at-home orders until May 29 but explained Sunday why he wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ People were not going to accept the government telling them what to do , ” he said .
The U.S. Justice Department Sunday joined a Virginia church suing the state for enforcing a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people .
Meanwhile , White House coronavirus coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx called Michigan protests , which violated social distancing rules , “ devastatingly worrisome.
” She added : “ We need to protect each other at the same time we ’ re voicing our discontent.
” 2 .
Integrity test .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an indicted politician can form a government .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been charged with fraud , breach of trust , and accepting bribes .
He denies the charges , and accuses the judiciary of overstepping its authority .
His opponents say Israel ’ s fragile democracy is at stake .
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak , a critic , says the decision is the high court 's “ most important verdict ever.
” On Monday , the court will hear arguments about the legality of a coalition government , spurred by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Netanyahu and Benny Gantz .
3 .
Fears fade about instability .
Rare gunfire was exchanged at the border between North and South Korea Sunday , but the bigger news was that fears about North Korea ’ s instability faded with the reappearance of the North 's leader Kim Jong-un .
State media showed video of Kim for the first time in nearly three weeks - an absence that triggered intense speculation about his health .
A senior South Korean presidential official said Sunday that Kim did not have surgery or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gunfire ?
“ We think those [ shots by North Korean soldiers ] are accidental , ” said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on ABC 's “ This Week.
” The best in journalism and the arts .
The winners of this year ’ s Pulitzer Prizes are announced at 3 p.m. and can be watched live online .
Lawmakers return .
The Senate ( but not the House of Representatives ) returns to work .
Sounds of justice .
The U.S. Supreme Court will meet over the phone ( no video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 10 cases over six days .
Among the cases : the privacy of President Trump 's financial records and casting ballots in the Electoral College .
Will he don a mask ?
President Trump is scheduled to visit a Honeywell mask manufacturing facility in Phoenix , Arizona .
The state remains under a stay-at-home order .
Leadership choices .
U.S. Senate committees are expected to hold hearings , including one to consider Rep. John Ratcliffe ( R-Texas ) for director of national intelligence , and separately , a hearing to consider Kenneth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The South Korea 's 10-team professional baseball league officially opens the season today .
It begins without fans in the stands but expects to gradually open for public access depending on the coronavirus situation .
A first lady emerges .
A Netflix documentary film , based on Michelle Obama 's 2018 memoir , “ Becoming , ” is scheduled to be released on the streaming site today .
A 75th anniversary of peace : Ceremonies in Britain , France , and Germany commemorate Victory in Europe Day , the formal end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the court ?
The NBA may begin to reopen team practice gyms today , allowing a limited number ( 4 ) of players to use the facilities for voluntary workouts .
No word yet , on when actual games would restart .
Russia 's Victory Day .
Despite the cancellation of the traditional parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the allied victory over Nazi Germany , other events , including an aerial display and fireworks , will be held in Moscow to honor WWII veterans and mark the occasion .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banks in the U.S. are struggling to keep pace with surging demand .
But individuals and companies are stepping up to meet the need .
Here are three examples of generosity served with a side of resiliency .
• In Erie , Pennsylvania , an estimated 10,000 free , chef-cooked meals - ranging from chicken stroganoff to meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegetables - are being prepared for families in need this month by Scott Enterprises , the owner of several hotels and restaurants .
“ We believe in our city and know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get through these difficult times , ” said Nick Scott Sr. , president of the family-owned company , reported GoErie.com • Farmers in upstate New York donated more than 34,000 pounds of fresh milk , beef , apples , yoghurt , and vegetables to the New York City borough of Queens for needy families this past Friday and Saturday .
“ We can not have hungry families in New York City , and farmers upstate dumping their product because they can not sell it , ” said State Sen. Jessica Ramos , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to distribute the food .
“ What we ’ ve learned is that no matter where you live ... we ’ re all New Yorkers and together we are New York Tough , ” said Maureen Torrey , co-owner of Torrey Farms , Inc. • In Wellington , Colorado , Jackie Isvanca , the owner of The Cakery , is delivering a little cupcake cheer .
In addition to giving fresh bread and cupcakes to the local food bank , she ’ s encouraging her customers to donate canned food : Every customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food into the shop as a donation , will get a free cupcake , reports the North Forty News .
Each giving of their talents to help others .
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers : Poems to remind us of our strength during quarantine In tonight ’ s Daily Edition , watch for our story about going on an African safari , live from your living room .
Finally , check out the Monitor ’ s selected stories from Friday 's subscription-only Daily Edition : • Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who ’ s ‘ essential ?
’ From Germany to the US , you might be surprised .
• ‘ Left with my thoughts ’ : How our reporter fought the coronavirus • Home theater : See the world through the eyes of director Satyajit Ray Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday news update .
Please give us your feedback via the link below and let us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !

President Trump tried to reassure Americans Sunday that the U.S. economy could reopen while protecting lives. But clashes over individual freedom vs. public safety continued this weekend. In New York City, where some 50 summonses were given Saturday for social distancing violations, video of the violent arrest of one man resulted in an investigation of a police officer. In Arizona, two county sheriffs refused to enforce the governor’s lockdown orders. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine extended partial stay-at-home orders until May 29 but explained Sunday why he wouldn’t require people to wear masks: “People were not going to accept the government telling them what to do,” he said. The U.S. Justice Department Sunday joined a Virginia church suing the state for enforcing a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. Meanwhile, White House coronavirus coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx called Michigan protests, which violated social distancing rules, “devastatingly worrisome.” She added: “We need to protect each other at the same time we’re voicing our discontent.”
2. Integrity test. The Israeli Supreme Court heard arguments Sunday whether an indicted politician can form a government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been charged with fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes. He denies the charges, and accuses the judiciary of overstepping its authority. His opponents say Israel’s fragile democracy is at stake. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, a critic, says the decision is the high court's “most important verdict ever.” On Monday, the court will hear arguments about the legality of a coalition government, spurred by the coronavirus outbreak, and formed by Mr. Netanyahu and Benny Gantz.
3. Fears fade about instability. Rare gunfire was exchanged at the border between North and South Korea Sunday, but the bigger news was that fears about North Korea’s instability faded with the reappearance of the North's leader Kim Jong-un. State media showed video of Kim for the first time in nearly three weeks - an absence that triggered intense speculation about his health. A senior South Korean presidential official said Sunday that Kim did not have surgery or any other medical procedure. And the DMZ gunfire? “We think those [shots by North Korean soldiers] are accidental,” said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on ABC's “This Week.”
WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Ali Khara via REUTERS View caption Hide caption For the first time since the 1979 revolution, Iranians are going to the drive-in cinema. The movie "Exodus" was shown in a Tehran parking lot on May 3, 2020, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Look Ahead
Why We Wrote This Good morning! Welcome to your Monday, May 4, 2020, sunrise briefing. Here are three news events from this past weekend (while you may have been cycling, playing disc golf, and enjoying an offline life). Also, what to look for in the news this week.
Monday, May 4
The best in journalism and the arts. The winners of this year’s Pulitzer Prizes are announced at 3 p.m. and can be watched live online.
Lawmakers return. The Senate (but not the House of Representatives) returns to work.
Sounds of justice. The U.S. Supreme Court will meet over the phone (no video) to hear arguments in the first of 10 cases over six days. Among the cases: the privacy of President Trump's financial records and casting ballots in the Electoral College.
Tuesday, May 5
Will he don a mask? President Trump is scheduled to visit a Honeywell mask manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona. The state remains under a stay-at-home order.
Leadership choices. U.S. Senate committees are expected to hold hearings, including one to consider Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) for director of national intelligence, and separately, a hearing to consider Kenneth Braithwaite as Navy secretary.
Play ball. The South Korea's 10-team professional baseball league officially opens the season today. It begins without fans in the stands but expects to gradually open for public access depending on the coronavirus situation.
Wednesday, May 6
A first lady emerges. A Netflix documentary film, based on Michelle Obama's 2018 memoir, “Becoming,” is scheduled to be released on the streaming site today.
Friday, May 8
A 75th anniversary of peace: Ceremonies in Britain, France, and Germany commemorate Victory in Europe Day, the formal end of World War II in Europe.
Back on the court? The NBA may begin to reopen team practice gyms today, allowing a limited number (4) of players to use the facilities for voluntary workouts. No word yet, on when actual games would restart.
Saturday, May 9
Russia's Victory Day. Despite the cancellation of the traditional parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the allied victory over Nazi Germany, other events, including an aerial display and fireworks, will be held in Moscow to honor WWII veterans and mark the occasion.
Generosity Watch
Sen. Jessica Ramos via Facebook View caption Hide caption New York state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) packs bags of food sent by New York farmers on May 1, 2020 to give to needy families in East Elmhurst, N.Y.
With millions out of work, local food banks in the U.S. are struggling to keep pace with surging demand. But individuals and companies are stepping up to meet the need. Here are three examples of generosity served with a side of resiliency.
In Erie, Pennsylvania, an estimated 10,000 free, chef-cooked meals - ranging from chicken stroganoff to meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegetables - are being prepared for families in need this month by Scott Enterprises, the owner of several hotels and restaurants. “We believe in our city and know that by coming together, Erie will get through these difficult times,” said Nick Scott Sr., president of the family-owned company, reported GoErie.com
Farmers in upstate New York donated more than 34,000 pounds of fresh milk, beef, apples, yoghurt, and vegetables to the New York City borough of Queens for needy families this past Friday and Saturday. “We cannot have hungry families in New York City, and farmers upstate dumping their product because they cannot sell it,” said State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who worked with the Northeast Dairy Producers Association to distribute the food. “What we’ve learned is that no matter where you live ... we’re all New Yorkers and together we are New York Tough,” said Maureen Torrey, co-owner of Torrey Farms, Inc.
In Wellington, Colorado, Jackie Isvanca, the owner of The Cakery, is delivering a little cupcake cheer. In addition to giving fresh bread and cupcakes to the local food bank, she’s encouraging her customers to donate canned food: Every customer who brings three cans of soup or food into the shop as a donation, will get a free cupcake, reports the North Forty News.
Each giving of their talents to help others.
Hidden gem
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers:
Poems to remind us of our strength during quarantine
Sneak preview
In tonight’s Daily Edition, watch for our story about going on an African safari, live from your living room.
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Finally, check out the Monitor’s selected stories from Friday's subscription-only Daily Edition:
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday news update. Please give us your feedback via the link below and let us know what you think. Thank you!


csmonitor--2020-04-30--Israelis create new lawful patterns of protest amid pandemic

Social distancing does n't come naturally in Israel .
But the country , known for its informal , in-your-face mentality , seems to be setting a new standard for public protests in the age of coronavirus .
During the past two weekends , thousands of people have gathered in perfect geometric patterns in Tel Aviv 's central square to comply with social distancing rules as they express their anger over the continued rule of a prime minister charged with serious crimes .
The demonstrations , resembling a vast glowing human matrix in stunning aerial photos , have become a symbol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges .
They also contrast with some other hot spots of civic unrest at a time when gatherings are restricted or banned around the world .
`` If we want to succeed , we need to do it the right way , '' said protest organizer Shikma Schwarzmann .
`` We obey the law . ''
Civic protests are common in Israel .
When the government imposed movement restrictions last month , it made exceptions for protests as long as participants stayed two meters , or six feet , apart .
Ms. Schwarzmann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renowned Weizmann Institute of Science , said she never intended to become a political activist but was galvanized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's behavior .
Many believe his actions , cloaked in the battle against the coronavirus , are really aimed at avoiding prosecution for corruption charges and remaining in power .
Last month , citing the coronavirus , Mr. Netanyahu 's hand-picked justice minister all but shuttered the country 's court system , postponing the prime minister 's trial until May .
The middle-of-the-night order came just two days before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Netanyahu ally suspended parliamentary activity , temporarily preventing opponents from proceeding with legislation that could have barred the Israeli leader from serving as prime minister .
In their first act last month , Ms. Schwarzmann , her three brothers , and some friends organized what they expected to be a small protest convoy .
As word spread on social media , the convoy grew to hundreds of vehicles , many of them stopped by police en route to Jerusalem .
Demonstrators honked horns and waved black flags from windows but remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health instructions .
In recent weeks , the grassroots `` Black Flag '' movement turned its attention toward the new coalition agreement between Mr. Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz .
Mr. Gantz , who had vowed never to sit in a government with Mr. Netanyahu , cited the coronavirus crisis for the about-face .
While Israel has largely kept its outbreak in check , over 200 people have died and its economy has been ravaged as unemployment spiked to 25 % .
The protesters have held three gatherings in Tel Aviv , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by marking the ground with `` X 's '' carefully spaced over six feet apart from one another .
The X 's were the idea of one of Ms. Schwarzmann 's brothers , who brought a large box of chalk with him the first week .
Activists have also held smaller demonstrations in Jerusalem .
The Tel Aviv protests have been vocal and visible .
Participants wearing face masks hoisted Israeli and black flags , held signs reading `` Crime Minister '' and beamed their cellphone flashlights into the air for cameras above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the thousands , have been orderly .
Police say there have been no arrests .
`` It 's nice to have nice pictures , because it gives us exposure , '' Ms. Schwarzmann said .
`` But this protest is not about beautiful pictures .
The big picture in this country is not that beautiful .
That 's why we are protesting . ''
On Thursday , Mr. Netanyahu 's supporters and opponents held counter demonstrations outside the Supreme Court , which is to decide next week on legal challenges to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obey social-distancing rules .
Protests in Israel are not always so mild-mannered .
Jerusalem market vendors barred from opening their vegetable stalls recently scuffled with police .
In pre-pandemic times , demonstrations by some groups , including Arab citizens , Ethiopian immigrants , and ultra-Orthodox Jewish men , sometimes ended in clashes , with police accused of using a heavy hand .
In the occupied West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem , security forces at times use lethal force against stone throwers .
Demonstrators in some other countries have struggled to adapt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has experienced some online protests , and anti-nuclear activists in Japan are encouraging people to protest on their balconies on May 9 .
In other places , including southern Russia , Ukraine , the U.S. , Germany , Lebanon , and Somalia , protesters have flouted social-distancing rules .
In Hong Kong , which has banned public gatherings of more than four people , a few hundred anti-government protesters recently attempted unsuccessfully to split into small groups and were dispersed by police .
In Lebanon , hundreds of protesters set banks on fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triggered by a the country 's financial crisis that was exacerbated by a weeks-long virus lockdown .
Earlier this week , a man was killed in clashes .
Ms. Schwarzmann said she does not expect to demonstrate every week , but that activists will continue to find creative ways to protest .
A group of business owners , for instance , plans another convoy this week to press for financial help , while a good-government group is organizing another Tel Aviv demonstration on Saturday in support of the Supreme Court .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We will try at least to do things that have a chance , '' she said .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow , Zen Soo in Hong Kong , Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo , Fisnik Abrashi in Berlin , and Abdi Guled in Nairobi , Kenya , contributed reporting .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Social distancing doesn't come naturally in Israel. But the country, known for its informal, in-your-face mentality, seems to be setting a new standard for public protests in the age of coronavirus.
During the past two weekends, thousands of people have gathered in perfect geometric patterns in Tel Aviv's central square to comply with social distancing rules as they express their anger over the continued rule of a prime minister charged with serious crimes.
The demonstrations, resembling a vast glowing human matrix in stunning aerial photos, have become a symbol of Israel's dueling political and health challenges. They also contrast with some other hot spots of civic unrest at a time when gatherings are restricted or banned around the world.
"If we want to succeed, we need to do it the right way," said protest organizer Shikma Schwarzmann. "We obey the law."
Civic protests are common in Israel. When the government imposed movement restrictions last month, it made exceptions for protests as long as participants stayed two meters, or six feet, apart.
Ms. Schwarzmann, a particle physicist at Israel's renowned Weizmann Institute of Science, said she never intended to become a political activist but was galvanized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's behavior. Many believe his actions, cloaked in the battle against the coronavirus, are really aimed at avoiding prosecution for corruption charges and remaining in power.
Last month, citing the coronavirus, Mr. Netanyahu's hand-picked justice minister all but shuttered the country's court system, postponing the prime minister's trial until May. The middle-of-the-night order came just two days before the trial was to begin.
Days later, a Netanyahu ally suspended parliamentary activity, temporarily preventing opponents from proceeding with legislation that could have barred the Israeli leader from serving as prime minister.
In their first act last month, Ms. Schwarzmann, her three brothers, and some friends organized what they expected to be a small protest convoy. As word spread on social media, the convoy grew to hundreds of vehicles, many of them stopped by police en route to Jerusalem. Demonstrators honked horns and waved black flags from windows but remained in their cars to comply with public health instructions.
In recent weeks, the grassroots "Black Flag" movement turned its attention toward the new coalition agreement between Mr. Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz.
Mr. Gantz, who had vowed never to sit in a government with Mr. Netanyahu, cited the coronavirus crisis for the about-face. While Israel has largely kept its outbreak in check, over 200 people have died and its economy has been ravaged as unemployment spiked to 25%.
The protesters have held three gatherings in Tel Aviv, with volunteers telling people where to stand by marking the ground with "X's" carefully spaced over six feet apart from one another.
The X's were the idea of one of Ms. Schwarzmann's brothers, who brought a large box of chalk with him the first week. Activists have also held smaller demonstrations in Jerusalem.
The Tel Aviv protests have been vocal and visible. Participants wearing face masks hoisted Israeli and black flags, held signs reading "Crime Minister" and beamed their cellphone flashlights into the air for cameras above.
The demonstrators, estimated to be in the thousands, have been orderly. Police say there have been no arrests.
"It's nice to have nice pictures, because it gives us exposure," Ms. Schwarzmann said. "But this protest is not about beautiful pictures. The big picture in this country is not that beautiful. That's why we are protesting."
On Thursday, Mr. Netanyahu's supporters and opponents held counter demonstrations outside the Supreme Court, which is to decide next week on legal challenges to the coalition agreement. Both sides appeared to obey social-distancing rules.
Protests in Israel are not always so mild-mannered.
Jerusalem market vendors barred from opening their vegetable stalls recently scuffled with police. In pre-pandemic times, demonstrations by some groups, including Arab citizens, Ethiopian immigrants, and ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, sometimes ended in clashes, with police accused of using a heavy hand. In the occupied West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, security forces at times use lethal force against stone throwers.
Demonstrators in some other countries have struggled to adapt to the age of social distancing.
Russia has experienced some online protests, and anti-nuclear activists in Japan are encouraging people to protest on their balconies on May 9.
In other places, including southern Russia, Ukraine, the U.S., Germany, Lebanon, and Somalia, protesters have flouted social-distancing rules.
In Hong Kong, which has banned public gatherings of more than four people, a few hundred anti-government protesters recently attempted unsuccessfully to split into small groups and were dispersed by police.
In Lebanon, hundreds of protesters set banks on fire and hurled stones at soldiers in riots triggered by a the country's financial crisis that was exacerbated by a weeks-long virus lockdown. Earlier this week, a man was killed in clashes.
Ms. Schwarzmann said she does not expect to demonstrate every week, but that activists will continue to find creative ways to protest.
A group of business owners, for instance, plans another convoy this week to press for financial help, while a good-government group is organizing another Tel Aviv demonstration on Saturday in support of the Supreme Court.
"I don't know if we will succeed. We will try at least to do things that have a chance," she said.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow, Zen Soo in Hong Kong, Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo, Fisnik Abrashi in Berlin, and Abdi Guled in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed reporting.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-04-30--Remote Ramadan: How pandemic alters month of fasting, philanthropy

“ Of course , you miss the warmth of seeing people and spending time together , ” she says .
“ But I think there will also be a lot more giving.
” Mariam Adams , a high school teacher in Cape Town , South Africa , says what is important about Ramadan has not been lost .
“ Even under lockdown , charity is still possible , ” she says .
Instead of baking treats for her neighbors , this year she says she will use her savings to donate more to local Muslim charities that are assisting South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But amid the coronavirus lockdowns , Muslims are adapting to not only observe but amplify the pillars of a month of fasting , prayer , and giving .
Shuttered mosques , separated families , and muted festivities : The Muslim world has never seen a Ramadan like this in over 1,300 years as followers mark a holy month defined by community and charity in self-isolation .
The images across the Muslim world are startling this Ramadan : Mecca , Medina , and Jerusalem ’ s Al Aqsa Mosque , the three holiest sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arab cities like Cairo have lost their late-night bustle .
For Jordanian lawyer Abu Jihad , this marks the first Ramadan that he will not share the sunset fast-breaking meal of iftar with his 72-year-old mother , who lives five miles away on the other side of Amman .
As sunset approaches , Abu Jihad and his family video-chat and send his mother photos of their tables set for the nightly meals .
And as soon as he breaks his fast , he is on the phone with his mother and brothers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ physically , we can still reach out and connect verbally , ” he says , noting that he now makes 10 to 20 phone calls between sunset and midnight each evening .
Shuttered mosques , separated families , and muted festivities – the Muslim world has never seen a Ramadan like this in over 1,300 years as followers mark a holy month defined by community and charity in self-isolation .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
But amid COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago to Cairo , Muslims are adapting to not only observe but amplify the pillars of a month of fasting , prayer , and giving .
One of the largest changes for the world ’ s 1.8 billion Muslims is to iftar .
Extended families , friends , neighbors , and even complete strangers normally gather for iftar for 30 nights , as Muslims revel in each other ’ s company in a spiritual social season .
But not this year .
Post-iftar gatherings , when families and friends sit for tea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , have now evolved to evening phone calls and Facebook live-streams of living-room debates and impromptu dessert-making .
Yet sharing is still possible .
Shortly before sunset , wearing gloves and a mask , Amira Nedal places a platter of spicy rice and chicken kabseh on the floor of the elevator of her Amman apartment building and sends it up to her fourth-floor neighbor .
Within minutes the elevator returns with a bowl of her neighbor ’ s famous lentil soup .
“ We can still share iftar if we can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
“ Ramadan was usually time for people to be closer to each other .
This is a very different Ramadan , ” says Mojtaba Mousavi , a Tehran journalist who methodically washes packaged sweets he orders via an app to remove any virus traces .
This year , rather than frequenting shops or souks , Iranians are ordering homemade holiday staples of zoolbiya – saffron-infused curls of sugar-syrup-encrusted dough – and bamiya dough balls via an app and brought by gloved deliverymen .
Arab cities have lost their late-night bustle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where the month is normally celebrated with a nighttime festival of lights , lanterns , colorful tents , music , and food amid packed street markets .
This year , mosques and homes remain lit and colorful banners hang between Cairo streets .
But without people , residents say it is not the same .
“ We can see the lights , we can cook the food , but we can not actually live or taste the Ramadan experience , ” says Shareef Fadl , a Cairo business-owner , who watches Ramadan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is as if we are watching a play without any actors.
” Instead , some Cairo residents have decided to hold mini concerts , playing music and even religious songs from their balconies to their neighborhoods .
The images are startling : Mecca , Medina , and Jerusalem ’ s Al Aqsa Mosque , the three holiest sites in Islam , are empty .
In Iran , the famous Quranic reading gatherings in the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad , a staple of the holy month , have been canceled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslim communities is the shuttering of local mosques and the banning of public tarawih prayers , the communal late-night prayers held each night of Ramadan .
Arab states , Israel , and Turkey have issued nighttime curfews starting before or just after sunset to prevent citizens from forming their own public late night tarawih prayers , gatherings that could reach the hundreds to thousands .
Clerics in Egypt and Saudi Arabia have issued fatwas declaring that prayers via Skype or other online platforms are invalid communal prayers .
Instead , their solution is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones .
In Iran , one of the countries hardest hit by COVID-19 , religious services , prayers , speeches , and Quranic recitations are placed on live feeds via social media .
Even Iran ’ s supreme leader , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , held his annual Quranic recitation via video conference .
“ It has become normal today to be invited to a live Instagram religious ceremony , ” says Mr. Mousavi , the Iranian journalist .
Across the Muslim and Arab world , soulful Quranic recitations and tarawih prayers from mosques @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a spiritual soundtrack are absent .
The coronavirus has disrupted another basic pillar of Ramadan : charity .
With markets and mosques closed and social distancing costing many people their jobs , Afghans who normally scrape by through manual labor are in even more dire straits .
While charitable organizations step up efforts and Afghans abroad send money for relief efforts back home , Kabul residents roam their neighborhoods before sunset and pass out meals of meat and rice to the growing number of Afghans being pushed below the poverty level .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , religious people , and clerics emphasize charity and encourage people to give , ” says Hidayatullah Noorzai , head of a Kabul-based NGO Afghanistan Social Growth , which focuses on literacy and women ’ s and children ’ s rights .
“ Everyone is trying to share their food with the poorest.
” For Nigerian conservationist Tijjani Ahmed , Ramadan was always synonymous with giving .
As a broke college student three decades ago , he would rely on his neighbors ’ generosity for iftar meals .
Now head of veterinary education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal years invites his neighbors and extended family to iftars and delivers boxes of meals to his mosque for the less fortunate in his neighborhood .
“ In sharing what I have during Ramadan , I feel more like a human being , ” Dr. Ahmed says .
Yet there will be no big gatherings of family and friends or food drops at the mosque this Ramadan as Mr. Ahmed enters his first full week living under a lockdown .
“ We share what we have during Ramadan , because that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our collective humanity , ” he says .
“ But this year , what is in the interest of our collective humanity is also staying at home to stop this virus.
” At the other end of the continent , South African Muslims began Ramadan as the country ’ s strict lockdown entered its fifth week , forgoing pastimes such as smoking shisha and eating dates in the tiny cafes that dot Johannesburg ’ s Fordsburg neighborhood or strolling door-to-door in Cape Town with plates of samosas and vetkoek – savory donuts – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adams , a Cape Town high school teacher , says Ramadan under lockdown has drawn into focus what is important about the holiday .
“ Even under lockdown , charity is still possible , ” Ms. Adams says .
Instead of baking treats for her neighbors , this year she says she will use her savings to donate more to local Muslim charities that are assisting South Africans who have lost their income .
“ Of course , you miss the warmth of seeing people and spending time together , ” she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I think there will also be a lot more giving.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

“Of course, you miss the warmth of seeing people and spending time together,” she says. “But I think there will also be a lot more giving.”
Mariam Adams, a high school teacher in Cape Town, South Africa, says what is important about Ramadan has not been lost. “Even under lockdown, charity is still possible,” she says. Instead of baking treats for her neighbors, this year she says she will use her savings to donate more to local Muslim charities that are assisting South Africans who have lost their income.
But amid the coronavirus lockdowns, Muslims are adapting to not only observe but amplify the pillars of a month of fasting, prayer, and giving.
Outwardly, at least, Ramadan this year is unrecognizable to the world’s Muslims. Yet, as a South African teacher tells the Monitor, the coronavirus lockdown has drawn into focus what is important about the holy month.
Shuttered mosques, separated families, and muted festivities: The Muslim world has never seen a Ramadan like this in over 1,300 years as followers mark a holy month defined by community and charity in self-isolation.
The images across the Muslim world are startling this Ramadan: Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque, the three holiest sites in Islam, are empty. Cosmopolitan Arab cities like Cairo have lost their late-night bustle.
For Jordanian lawyer Abu Jihad, this marks the first Ramadan that he will not share the sunset fast-breaking meal of iftar with his 72-year-old mother, who lives five miles away on the other side of Amman.
As sunset approaches, Abu Jihad and his family video-chat and send his mother photos of their tables set for the nightly meals. And as soon as he breaks his fast, he is on the phone with his mother and brothers.
“If we cannot break bread physically, we can still reach out and connect verbally,” he says, noting that he now makes 10 to 20 phone calls between sunset and midnight each evening.
Why We Wrote This Outwardly, at least, Ramadan this year is unrecognizable to the world’s Muslims. Yet, as a South African teacher tells the Monitor, the coronavirus lockdown has drawn into focus what is important about the holy month.
Shuttered mosques, separated families, and muted festivities – the Muslim world has never seen a Ramadan like this in over 1,300 years as followers mark a holy month defined by community and charity in self-isolation.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
But amid COVID-19 lockdowns from South Africa to Afghanistan, Chicago to Cairo, Muslims are adapting to not only observe but amplify the pillars of a month of fasting, prayer, and giving.
Iftar from afar
One of the largest changes for the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims is to iftar.
Extended families, friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers normally gather for iftar for 30 nights, as Muslims revel in each other’s company in a spiritual social season. But not this year.
Post-iftar gatherings, when families and friends sit for tea, coffee, and snacks late into the night, have now evolved to evening phone calls and Facebook live-streams of living-room debates and impromptu dessert-making.
Yet sharing is still possible.
Shortly before sunset, wearing gloves and a mask, Amira Nedal places a platter of spicy rice and chicken kabseh on the floor of the elevator of her Amman apartment building and sends it up to her fourth-floor neighbor.
Within minutes the elevator returns with a bowl of her neighbor’s famous lentil soup.
“We can still share iftar if we cannot share a room,” Ms. Nedal says.
“Ramadan was usually time for people to be closer to each other. This is a very different Ramadan,” says Mojtaba Mousavi, a Tehran journalist who methodically washes packaged sweets he orders via an app to remove any virus traces.
This year, rather than frequenting shops or souks, Iranians are ordering homemade holiday staples of zoolbiya – saffron-infused curls of sugar-syrup-encrusted dough – and bamiya dough balls via an app and brought by gloved deliverymen.
Quieted Cairo
Arab cities have lost their late-night bustle. There is a Ramadan-shaped hole in Cairo, where the month is normally celebrated with a nighttime festival of lights, lanterns, colorful tents, music, and food amid packed street markets.
This year, mosques and homes remain lit and colorful banners hang between Cairo streets. But without people, residents say it is not the same.
Akbar Tado/Antara Foto/Reuters View caption Hide caption A man reads the Quran inside a mosque as the holy month of Ramadan is observed amid the coronavirus outbreak, in Mamuju, West Sulawesi province, Indonesia, April 24, 2020.
“We can see the lights, we can cook the food, but we cannot actually live or taste the Ramadan experience,” says Shareef Fadl, a Cairo business-owner, who watches Ramadan lights from his apartment balcony. “It is as if we are watching a play without any actors.”
Instead, some Cairo residents have decided to hold mini concerts, playing music and even religious songs from their balconies to their neighborhoods.
‘Pray at home’ orders
The images are startling: Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque, the three holiest sites in Islam, are empty. In Iran, the famous Quranic reading gatherings in the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, a staple of the holy month, have been canceled.
But one of the biggest losses for Muslim communities is the shuttering of local mosques and the banning of public tarawih prayers, the communal late-night prayers held each night of Ramadan.
Arab states, Israel, and Turkey have issued nighttime curfews starting before or just after sunset to prevent citizens from forming their own public late night tarawih prayers, gatherings that could reach the hundreds to thousands.
Clerics in Egypt and Saudi Arabia have issued fatwas declaring that prayers via Skype or other online platforms are invalid communal prayers. Instead, their solution is simple: pray at home with loved ones.
In Iran, one of the countries hardest hit by COVID-19, religious services, prayers, speeches, and Quranic recitations are placed on live feeds via social media. Even Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, held his annual Quranic recitation via video conference.
“It has become normal today to be invited to a live Instagram religious ceremony,” says Mr. Mousavi, the Iranian journalist.
Across the Muslim and Arab world, soulful Quranic recitations and tarawih prayers from mosques that would ring throughout the night air like a spiritual soundtrack are absent.
Charity amid uncertainty
The coronavirus has disrupted another basic pillar of Ramadan: charity.
With markets and mosques closed and social distancing costing many people their jobs, Afghans who normally scrape by through manual labor are in even more dire straits.
While charitable organizations step up efforts and Afghans abroad send money for relief efforts back home, Kabul residents roam their neighborhoods before sunset and pass out meals of meat and rice to the growing number of Afghans being pushed below the poverty level.
“The Afghan government, social media, religious people, and clerics emphasize charity and encourage people to give,” says Hidayatullah Noorzai, head of a Kabul-based NGO Afghanistan Social Growth, which focuses on literacy and women’s and children’s rights. “Everyone is trying to share their food with the poorest.”
For Nigerian conservationist Tijjani Ahmed, Ramadan was always synonymous with giving. As a broke college student three decades ago, he would rely on his neighbors’ generosity for iftar meals.
Now head of veterinary education at the Maiduguri zoo, he in normal years invites his neighbors and extended family to iftars and delivers boxes of meals to his mosque for the less fortunate in his neighborhood.
“In sharing what I have during Ramadan, I feel more like a human being,” Dr. Ahmed says.
Yet there will be no big gatherings of family and friends or food drops at the mosque this Ramadan as Mr. Ahmed enters his first full week living under a lockdown.
“We share what we have during Ramadan, because that’s what’s in the interest of our collective humanity,” he says. “But this year, what is in the interest of our collective humanity is also staying at home to stop this virus.”
At the other end of the continent, South African Muslims began Ramadan as the country’s strict lockdown entered its fifth week, forgoing pastimes such as smoking shisha and eating dates in the tiny cafes that dot Johannesburg’s Fordsburg neighborhood or strolling door-to-door in Cape Town with plates of samosas and vetkoek – savory donuts – to share with their neighbors.
Mariam Adams, a Cape Town high school teacher, says Ramadan under lockdown has drawn into focus what is important about the holiday.
“Even under lockdown, charity is still possible,” Ms. Adams says.
Instead of baking treats for her neighbors, this year she says she will use her savings to donate more to local Muslim charities that are assisting South Africans who have lost their income.
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“Of course, you miss the warmth of seeing people and spending time together,” she says. “The social part is quieter, but I think there will also be a lot more giving.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-04-15--From healing hearts to stealing hearts: Jordan’s ‘Dr. Fauci’

Then there are the songs .
“ There is something hidden and dangerous , who will help us endure ?
” sings one woman .
“ Saad Jaber !
” America ’ s Anthony Fauci may be on bumper stickers and bobbleheads , but Dr. Jaber is the subject of love ballads , poetry , and portraits .
In WhatsApp groups and on Facebook , his legions of fans share their latest music videos and memes of Dr. Jaber , almost always with floating cartoon hearts and lines of poetry professing their – and a nation ’ s – love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dr. Jaber stands in front of TV cameras , his wavy graying hair coiffed to one side .
In a soothing velvety voice , he updates the nation on the latest coronavirus measures , urges people to follow guidelines , and says : “ We can do this together.
” Heart surgeon Saad Jaber was thrust onto Jordan ’ s national stage by the COVID-19 crisis less than 10 months into his tenure as health minister .
He has become the face of the government ’ s response – a face many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success containing the coronavirus , using a near-total shutdown that is more than flattening the curve .
But within the first few days of the lockdown , a new epidemic emerged : Jaber-mania .
Each day , Jordanians under coronavirus lockdown turn to one man to get the facts – and swoon .
While Americans have Anthony Fauci , Jordanians have a “ nation ’ s doctor ” of their own : Health Minister Saad Jaber .
While Dr. Fauci is on bumper stickers and bobbleheads , this Jordanian physician is the subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portraits .
Thrust onto the national stage amid the COVID-19 crisis less than 10 months into his tenure , the heart surgeon-turned-minister has become the face of the government ’ s response – a face many have found pleasing .
Each night at 8 p.m. sharp , Dr. Jaber stands in front of TV cameras , his wavy graying hair coiffed to one side , and in the soothing velvety voice of a jazz DJ updates the nation on the latest coronavirus cases and government steps .
Editor ’ s note : As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage is free .
No paywall .
Using his gentle bedside manner , he kindly urges his fellow “ brothers and sisters ” and “ my loves ” to follow guidelines , telling them : “ We can do this together.
” Perhaps most shocking to Jordanians accustomed to stony-faced officials : He smiles .
Often .
He dons leather jackets , jeans , and polos more often than a suit .
He is savvy at social media .
Within the first few days of lockdown , a new epidemic emerged in Jordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routinely refer to him as “ the handsome doctor , ” and “ Jordan ’ s George Clooney.
” Others comb through his career in the army medical corps and in the operating theater for awe-inducing stories of inspiration .
But “ Minister Clooney ” is not winning over Jordan with a friendly smile and facts alone ; Dr. Jaber has overseen Jordan ’ s early success in containing COVID-19 , pushing for a near-total shutdown that is more than flattening the curve – it ’ s squashing it .
Jordan has seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop to zero to five new daily cases .
There has been a total of 450 cases , 350 full recoveries , and eight deaths in a tiny kingdom where 90 % of residents live on 5 % of the land and every greeting comes with a kiss .
Dr. Jaber has earned a legion of fangirls .
Mothers , grandmothers , professional women , and young girls across the country say they “ melt ” at his calm demeanor and smooth talk of social distancing and hand washing .
Nor are men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups and on Facebook , Jordanians share their latest music videos and memes of Dr. Jaber , almost always with floating cartoon hearts , heart-eyed smileys , and lines of poetry professing their – and a nation ’ s – love .
“ There is a medical emergency : Your handsomeness is killing me !
” writes one .
Then there are the songs .
Jordanians have posted Bedouin love ballads reworded for Dr. Jaber , and even written songs and poems of their own .
“ There is something hidden and dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” sings one Jordanian woman .
“ Saad Jaber !
” Jordan ’ s composer laureate , Omar Al-Abdallat , known for his chest-thumping nationalist songs about the king , army , and tribes , produced a toe-tapping ode to Dr. Jaber from self-isolation .
Dr. Jaber ’ s rock-star status is even more remarkable that it comes in Jordan , where citizens have low views of officials whose attempts to reach out to the public are seen as cringe-worthy or condescending .
Here government officials are tolerated , not beloved .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a time of COVID-19 confusion and fear that has tasked Jordan ’ s military with patrolling the streets , his calm demeanor , fact-based briefings , and casual language have transformed the conversation in a panicked nation to a relaxed chat with a concerned uncle or a warm neighbor passing on sage advice .
But perhaps what is most refreshing is his honesty .
He admits he doesn ’ t have all the answers – and won ’ t pretend that he does .
He even apologized on national TV for saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headscarf , could help protect against the virus if worn like a bandana .
“ I don ’ t know and nobody knows how long this virus will last , ” Dr. Jaber reminds interviewers , “ but I know we can defeat this pandemic together.
” When hundreds of citizens violated the national curfew on the first day , he was direct , rather than angry : “ Breaking the curfew won ’ t look so manly when your son gets sick and there is no hospital bed for him , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital corridor like we see in the West.
” Pre-COVID , Dr. Jaber chafed at his ministerial post , preferring to be in the field , and one day back in the operating room , saving lives .
But his sudden celebrity status has had a real impact : His nightly briefings have become must-watch TV in Jordan .
Jaber fans discuss how the virus spreads , the proper way to wear a face mask and stay 2 meters apart , how young people can get sick or carry coronavirus or be asymptomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and health care workers are viral sensations .
“ If the minister can not cure coronavrius , ” asks one fan on Facebook , “ can he cure my longing heart ?
” Editor ’ s note : The statistics about number of cases were updated April 28 , 2020 .
As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

Then there are the songs. “There is something hidden and dangerous, who will help us endure?” sings one woman. “Saad Jaber!”
America’s Anthony Fauci may be on bumper stickers and bobbleheads, but Dr. Jaber is the subject of love ballads, poetry, and portraits. In WhatsApp groups and on Facebook, his legions of fans share their latest music videos and memes of Dr. Jaber, almost always with floating cartoon hearts and lines of poetry professing their – and a nation’s – love.
Each night at 8 p.m. sharp, Dr. Jaber stands in front of TV cameras, his wavy graying hair coiffed to one side. In a soothing velvety voice, he updates the nation on the latest coronavirus measures, urges people to follow guidelines, and says: “We can do this together.”
In the midst of a pandemic, what qualities do you want in a government health messenger? Someone who is gently reassuring? Authoritative yet kind? How about rock-star handsome, too?
Heart surgeon Saad Jaber was thrust onto Jordan’s national stage by the COVID-19 crisis less than 10 months into his tenure as health minister. He has become the face of the government’s response – a face many find pleasing.
Jordan has had early success containing the coronavirus, using a near-total shutdown that is more than flattening the curve. But within the first few days of the lockdown, a new epidemic emerged: Jaber-mania.
Each day, Jordanians under coronavirus lockdown turn to one man to get the facts – and swoon.
While Americans have Anthony Fauci, Jordanians have a “nation’s doctor” of their own: Health Minister Saad Jaber.
While Dr. Fauci is on bumper stickers and bobbleheads, this Jordanian physician is the subject of love ballads, poetry, and portraits.
Why We Wrote This In the midst of a pandemic, what qualities do you want in a government health messenger? Someone who is gently reassuring? Authoritative yet kind? How about rock-star handsome, too?
Thrust onto the national stage amid the COVID-19 crisis less than 10 months into his tenure, the heart surgeon-turned-minister has become the face of the government’s response – a face many have found pleasing. Each night at 8 p.m. sharp, Dr. Jaber stands in front of TV cameras, his wavy graying hair coiffed to one side, and in the soothing velvety voice of a jazz DJ updates the nation on the latest coronavirus cases and government steps.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
Using his gentle bedside manner, he kindly urges his fellow “brothers and sisters” and “my loves” to follow guidelines, telling them: “We can do this together.” Perhaps most shocking to Jordanians accustomed to stony-faced officials: He smiles. Often. He dons leather jackets, jeans, and polos more often than a suit. He is savvy at social media.
Within the first few days of lockdown, a new epidemic emerged in Jordan: Jaber-mania.
Even journalists and columnists routinely refer to him as “the handsome doctor,” and “Jordan’s George Clooney.” Others comb through his career in the army medical corps and in the operating theater for awe-inducing stories of inspiration.
But “Minister Clooney” is not winning over Jordan with a friendly smile and facts alone; Dr. Jaber has overseen Jordan’s early success in containing COVID-19, pushing for a near-total shutdown that is more than flattening the curve – it’s squashing it.
Jordan has seen a peak of 40 cases per day drop to zero to five new daily cases. There has been a total of 450 cases, 350 full recoveries, and eight deaths in a tiny kingdom where 90% of residents live on 5% of the land and every greeting comes with a kiss.
Dr. Jaber has earned a legion of fangirls. Mothers, grandmothers, professional women, and young girls across the country say they “melt” at his calm demeanor and smooth talk of social distancing and hand washing. Nor are men immune to his charms.
In WhatsApp groups and on Facebook, Jordanians share their latest music videos and memes of Dr. Jaber, almost always with floating cartoon hearts, heart-eyed smileys, and lines of poetry professing their – and a nation’s – love.
“There is a medical emergency: Your handsomeness is killing me!” writes one.
Then there are the songs. Jordanians have posted Bedouin love ballads reworded for Dr. Jaber, and even written songs and poems of their own.
“There is something hidden and dangerous, who will help us endure?” sings one Jordanian woman. “Saad Jaber!”
Jordan’s composer laureate, Omar Al-Abdallat, known for his chest-thumping nationalist songs about the king, army, and tribes, produced a toe-tapping ode to Dr. Jaber from self-isolation.
Dr. Jaber’s rock-star status is even more remarkable that it comes in Jordan, where citizens have low views of officials whose attempts to reach out to the public are seen as cringe-worthy or condescending.
Here government officials are tolerated, not beloved. But Dr. Jaber has broken the mold.
In a time of COVID-19 confusion and fear that has tasked Jordan’s military with patrolling the streets, his calm demeanor, fact-based briefings, and casual language have transformed the conversation in a panicked nation to a relaxed chat with a concerned uncle or a warm neighbor passing on sage advice.
But perhaps what is most refreshing is his honesty.
He admits he doesn’t have all the answers – and won’t pretend that he does. He even apologized on national TV for saying that the shemagh, the checkered Arab headscarf, could help protect against the virus if worn like a bandana.
“I don’t know and nobody knows how long this virus will last,” Dr. Jaber reminds interviewers, “but I know we can defeat this pandemic together.”
When hundreds of citizens violated the national curfew on the first day, he was direct, rather than angry: “Breaking the curfew won’t look so manly when your son gets sick and there is no hospital bed for him, or your mother has to lie in a hospital corridor like we see in the West.”
Pre-COVID, Dr. Jaber chafed at his ministerial post, preferring to be in the field, and one day back in the operating room, saving lives.
But his sudden celebrity status has had a real impact: His nightly briefings have become must-watch TV in Jordan.
Jaber fans discuss how the virus spreads, the proper way to wear a face mask and stay 2 meters apart, how young people can get sick or carry coronavirus or be asymptomatic. His visits to hospitals with patients and health care workers are viral sensations.
“If the minister cannot cure coronavrius,” asks one fan on Facebook, “can he cure my longing heart?”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
Editor’s note: The statistics about number of cases were updated April 28, 2020.
As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.