Young people willing to attend illicit parties "to blow off steam" even at the cost of contracting coronavirus, said a young woman who attended a rave in the woods of central Israel, shut down by police for violating virus rules.
Israel Police raided a rave party on Saturday afternoon, attended by over 300 hundred of young people in a forest on the outskirts of the city of Modi'in. According to the police, many of the attendees failed to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing regulations.
Police raid rave in a forest in central Israel
(Video: Israel Police)
L., 23, from Tel Aviv, who was among hundreds of young people who attended the rave, told Ynet that although the enforcement of health regulations at the party was lax, she and the others in attendance were taking the same risk as crowds that go out to protest.
"There were about 300-400 people in attendance. We were asked to bring a mask with us before the party. They checked whether I had a mask with me at the entrance but no one kept watch on it or even said anything afterward," said L.
"I don't think that people who go to such parties intend on keeping distance. We go to parties to blow off some steam. These parties are as much of a risk as the protests in front of the Prime Minister's Residence. We are also taking a risk.
"I am taking this risk happily since I know that I only get to go out like this occasionally," she said. "These are very stressful times and there's nowhere to go. This is the only place where we can dance and unwind, not think about anything."
The woman claimed that after each party she doesn't see her family and will "most likely" also isolate herself. "I will wear a mask and not meet people I should not meet, but I am willing to take that risk."
The party organizer, a 20-year-old man from northern Israel, claimed the party was his birthday celebration. The investigation revealed the man's birthday was at the end of July.
Police officers, traced the party via social media, arrived at the grove near the forest and saw dozens of parked vehicles and tents that had been set up. According to the police, many of the attendees failed to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing regulations.
The party was soon dispersed, and fines were given to the attendees who failed to adhere to public health orders. The alcohol found at the scene was thrown away.