Despite the easing of coronavirus restrictions on the economy, hundreds of businesses throughout Israel remained closed on Sunday in a sign of protest against the government's lack of financial help.
According to a government decision Friday, all street stores, barbershops and beauty salons are allowed to operate starting Sunday morning if they adhere to health guidelines meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.
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Toy store in Tel Aviv closes its doors after 60 years due to government's lack of financial support
(Photo: Orel Cohen )
The protest is led by the owners of 200 large Israeli businesses - among which are Israeli fashion giants Castro and Fox - who are demanding government compensation for the loss of revenue during the month-long lockdown meant to fight coronavirus.
The Association of Fashion and Commerce Chains said in a statement that opening stores in a limited capacity now, without a government-provided security net, would only worsen the financial losses.
“Our proposal for compensation is fair and minimal, which takes into consideration the others needing public funds,” said the statement.
The association is demanding that every business, which lost over 25% of its usual revenue during the lockdown, receives a compensation that would equal 5% of the losses. Those businesses that lost over 50% of its revenue, would receive compensation that would equal to 10% of the losses.
They are also demanding a financial aid package for each employee brought back from unpaid leave, as well as increased government backing for business loans to the companies in the association.
Many small business owners have also decided to remain closed and questioned the logic of operating under such harsh public health restrictions.
Shani Nori Mamila, who runs a beauty salon at her home, decided Sunday to remain closed. According to her, the Health Ministry's restrictions do not allow beauticians to return to work. "They merely let us open to silence us, she said. "There is a danger of being infected in the salon."
Nori said that all protective gear needed to work with clients at close proximity is paid out of their own pockets, while health directives regarding disinfections and distancing nearly impossible to uphold.
"My salon has turned to a surgery room," Nori said. "I have to allocate a separate area for customers to wait outside my business, regardless of the fact my kids are not allowed to walk around during meetings. Who's going to look over them?"
She added that if she becomes exposed to the virus, she will not be entitled to sick leave, and demanded that beauticians and other small businesses be taken care of in such scenarios.
Other business owners who did open Sunday welcomed the easing of restrictions.
Tomer Or, who for the last 17 years has been running a barbershop in the town of Pardesiya in central Israel, arrived Saturday evening to prepare for the reopening on Sunday.
"We cleaned everything and put signs detailing the new restrictions all over the shop," he said. "We prepared protective face masks and disinfectants. Finally, we can go back to work," he added.
"Although under restrictions, but at least we're working."