Jews, Muslims in Holy Land change funeral traditions due to COVID-19

Generally, Jews in Israel and Palestine follow the tradition of burying bodies after covering them with tachrichim — a white garment made of cotton. Muslims in the region too wash and shroud bodies before burial. But the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has changed these practices.

Jews do not use a coffin for burial. They purify bodies with water, before wrapping it up in the traditional clothing. But now the bodies are washed with proper precaution by persons with protective equipment. Then they are wrapped up in impervious plastic twice, before burial.

A worker at chevra kadisha, an organisation that performs the funeral rites of Jews, told Reuters they were afraid of how many dead they would have to tend to in the coming days.

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Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, told the agency they had issued orders to Muslims in the territories on performing of the last rites. The bodies are neither washed nor shrouded, said Hussein, adding that they would be buried in a plastic bag.

As the Israel government has told its citizens to stay indoors to contain the spread of coronavirus, not more than 20 people are being allowed to take part in a funeral. Also, Jews have not been following their tradition of Shiva — a condolence meet — which is observed for seven days after a burial.

As of April 1, Israel has reported 5,129 positive cases and 21 deaths, while 134 cases and a death have been reported in the Palestinian territory.