The worshipers were located at Mattityahu's gravesite along with a number of bottles of alcohol and dozens of candles. After the participants received fines for breaking lockdown regulations and not wearing masks, the gathering was dispersed.
Another 20 people breaking lockdown regulations were found nearby in the Ben Shemen Forest with tables full of food and large amounts of alcohol. The participants received fines and were dispersed; one driver was caught driving under the influence.
"The Police call on the public to adhere to the guidelines and instructions of the Health Ministry," the police said in a press statement. "Only with the personal and public responsibility of everyone can we prevent the spread of the virus."As of Saturday afternoon, Israel Police had issued 9,178 fines for violations of lockdown regulations since Friday morning.