Despite the war with Iran, Israelis step outside to reclaim moments of normal life

Israel saw its first change in IDF Home Front Command regulations last Saturday when the war with Iran began. Unfortunately, the restrictions had a major impact on the celebration of the Jewish holiday Purim, as gatherings of more than 10 people were prohibited and public venues, including cafes and restaurants, were closed.

On Thursday, however, the Home Front Command loosened restrictions, allowing public gatherings of up to 50 people and the reopening of workplaces, provided they have access to a bomb shelter.

As missile attacks from Iran have lessened over the last few days, Israelis, eager for a break from restrictions and craving sunshine, are beginning to reclaim small moments of normal life. They are enjoying deep breaths of fresh air after long stretches in the oppressive, stagnant air of bomb shelters.

In downtown Jerusalem, Ben Yehuda Street is typically bustling with shoppers, diners, and musicians playing to crowds. This past week, however, it has been unusually quiet, as early alerts and air-raid sirens have repeatedly sent people rushing for shelter. Now more people are venturing outside.

Sarah, a student at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told ALL ISRAEL NEWS that she has adhered to all Home Front Command guidelines and has felt more comfortable sheltering in place than going out to meet friends. Her apartment in the city center includes a small courtyard and backyard, which have helped provide much-needed breaks from the confines of her indoor space.

On Friday, however, she decided to venture out to get provisions for Shabbat and to be around people again. “I went to visit my neighbor who has a shop in the city center, and then to the mini market to buy a couple of things before all the stores closed for the Sabbath,” she said. “I felt this intense need to feel the sun. After shopping, I sat on a bench in the middle of Ben Yehuda Street, closed my eyes, and just felt the warmth on my face and arms.”

“Israelis probably thought I was crazy in my short-sleeved shirt, but I needed that time. I hadn’t really been outside much since the war started, and being in a familiar place close to home made me feel safe because I knew where to go to find shelter if sirens went off.”

An Israeli woman named Esther told ALL ISRAEL NEWS that she has been trying to “live life as normal as possible.” Part of her routine includes staying consistent with her workouts, which typically involve CrossFit and jiu-jitsu. While the gyms have been closed, she has opted to go for runs close to home.

She said, “There have been a few sirens while I’ve been out on runs, but I always just go to a shelter, wait for the all clear, and then resume my run afterward.” She added that maintaining this routine has been key to preserving her mental health while still working toward her fitness goals.

An Iranian Israeli shopkeeper on Ben Yehuda Street, Dhalia, said she had been “going stir crazy” while waiting out the war. By midweek, she decided to open her shop simply to get outside and restore some normalcy to her routine. Several other shopkeepers did the same, even though customer traffic remained low.

In Tel Aviv, residents have also been slowly reclaiming a sense of routine amid the ongoing missile alerts. Many sought ways to be outside while staying safe: some celebrated Purim earlier this week from underground parking garages that had been cleared for use as protected spaces in case of an attack. Remarkably, one of these garages even hosted a wedding this week!

Others ventured to shopping and entertainment areas to feel a semblance of normal life. In Cinema City, located in Rishon LeZion, visitors took advantage of breaks between missile warnings to enjoy a day out. Maor Gabai, who went with his wife and two children, told Ynet News, “There are quite a few breaks between the waves of missiles. People are looking to get some fresh air and visit places a short drive from home. With early warnings, they can reach protected spaces easily, giving them room to breathe and live.”

He added, “Unfortunately, we’re already experienced – we’ve gotten used to living with the sirens. Everything is full as usual.”

A security guard at Cinema City noted crowds early in the morning when he arrived for his 7 a.m. shift. “People were already coming as usual. The coffee shop was packed. In this war, people are going out – it’s not like the previous operation when everything was empty.”

Even personal routines have adapted to the new reality. Ofir Dro (30) who arrived at the port earlier in the day, told Ynet News that she "went to do yoga after a week when I was scared. I felt I needed to move my body again. A week of anxiety is a long time, and we all need this release. I wasn’t afraid because I know there are protected spaces here, and because it’s more dangerous to stay shut inside the house for so long.”

In Lod, another suburb of Tel Aviv, Ynet reported that the parking lot at the shopping center on Yoseftal Street already had the feel of a typical Friday. After a quiet start to the week, the area was filled with cars occupying every available space, while the shops buzzed with activity. “Shoppers left the supermarket carrying bags, stopped by the bakery to pick up challah for Shabbat, and shopkeepers welcomed the return of the crowds.”

Among the Lod shoppers was Menachem, carrying several bags. “Actually, last night was relatively calm,” he said. “The kids are still at home because there are no frameworks, but we’re trying as much as possible to keep a routine. We’re shopping for Shabbat, and when there are alerts, we go into shelters. Otherwise, we try to behave as normally as possible, of course, according to Home Front Command instructions.”

The Home Front Command noted on Saturday (last night) that there were no new updates beyond the current directives, maintaining that there should be no gatherings of over 50 people and that all educational activities are prohibited (indicating in-person learning for schools and universities).