President Reuven Rivlin today spoke with Sheikh Moafek Tarif following his call to cancel the events of the "Prophet al-Khader" holiday due to the danger of the coronavirus spreading.
The President congratulated the Sheikh on the occasion of the holiday and said: "I know that every year, on this holiday, it is customary for members of the Druze community to observe the Ziara, and to make a pilgrimage to Makam in the village of Yasif.
"In your call to avoid mass pilgrimage you are an example of responsible leadership, one that sees far - not just the upcoming holiday. In order for us to celebrate the coming holidays together next year and in the years to come, that will come upon us for good, we all need to watch now. You made a very difficult decision, quietly and humbly and out of maintaining the health of the entire community and I want to strengthen you."