Published: 27 March 2020
Last updated: 4 March 2024
Prayer groups defy coronavirus lockdown restrictions (The Age)
Groups of ultra-Orthodox Jews have held prayer meetings in Melbourne this week in defiance of strict social-distancing rules designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
State MPs blasted the the groups who met late at night in small private venues to conduct daily "minyan" prayers, a type of worship that requires the presence of 10 or more Jewish men.
The gatherings have raised concerns about the spread of the virus in the Jewish community. Local MP David Southwick, who referred the matter to police, said it was "appalling that people are not following the rules and putting lives in danger".
Coronavirus: Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community holds mass gathering amid ban (The Australian)
Jewish community leaders and politicians have slammed members of a Melbourne ultra-orthodox community for allegedly holding breakaway religious services of up to 50 people in contravention of a mass gathering ban.
Video has emerged of worshippers entering a makeshift synagogue at a residential address on Glen Eira Road in St Kilda East on Wednesday night, after all synagogues and places of worship in the city were shut down to comply with federal government measures.
In the footage, taken about 8pm on Wednesday, worshippers can be seen entering through the gates of a home which has lights set up in its backyard, where it is understood they attended a minyan – a prayer gathering of 10 Jewish men.
Photo: Still footage of a gathering of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Melbourne
