Israelis were wrapping up the Passover holiday on Monday evening, preparing to put away their Passover dishes and return to their normal, bread-based diet. For many Israelis, the end of Passover is marked by Mimouna, traditionally celebrated by Moroccan Jews but now adopted by Israelis of all backgrounds. Mimouna is a spring festival and is marked by the preparation and eating of fancy cakes and cookies, and the “moufletta” pancake.
Mimouna is also an occasion for politicians in Israel to visit with their constituencies, and MKs from nearly all political parties will be attending Mimouna celebrations on Monday night and Tuesday. The main Mimouna event will take place in Jerusalem, headed by Mayor Nir Barkat and with the participation of the chief rabbis. Commerce and and Industry Minister Naftali Bennett and other MKs and ministers from Bayit Yehudi will attend festivities in the southern town of Netivot.
Meanwhile, Israelis on Monday experienced what weather forecasters said was the worst air pollution to hit the country in three years. The pollution was caused by dust storms from North Africa that were carried into Israel’s atmosphere by southerly winds. Magen David Adom rescue workers handled over 100 cases of shortness of breath and other health problems related to the weather.
The dust should begin to dissipate over Monday night, but health officials recommended that the elderly, children, and those suffering from health problems like heart conditions, limit their outdoor activities.
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