Jul 23, 2021 - World

Israel to require vaccine certificates to attend social events

Kierra Frazier

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett chairs the weekly cabinet meeting — Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett chairs the weekly Cabinet meeting. Photo: Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli officials announced that citizens will be legally required to present vaccination certificates to attend many social events across the country.

Why it matters: Israel has fully vaccinated 58% of its population, but Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said the country needs to safeguard public health and maintain the Israeli economy by implementing the vaccination certification.

The requirement comes as other nations around the world, including Italy and France, have mandated similar certification processes in which residents and visitors must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

The big picture: Beginning Aug. 8, people will have to show proof of vaccination or provide negative COVID-19 tests to attend events and enter public places such as movie theaters, synagogues, amusement parks, sports games or activities with more than 100 people.

What he's saying: "Those who refuse vaccines hurt us all because if all of us were vaccinated, we would all be able to maintain daily life," Bennett said. "But if 1 million Israelis continue to not get vaccinated, this will oblige the 8 million others to shut themselves in their homes."

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Israel to require vaccine certificates to attend social events

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