- Title: Palestinian couple brave spread of coronavirus to wed
- Date: 22nd March 2020
- Summary: BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK (MARCH 20, 2020) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF SEAMSTRESS MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO GOWN OF PALESTINIAN BRIDE, BARA'A AMARNEH PALESTINIAN GROOM, IMAD SHARAF, WEARING FACE MASK AND HELPING AMARNEH PUT ON GLOVES BRIDE AND GROOM WALKING TOWARDS CAR BOUQUET OF FLOWERS ON CAR (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) PALESTINIAN GROOM, IMAD SHARAF, SAYING: "We didn't want to delay the wedding, we wanted it today whatever the situation is. We chose to do something that is not traditional and it's also a form of awareness to society." SHARAF WITH RELATIVES (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) PALESTINIAN GROOM, IMAD SHARAF, SAYING: "In the beginning, it was somewhat scary but because people encouraged me on social media, I felt this is the right step." BRIDE AND GROOM ENTERING HOUSE / WOMEN HEARD ULULATING IN BACKGROUND AUNT OF THE BRIDE, NIJMEH SHUAIBAT, SINGING TRADITIONAL WEDDING SONG AND ULULATING SIGN READING (Arabic): "DHEISHEH REFUGEE CAMP" (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) AUNT OF THE BRIDE, NIJMEH SHUAIBAT, SAYING" "The situation is not easy especially for the families of the bride and groom. We ask God to make it easy for them, one waits for their happiness everyday. The mother usually waits to see her daughter as a bride and the bride as well (waits for this day). Everything changed because of the coronavirus, and the situation is not normal. Too many checkpoints for those invited, it was hard to move." VEHICLE OF BRIDE AND GROOM DRIVING BY PALESTINIAN CHECKPOINT POLICE TALKING TO CAR DRIVER HEBRON, WEST BANK (MARCH 20, 2020) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF BRIDE AND GROOM ARRIVING TO WEDDING HALL / GROOM HOLDING UMBRELLA AS RAIN FALLS
- Embargoed: 5th April 2020 13:48
- Keywords: Bethlehem Bride COVID-19 Coronavirus Groom Hebron Lockdown Palestinians Quarantine Wedding
- Location: BETHLEHEM AND HEBRON, WEST BANK
- City: BETHLEHEM AND HEBRON, WEST BANK
- Country: Palestinian Territories
- Topics: Living / Lifestyle,Society/Social Issues
- Reuters ID: LVA001C64UCT1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Palestinian couple Imad Sharaf and Bara'a Amarneh exchanged wedding vows last weekend while under lockdown in the Israeli-occupied West bank, over coronavirus fears.
Amarneh accessorized her traditional white gown with a white face mask and a pair of white medical gloves, while Sharaf, the groom, wore black gloves with his black tuxedo and face mask.
Sharaf said he almost had to cancel the wedding, worried for the safety of his bride and guests, but friends on social media encouraged him to go ahead with it. The couple later moved to a wedding hall in Hebron where their guests awaited.
"We tried to keep distance between people as much as possible," said Sharaf's father, Yousef.
The coronavirus outbreak has disrupted life for millions of people around the world, with many cancelling their weddings due to governments banning large public gatherings.
Couples are wedding in empty halls, with few guests and without a big party afterwards. In many cities, churches and mosques have shut down and religious ceremonies have also been banned as a result.
Palestinian officials say there have been 52 cases detected in the West Bank, 17 of whom have recovered.
(Production: Mustafa Abu Ganeyeh, Mohammed Abu Ganeyeh, Yusri Al Jamal, Roleen Tafakji) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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