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Impact of the coronavirus on Ramadan in Palestine

by Salaamedia

By Humairaa Mayet

As Covid-19 continues to shut down hundreds of countries and thousands of cities, the month of Ramadan has changed significantly across the world, in Muslim and non-Muslim countries alike. In illegally occupied Palestine, the atmosphere this year is eerily quiet as opposed to the usual hustle and bustle which accompanies Ramadan.

Marwa Edkaidek spoke to Salaamedia’s Inayet Wadee about how different Ramadan this year has been.

The streets of the Old City are quiet this year. Typically, Jerusalem would be full of life and the sidewalks would be decorated in honour of the month of Ramadan. Due to the precautionary measures put into place in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus, this cannot take place.

Typically, Ramadan in Palestine was characterised by public gatherings, mass Iftaars, and musical shows, yet this year large-scale events are prohibited and the streets of Jerusalem are empty. Ramadan evenings were once filled with activities which went on late into the night, including tours around the city and performances. Shops used to remain open for extended hours and serve food and drink to customers until the early hours of the morning.

In the past, residents of the West Bank were occasionally allowed to enter the Old City for Taraweeh prayers but will be barred this year.

From across the globe, hundreds would journey to Palestine to spend Ramadan at the Al Aqsa mosque, but could not make the trip this year. This influx encouraged the growth of the Palestinian economy which will be severely hindered this year due to the lockdowns and shutdowns implemented to combat Covid-19.

Featured image via FreePik

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