Jerusalem preparing for Ramadan as Israel threatens to ban

By: Ahmed Hammadi

HELD JERUSALEM: Despite Israeli warning to limit the number of Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to 60,000 during the holy month of Ramadan, the city of Jerusalem, its mosques and ancient suqs, are preparing for the holy month as is the case every year.

In the framework of this atmosphere, the Muslims youths of the city have started to adorn the streets of the Old City and those leading to the Haram Sharif, while some organizations are making preparations for entertaining the kids at some of the busy streets and historical suqs. These functions include religious songs and religious and cultural contests.

Citing concerns that part of the compound could collapse under a larger number of visitors, Israeli police minister said Wednesday Israel will limit the number of worshippers during the fasting month.

Normally, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians come to Held Jerusalem during Ramadan to pray at the Haram Sharif.

Ramadan begins this weekend, with the exact start determined by the sighting of the new moon.

“We really, really want to prevent harm to the public. If it will collapse thousands of people could be hurt,” Deputy Police Commissioner Yaakov Edri told Israel’s Army Radio.

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