The Moslem world celebrated the holy month of Ramadan which fell between
December 30, 1997 and January 29, 1998. Moslems in both Israel and
in the territories took part in these observances, which are among the
most important in Islam. Ramadan is characterized by a daily fast lasting
from sunrise until sundown. During this time observant Moslems neither
eat, drink or smoke tobacco products. When the sign is given at
sundown, in Jerusalem for example a ceremonial cannon is fired, the mood
changes notably as families gather for festive meals and entertainment.
Even Israel Television makes its contribution to the holiday atmosphere by
broadcasting religious oriented programs for the benefit of Israel's
Moslem citizens.
Israel's commitment to a pluralistic society based upon religious freedom
was evidenced by special greetings for Ramadan which were sent to the
Moslem community by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
On January 27, 1998, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Katzav and the Prime Minister's Adviser on Arab Affairs, Motti Zaken, extended their good wishes to the members of Israel's Muslim community and their families, on the occasion of the end of the Ramadan fast and the beginning of the Id al-Fitr holiday, and expressed the hope that the coming holidays would usher in a period of peace, brotherhood and joy for all of the communities in Israel.
As in past years, a major focal point of Islamic observance centered on
Friday prayers which were held at the Al-Aqsa Mosque located on the Temple
Mount in Jerusalem. On more than one occasion over 200,000 worshippers,
from both Israel and the territories, prayed at the Mosque and adjoining
locations. In fact on the last Friday of Ramadan this year (Jan. 23) an
almost record number of 285,000 worshippers gathered on the Temple
Mount.
While security measures were in effect, as any gathering numbering in the
hundreds of thousands would require, Israel Police and other security
forces made allowances in order to accommodate the throngs of the
faithful. Hundreds of buses from the territories crowded the streets
adjacent to the Old City, while Police and Municipal Inspectors allowed
cars to park on sidewalks in the vicinity. The effect of this massive
presence of motor vehicles in Jerusalem was felt miles away from the Old
City, as Jerusalemites of all faiths, who found themselves in the midst of
traffic snarls, can attest.
Requirements for entry into Jerusalem were waived for the faithful on
their way to the Temple Mount. Minister of Public Security Avigdor
Kahalani was quoted as saying "It was impressive to behold so great a
number of worshippers [praying] in exemplary silence. I was heartened by
the cooperation [we received from] the Waqf."