It is a decision that is not unanimous, even within the Israeli government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to restrict access for Muslim worshipers, including Israeli Arab citizens, to the Jerusalem Mosque Esplanade, the third holiest site in Islam, during the month of Ramadan.
2 mins
With our special correspondents in Rahat, Guilhem Delteil and Nicolas Benita
Every year, the esplanade of the Mosques of Jerusalem attracts hundreds of thousands of people during the month of fasting. But this year, the number of worshipers allowed to enter could be limited. The Israeli government indeed intends impose age limits, including for Israeli Arab citizens. These restrictions have never concerned holders of Israeli nationality. And this decision arouses strong dissatisfaction on their part.
Coffee and sodas placed in front of them, shisha on the lips, a group of young people deplores the decision of the Israeli government to restrict access to the Esplanade des Mosques. “ I would like to goconfides one of them aged 24. But the decision forbids me. During Ramadan last year, I went there every Friday. »
“ It’s a racist government »
Many of them have the habit of going to Jerusalem to pray. And this age limit does not pass. “ Why only those over 50? », asks a second. “ Not the 40 year olds, the 30 year olds, the 25 year olds? What is the difference ? » Questions are followed by indignation. “ We are from this country. We were born in Israel, we live here. We have rights too ! » belches a third. “ Nobody wants to cause trouble. We just want to go to al-Aqsa, read the Quran and come back home. Most Muslims are happy like that. »
Ramadan starts in just over two weeks. And some still hope for a turnaround. “ If there is a change of decision, I will go to al-Aqsa. I hope they change their minds », Confides the first. But the current political context makes Atta Qeshaleh, a forty-year-old also living in the city, less optimistic. “ It is a racist government. It’s going to be difficult for him to change his decision » he judges. “ But it could be worse » he adds.
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