CSM story by Taylor Luck Special correspondent: Ramadan peace prevails in Jerusalem as all sides keep extremists at bay.

A man and his son walk out from Haram Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary compound, following afternoon prayers on the ninth day of Ramadan, in Jerusalem, March 19, 2024.

Tension is common at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, a space for worship that can be jolted by extremists. What’s the climate now, during Ramadan, with nearby Gaza inflamed? So far, so good. Our reporter tells why.

JERUSALEM

As war rages in Gaza and violence flares across the West Bank, one of Jerusalem’s most contested holy sites is, for now, a rare oasis of calm.

Amid warnings from governments and Islamic authorities about potential clashes, and concerns about instigators from Israel’s far right and Hamas, visitors observing the second week of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s three holiest sites, are praying, fasting, and celebrating peacefully.

One could almost describe it as normal. Jerusalemites say this is the way it should be.

“We don’t want trouble; we are not looking for violence. All we want is to practice our religion peacefully without restrictions,” says Umm Hazem, a mother of four, as she sat in an Al-Aqsa courtyard, awaiting sunset prayers. 

“When we are given a chance and are not harassed and attacked by Israeli extremists, we choose to be peaceful.”

Jordanian, Palestinian, and Israeli officials are mindful of what happened last year... READ MORE... https://www.csmonitor.com/Daily/2024/20240321?cmpid=ema:bundle:20240321:1176397:img1&sfmc_sub=62874446#1176397