Holidays

Blog Post The Splendor of Eid al-Fitr in Jerusalem, Despite the Sadness

A deep sadness cloaked the city, but the Eid al-Fitr rites were observed, including visiting the dead and saying prayers for their souls.

Blog Post George Sahhar: Attending Easter in Jerusalem Is a Commitment to Preserve the City’s Living Mosaic

“Everybody will be able to come to Jerusalem from anywhere they want and celebrate in Jerusalem.”

Feature Story “Ma fi Nifs”: Palestinians Have No Heart for Christmas Celebrations While Gaza Is Being Destroyed

A somber, muted Christmas season in the Holy Land 

Blog Post Muslims in Jerusalem Celebrate the Prophet’s Birthday

Muslims in Jerusalem turned out for a rare festive day.

Blog Post Holy Fire Ceremony Marred by Police Restrictions, Brutality

For the third year in a row, Israeli authorities enforced strict restrictions on participation in the Holy Saturday celebrations.

Screen shot from the film The Awaited Cannon
Video The Awaited Cannon

The firing of the Ramadan cannon is a centuries-old tradition. How did it begin, and what meanings and memories does it evoke for the community?

Blog Post Tree Lighting Illuminates the Old City and Brings Smiles to Faces

Christians throng the streets for a tree-lighting ceremony in the area of the New Gate in the Old City.

Blog Post Ramadan Moments: Old City of Jerusalem

A short vlog that evokes the sights and sounds of Ramadan in the Old City of Jerusalem, from morning into night—those moments that are not darkened by violent encounters.

Blog Post Ramadan, Nonetheless

While Ramadan 2022 was marked by repeated confrontations between the community and the police, Jerusalemites still managed to celebrate their holiday in traditional ways, as these photos show.