As Ramadan approaches, all eyes are on the Al Aqsa compound. Palestinians worry Israel will restrict access to the mosque. Israel has said entry will be permitted for the first week of Ramadan.
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
To Jerusalem now, where Palestinians of the Al-Aqsa Mosque are getting ready for Ramadan due early next week. Many are concerned about facing Israeli restrictions as the war in Gaza continues. NPR’s Fatma Tanis went to last Friday’s prayers before the start of the Muslim holy month and has this postcard.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED SINGER: (Singing in non-English language).
FATMA TANIS, BYLINE: It’s a busy day in Jerusalem. Outside the walls of the Old City, 40,000 people are running the Jerusalem Marathon. DJs are on the sidewalk blasting music. People have come to watch and cheer the runners on.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: (Vocalizing).
TANIS: I make my way toward the old city for a different kind of event – Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa compound. It’s one of the holiest sites in Islam and Judaism.
UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE: (Non-English language spoken).
TANIS: At Damascus Gate, which leads to the Muslim quarter of the Old City, there’s a heavy police presence and a line to enter. A Palestinian man asks out loud, is there an inspection? Another answers him, there’s always an inspection these days.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: (Non-English language spoken).
TANIS: Inside, shops selling piles of freshly plucked strawberries, olives and syrupy Palestinian sweets line the bazaar. There are more checkpoints to go through. Several Palestinians, mostly young men, are turned away. Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, Israel has been restricting access to the mosque. Young men under the age of 40 and Palestinians living in the West Bank are not allowed to come here. They pray on the street outside the Old City walls.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #3: (Singing in non-English language).
TANIS: The Dome of the Rock, with its…
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