Arabs and Jews Celebrate Ramadan Together

According to traditional belief, Abraham is the common father of both Arabs and Jews.

Every year, The Abraham Fund Initiatives holds a joint feast, on one evening when the daily fast is broken during the month of Ramadan.

This year it is being held in the Arab village of Kafr Qara.

The celebration includes typical dishes according to the finest Muslim tradition, including the traditional lamb dish.

Many distinguished guests attended, not only from the neighboring settlements.

Among them were Mr. Reuven Rivlin, the Chairman of The Knesset or Israeli parliament; Knesset members; deputy ministers; members of the diplomatic staff and other distinguished guests.

Reuven Rivlin spoke about his father, the late professor Yoel Rivlin, an orientalist who stood for building bridges between Arabs and Jews through the study of language.

[Reuven Rivlin, Chairman of the Israeli Parliament]:
“He believed that cultural acquaintance brings honor and builds close relationships. Being able to sit together, dine together, and respect each other, is the basis for our common fate and companionship among our citizens.”

The fast is not a physical act alone, but also holds deeper meaning.

[Nazia Masrawa, Mayor of Kafr Qara]:
“The meaning of fasting, in my view, is not only refraining from food and drink, but also educating ourselves to tolerance. Being able to feel others and understand what others are going through.”

Pupils from the multicultural elementary school in Kafr Qara, named “Hand in Hand – Bridge over the Wadi,” brightened up the event.

In Israel there are two separate education systems for Arabs and Jews, though there are a few private schools in which Arab and Jewish children learn together, in both languages.

Do these acts of bridging the gap between both nations raise more awareness among Jews?

[Amnon Be’eri-Sulitzeanu, Abraham Fund Initiatives, Co-executive Director]:
“We see that in workplaces and universities, for instance, people are more aware of the fact that exams cannot be held in the afternoons during the month of the Ramadan, as Muslim students fast all day long and thus become weary as it gets later - so their needs should be more taken into consideration."

Due to the geopolitical situation in the region, as well as the global economic crisis, the road to co-existence is not easy.

But the organizers of the event feel optimistic about the future.

[Nazia Masrawa, Mayor of Kafr Qara]:
“What’s most important is that people learn about each other's culture. We are neighbors but also very distant from each other. Our goal is to bring us closer together.”

Ramadan Kareem! That means, Happy Ramadan!!

NTD News, Israel

Repoter:Aviva Grunpeter    Photographer:Michael Ash