Eid Al Adha and the Humanitarian Guard (19 June)

A report from Standing Together on recent action by the Humanitarian Guard against planned attacks.

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This past week was Eid Al Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, where Muslims all around the globe celebrate after the culmination of the Hajj or pilgrimage in Mecca. During this time, families and friends gather together, enjoying each other’s company. Muslims from all over the country will be going to Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City to pray on the final day of the Eid, but with extreme settlers planning violent attacks on worshipers and the continuous police brutality, Muslims are currently having their right to enter holy sites and pray limited by Israeli authorities.  Today, the Humanitarian Guard was in the Old City of Jerusalem in order to provide a protective presence for Muslim worshipers. 
 
Yesterday [18 June], our student chapter at Haifa University organized a feast on campus celebrating Eid Al Adha with both Jewish and Palestinian students. These students came together bringing food, and passing out sweets to the students on campus. For many Palestinians, Eid Al Adha was no celebration at all. With the ongoing horror, death and destruction in Gaza, it is difficult to celebrate a holiday that is supposed to bring joy and closeness between family and friends.

This past week, demonstrations have been more intense than ever before. We brought thousands of Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel from all over the country to join mass protests demanding a hostage release deal and an end to the war in Gaza. Time is running out, and the government is continuing to jeopardize the lives of both Palestinians and Jews. This horrific war  needs to come to an end NOW!