Muslim and Christian leaders celebrated “iftar” together in Jerusalem, the daily breaking of the Ramadan fast. More than 100 faith leaders gathered at Notre Dame Center together from all denominations of the Christian faith with Muslim leaders. ELCJHL Bishop Munib Younan opened the meal stressing the need for a shared Jerusalem where all three religions – Muslim, Christian and Jew – can worship and pray freely.
Grand Mufti Husseini said he shared Bishop Younan’s sentiments but pointed out that reality is quite different. He expressed regret that two PA Ministers – of Justice and of Religious Affairs – were denied permission to even attend this meal and were stopped at the checkpoints. Similarly, he noted that only about 20,000 Muslims were permitted entry to pray at Al Aqsa Mosque on the past two Ramadan Fridays, while 100,000 wanted to come.