Ramadan is a special occasion in Israel for the country’s 1.7 million Muslims. How is the holiday celebrated, and what has changed since October 7th? 
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year. It is a holy month dedicated to prayer, reflection, and fasting.
It is customary for Muslims to fast from dawn to sunset, breaking their fast with iftar (the evening meal). Many gather at mosques for Taraweeh prayers and night worship, particularly at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Islam’s third holiest site.
Muslims eat Suhur (pre-dawn meal) before the Fajr (morning) prayer, and charitable giving (Zakat, Sadaqah) increases, with many donating food or money to the needy.
How is Ramadan Celebrated in Israel?
Major celebrations of Ramadan in Israel are in markets. Cities with an Arab majority, such as Nazareth, Umm al-Fahm, and Jaffa, come alive with Ramadan decorations, lanterns, and festive foods.
In Jerusalem, Ramadan nights at Al-Aqsa Mosque are vibrant, with worshippers from across the country and territories coming for prayers.
The Israeli government historically eases travel restrictions for Palestinians from the biblical land of Judea and Samaria to allow more access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Occasionally, there are clashes near the Mosque due to the massive crowds.
Muslims in Israel
Muslims comprise 18% of Israel’s population (about 1.7 million people), making them the largest religious minority in the country. The majority are Arab Muslims, with smaller communities of Bedouins, Circassians, and other groups.
Muslims in Israel work in all sectors of society, including holding positions in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, Cabinet positions, and local government.
Israel’s universities employ hundreds of Muslim professors and researchers, and Muslims participate in society as entrepreneurs, journalists, athletes, etc.
While most Muslims are exempt from IDF service, some, particularly Bedouins, volunteer.
Unity After October 7th
Hamas’ atrocities of October 7th brought terror and unparalleled cruelty to the lives of Israelis throughout the country.
Hamas “did not differentiate between Jewish or Druze, Muslim, Bedouin, or Christian; young or old; men, women, children,” in their widespread violence, said an Israeli Druze soldier. “They didn’t care.”
In the midst of the nightmare, Israelis of all faiths found a new sense of unity.
A Picture of Pluralism
Philos Senior Research Fellow Dr. Faydra Shapiro, a Jewish woman living in Israel, posted this moving message on Facebook on October 12, 2023:
Let me say this loudly: I’ve had several Arab friends check in with me to make sure we’re okay. I’ve seen Arabs and Jews (still) hugging each other. I’ve seen Arabs in line to donate blood to help the wounded. I’ve had Palestinians in the West Bank tell me that they are scared because the PA had not provided shelter from Hamas rockets.
This is not about some Arab-Israeli conflict. This is about those who choose the path of life and those who seek the path of death, evil and destruction.
We choose life.”
After October 7th, both Jews and Muslims united in their desire to commemorate those whose lives were taken, to push back against the radical hatred sown by Hamas and to rebuild everyday life in Israel.
Jewish and Muslim leaders have undertaken many efforts to do exactly that.
As Ramadan celebrations begin in Israel, we wish all our Muslim friends a happy and blessed Ramadan. We continue to pray for peace in the Middle East and unity among Muslims and Jews.