Palestinians in the Gaza Strip warmly applauded Eid al-Fitr on Monday 2/5/2022 as they were deprived of celebrating this occasion last year due to Israel’s 11-day assault on Gaza.
Eid al-Fitr marks a national holiday for Muslims that comes immediately following the holy month of Ramadan a month-long period of fasting prayer and devotion.
In anticipation of Eid al-Fitr Gazan families rush to markets to get new clothes and sweets in preparation for this happy occasion. In addition houses are decorated with lights and lanterns and thoroughly cleaned out on the night preceding the Eid holiday.
Gaza’s last Eid al-Fitr which fell in May 2021 was marred by Israeli escalation. The streets and neighborhoods of Gaza including the al-Rimal neighborhood located 3 kilometers from the city center were not only blocked but severely damaged as well.
Moreover several Gazan families were deprived of any shelter and sought refuge in UNRWA schools and designated emergency shelters.
According to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing during the last escalation 258 buildings comprising 1042 housing and commercial units had been destroyed.
Tradition of Eid al-Fitr revived
On Sunday night 1/5/2022 the al-Rimal neighborhood which is characterized by lively markets besides other streets in Gaza was bustling with Gazans chanting the Takbir of Eid buying sweets lighting fireworks and saluting one another for living up to witness this blessed occasion. The aroma of Mamoul or Kaa’k cookies which are stuffed with dates walnuts or pistachios wafted down the streets.
The PIC talked to Farouq Abu Assi a worker at the Jeneral Company west of al-Shorouk tower in the al-Rimal neighborhood who said that the bombing of the al-Shorouk tower during the last Israeli assault inflicted severe damage on the Jeneral Company.
Abu Assi informed the PIC a day before Eid al-Fitr that they managed to reopen their company about three months ago.
“The Eid season has enhanced our company’s prospects” he added.
Although several Gazans have been inclined to think of death and bombs scenes on mentioning the Eid al-Fitr occasion the majority of them insisted that Eid traditions must be revived. Gazans performed the Eid prayer in several mosques all over the Gaza Strip and in open spaces on the first day of the Eid.
Family gatherings for feasts usually including fisikh a fried fish dish originating from Egypt after attending the Eid prayer sessions is another significant tradition that the Gazans cherished on Monday morning in addition to receiving money gifts “Ediyya”.
– Amna Shabana is a PIC writer.
