Gaza siege and dying Ramadan traditions in West Bank

Millions of Palestinian Muslims, like every other Muslim individual, are enthusiastically awaiting the holy month of Ramadan, a much-expected time for the entire Muslim world.

The ambiance and traditions of Ramadan revives the social relations among communities and neighbors. For the poor this is the month of blessings and privileges as they receive more aid and charity.

People welcome the holy month of Ramadan with lighting up the streets and homes and bazaars are abundant with the vegetables, pickles and products especially used during the month.

This is a time for children to play after Iftar meal and the loudspeakers broadcast Adhan for the worshipers.

While the people are joyful during the month of Ramadan, the repercussions of Israeli siege of Gaza has ruined the sweet taste of the month.

Israel has imposed and airtight land, air and sea blockade on the occupied Gaza Strip since 2007 halting the major part of trade, export and import for more than two million Palestinians.

Blockade and the four recent devastating wars in Palestine have brought significant changes to life in the occupied Gaza Strip. Although half of the population is living below the poverty line, life in Gaza has changed during the past 15 years and the Ramadan traditions among Palestinians have also faded out.

2022 will mark the 15^th anniversary of Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip. When asked on the reason why Ramadan traditions have been subject to much change, the majority of people refer to the siege.

79-year-old Fadi Salih noted that most of the traditions are fading out only because of economic pressures. Gazans traditionally invited each other to Iftar meals, made new friendships and supported the needy people though the entire Gaza is in need now.

He referred to his annual Iftar meals inviting all his family from sons and daughters to brothers and sisters though he does not afford to continue the tradition any more.

Before the siege, to hold Iftar meals did not cost much for Salih but the majority of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip do not afford inviting others for an Iftar meal due to the inflation.

Salih noted he had no way out but to wait for deflation and said," We need to be happy as we enthusiastically wait for arrival of Ramadan but now we feel desperate as we do not afford the goods we need."

Former textile merchant who has lost his job as a result of Israeli siege has nearly halted his visits to the relatives since he cannot pay visits empty handed.

"I used to pay constant visit to one of my seven sisters and take loads of provisions or gifts for the children to bring happiness with me" said Sabah and added," We used to work and earn descent life until the siege ruined our job and took away our honor."

Sabah expressed regret that he could not afford even for a journey to visit his seven sisters as each journey would cost him 100 Israeli Shekel and 700 Shekel exceeded his entire income for a month.

To hold family Iftar meals, visiting each other, taking food for the neighbors, charity works, Ramadan decoration of the neighborhoods and buying Ramadan traditional cuisines are all among traditions which are gradually dying in the Gaza as the majority of the people are concerned over simple food to put on the table.

He added," Every moment of our life would be joyful before the siege as we followed all our traditions. We used to help the needy people while there were not many needy people in Gaza 15 or 20 years ago."

Sabah said his family has joined the majority of needy Gazans and that the desperate situation is a result of Israeli siege.

He stated, "We used to be a well off family as we owned much wealth and were busy importing and exporting goods to the entire world but the Israeli siege has turned us to people who have only one aim: run for a simple food to put on our table."