GAZA CITY — For the first time in two years of the Israeli genocidal war, the sounds of Ramadan prayers echoed through Gaza, as residents gathered for Taraweeh in improvised prayer spaces amid the devastation left by years of conflict.
Despite widespread destruction of mosques and public facilities, Gaza’s communities have found ways to restore spiritual life in the holy month.
With many mosques destroyed by years of bombardment, residents turned to temporary prayer areas within their neighborhoods.
Makeshift spaces were set up in open courtyards, small halls, and even partially ruined mosque structures, blending sorrow with hope.
Volunteers helped clean and prepare the areas, laying simple carpets, setting up modest lighting, and arranging basic sound systems to allow collective prayers in a respectful and dignified environment.
These efforts transformed the temporary prayer sites into symbols of social and religious resilience, allowing people to continue Ramadan traditions, including Taraweeh prayers, nightly Quran recitations, and religious lessons, despite severe living conditions.
For 39-year-old Momen Nasr, attending Taraweeh for the first time after a two-year hiatus brought a profound sense of peace. Nasr performed his prayer atop the remains of his neighborhood mosque.
“Ten days ago, the youth of the area cleared a small courtyard, just 70 square meters, part of our mosque,” Nasr said.
“We removed the rubble, leveled the ground with red sand, set up tents, and each worshipper brought their own prayer mat.” He added.
He described the atmosphere as far from ordinary: “The spirit of Ramadan returned to us, despite the Israeli genocidal war and the losses. Everyone remembered the martyrs, including our imam who passed away.”
Volunteers are now working to expand the prayer space and cover it with tents to accommodate all prayers.
In western Gaza City, a similar scene unfolded as hundreds gathered in temporary prayer areas. At the Al-Abbas Mosque prayer site, the first Taraweeh prayers of the year were performed in an atmosphere of calm and spiritual comfort.
Mohieddin Abu Khalifa, one of the worshippers, said, “We missed this ritual that we were forced to give up for two years. Taraweeh brings the feeling of Ramadan and a peace that fills the soul.”
He added, “I missed my brothers, my father, my friends, and the people of my town from which we were displaced. Despite the pain, Ramadan’s rituals must continue.”
The large turnout, he noted, demonstrates that the war has not diminished the spirit of Gazans, whose attachment to the holy month remains unwavering.
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