In Gaza, the historic Al-Omari Mosque has been affected by the recent war, with many worshippers returning to the mosque after parts of it were rehabilitated following destruction by Israeli bombardment. The mosque, one of the oldest and largest in Gaza, has had to adapt to the damage it sustained, with remnants of its historical structure still visible, serving as evidence of the ongoing conflict.

This Ramadan, the mosque has resumed its Quran memorization sessions, attracting young people eager to continue their religious education amidst the challenges. However, due to limitations in space and the impact of the war, the management had to cancel the traditional night-long worship that usually takes place during the last ten nights of Ramadan. This has led to disappointment among many devoted attendees who have gathered at the mosque for years.

Frij Al-Sourani, a long-time attendee, highlights the struggle of the community to maintain their religious practices despite the adverse conditions. With the administration’s efforts, including makeshift repairs using nylon to cover the damaged domes, they strive to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity and the ongoing impact of conflict in the region.