Muslim Eid al-Fitr celebrations overshadowed by coronavirus pandemic
Israeli leaders wish Muslims happy holiday, hail community's responsibility during epidemic
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![Israeli security forces clad in masks due to the coronavirus pandemic look on as Muslim worshipers gather to attend the prayers of Eid al-Fitr outside the closed Aqsa mosque complex in Jerusalem's old city, on May 24, 2020](https://cdn.i24news.tv/uploads/88/f9/04/d3/ee/dd/e6/b6/81/0e/40/b2/4e/56/bd/49/88f904d3eedde6b6810e40b24e56bd49.jpeg?width=1000)
Muslims around the world prepared for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations over the weekend which commence on Sunday in most countries, while for some on Monday.
But as the coronavirus pandemic still wreaks havoc globally, celebrations are marked under lockdowns and fears of infections.
The festival, one of the most important in the Muslim calendar marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is traditionally celebrated with mosque prayers, family feasts and shopping for new clothes, gifts and sweet treats.
In Israel, Muslims have had to endure the stricter lockdowns during the course of the Ramadan as the Al Aqsa mosque complex in Jerusalem's old city will reopen only later this week.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin thanked Arab-Muslim leaders “who contributed to the containing of the virus and caring for health and safety of all Israelis, Jews and Arabs, Jews and Muslims alike,” the Times of Israel reported.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz chose to applaud the Arab citizens’ behavior amid the coronavirus as well.
“This year the month of Ramadan was exceptional, in which you passed the month with remarkable responsibility and care, foregoing large prayers and festive meals. To our delight, the collective responsibility in the country bore fruit,” he said in a tweet.
Knesset (Israel Parliament) Speaker Yariv Levin also wished Muslims a happy holiday, speaking in fluent Arabic from the parliament’s podium.
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