Arabic → English transcript

This year Ramadan is a bit different,

and when we say that there is no access to Al- Aqsa Mosque and

the holy places in the Old City because of Home Front Command instructions,

this is not a political issue, it is about protecting lives.

Rockets do not distinguish between a mosque, a synagogue,

or a church, and when there is no protected place that can hold thousands of

worshippers, any large gathering can pose a real danger.

We understand people’s desire to pray in Al- Aqsa, but in the current

situation there is no way to evacuate thousands of people quickly to a safe place,

because quite simply there is no sufficiently protected place.

In the month of Ramadan we are required to show patience, understanding, and faith,

not only within the walls of mosques or churches, faith is in the heart,

in supplication, and in embracing the family. The sanctity

of the month of Ramadan is in preserving life. Together we will endure,

take responsibility, and get through this period safely.