The Jerusalem Municipality has completed preparations ahead of Ramadan, which begins on Tuesday, June 7th. The Jerusalem Municipality has also joined in the efforts of a variety of organizations in implementing a broad range of services in transportation, infrastructure, city improvements and cultural events for the benefit of the Muslim residents of and pilgrims to Jerusalem.

This year, The Municipality has placed special emphasis on cultural events in neighborhoods, which will include, among others, vendor markets on weekends, special activities for children, neighborhood sports games and more.

There will be a wide cleaning and waste collection program around East Jerusalem. To this end, the Municipality has identified the major focal points where waste accumulates, and has conducted an extensive campaign along the major arteries in conjunction with outside contractors.

Mayor Nir Barkat: “I send my best wishes and congratulations to all Muslim residents and visitors of the city on the occasion of Ramadan. This year, we have invested in improving the city’s appearance and infrastructure and producing cultural events in honor of Ramadan and for the enjoyment of residents in an unprecedented way. This preparation is a direct continuation of our leading goal in the past few years of bridging gaps in all spheres of life in East Jerusalem. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that the month of Ramadan will be fulfilling for Muslim residents and visitors of the city. Ramadan Kareem, and kul aam and antm khair.”

The Municipality conducted a comprehensive cleaning operation for Ramadan, clearing neighborhoods and large garbage dumps. In addition, the Municipality installed holiday lighting on the streets of East Jerusalem, hung colorful festive flags and 40 greeting signs in three languages throughout the city, and invested large sums of money for resurfacing roads and filling in potholes in main streets. New benches, sun shades and water fountains were also set up for the benefit of worshippers in central locations in the Old City and surrounding areas. During Ramadan, the Municipality will continue to carry out the evacuation of waste from main roads, and continue to maintain parks and public gardens in order to enable a festive atmosphere and respectful environment throughout the month of Ramadan.

Cultural events will be held in conjunction with community administrations in 12 neighborhoods. Schools will open their fields with lighting at night for the community, and sports tournaments will be held in various neighborhoods. The Municipal Welfare Department will distribute food stamps for those in need.

The Jerusalem Municipality is making great efforts to accommodate Muslims who wish to attend prayers on Har Habayis on Fridays during Ramadan.

In addition, worshippers will be able to park their vehicles without having to pay at the following parking lots: Pisgat Ze’ev parking lot, Ammunition Hill parking lot, and Mount Herzl parking lot.

Please note that it is advisable to avoid using private cars to reach the Old City.

Police will close several streets leading into the Old city:

During Friday and Saturday during Ramadan, starting from Thursday evening of June 10th, (18:00 pm to 18:00 pm Friday), the Nevi’im parking lot will be closed, including for cars with permits for parking in the area. Additionally, it will not be possible to park on the following streets: Antar Ben Shedad, Amr Ibn Alas, Noemi Kiss (Musrara), Salah-E-din, Sultan Suleiman, and the Damascus Gate parking lot in eastern Jerusalem.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)