Anger and fury describe the PA (Palestinian Authority) response to the bill that would silence the mosques around Israel that to date, have been permitted to wail at any volume they choose in the call to prayer. Hamas calls the bill “a dangerous development and unauthorized meddling in religion”.

The bill, which enjoys the backing of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, has PA Chairman Abu Mazen furious and he warns that if passed into law, the consequences will be severe. PA spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina announced the PA will turn to the UN Security Council and all other international forums against the bill.

The bill was presented to the Ministerial Law Committee on Sunday, 12 Cheshvan, and it was approved by the ministers. The bill would prohibit houses of worship from using loudspeakers.

For many residents of northern Jerusalem and other neighborhoods around Israel, the mosques wail at all hours of the day and night, regularly disturbing the peace and annoying residents. Efforts to have mosques lower the volume have been unsuccessful, leading to the bill. Many northern Jerusalem residents explain their quality of life has been significantly compromised by the daily wailing of the mosques.

Other PA officials are warning the bill will lead to a regional religious war if passed into law in the Knesset. The PA adds that even if the bill passes, it will not change religious realities in Jerusalem or the Islamic commitment to Jerusalem holy sites.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)