“I Cried When I Entered al-Aqsa”: A Bethlehem-Area Farmer Enters Jerusalem for the First Time in over a Year”
The report details the emotional experience of Abu Muhammad, a 62-year-old Palestinian farmer from Nahalin near Bethlehem, as he visits the al-Aqsa Mosque for the first time in over a year during Ramadan. Despite heavy Israeli security measures and a significant decrease in worshipper numbers compared to previous years, 120,000 Muslims gathered for prayers on March 22, 2024. Abu Muhammad expresses his deep longing for Jerusalem, describing his tears of joy upon entering the mosque and the economic hardships faced by his community due to restricted access. He shares his hope to return next week, emphasizing the spiritual and economic importance of Jerusalem for Palestinians.
This entry is original published by My Jerusalem Story .
