JERUSALEM (RNS) In Beit Anan a small Arab village in the West Bank Haya Dawod and her extended family sit around a large round table in her parents dining room for the celebratory Eid meal.
Monday (July 28) marked the first day of Eid al Fitr the Muslim holiday that concludes the monthlong fast of Ramadan. Eid is usually a time of celebration three days of celebration to be exact.
But this year the holiday mood in the Palestinian territories is distinctly less joyous and it shows in the Dawod s buffet. The spread included roasted lamb maamoul a sweet flaky dessert filled with honey and nuts and fawakih a fruit platter with grapes apples and mangos.
We usually have more food said Dawod 21 and more music and games but because of what s happening in Gaza we have less.
This year the television in the background brings news from Gaza most recently of the death of at least eight children as a result of the bombing of Gaza s Al Shifa Hospital.
This Eid is not Eid because of the situation in Gaza said Maher Abu Mayaleh a shopkeeper in the Arab souk or bazaar in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem s Old City. We are not happy. We do not want to celebrate anything. Our people are dying.
Eid is traditionally a time when people shop for new clothes and buy the best meats sweets and vegetables for their holiday meals. Families travel to see uncles cousins and siblings.
But this year instead of sweets people are drinking black coffee without sugar a sign of mourning in Palestinian culture. Instead of new clothes people are sending their alms to Gaza. Instead of going on vacation people stay home glued to the TV set.
Family is important during Eid and the somber mood affects children and teens alike.
Hamed Hamam s 7 year old son Abed Alkareem said he is excited to see his family from Ramallah and looks forward to playing with his cousins. But in solidarity with the people of Gaza the boy said he didn t want presents or new toys this year.
Give them to Gaza said the boy who lives in Ramallah a Palestinian city in the West Bank.
Others are trying their best to lend a hand or an arm.
I gave blood yesterday to go help the people on Gaza said Ahmed Imam a 16 year old resident of East Jerusalem s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. That s what I did in honor of Eid. It is how I celebrate this year helping my brothers.
Surrounded by her female cousins Dawod said there s a point where I even feel guilty when I laugh. My brothers and sisters are suffering.
But there is still hope for peace and tranquility she said.
I saw pictures this morning of people making the cookies the maamoul in Gaza and I thought Wow these people are strong. They gave me hope.
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