In an April 2022 video from the Gaza Now Twitter account, translated and published by MEMRI, presenter Mohamed Aborjela explained how Ramadan is even more special in Gaza than it is in other parts of the Muslim world. Enumerating the different foods commonly eaten by Gazans at iftar meals, including qatayef, carob juice, and maqluba, he added: "You find yourself eating a different Palestinian dish every day." He stressed: "Ramadan has a special atmosphere everywhere in the world, but in Gaza – regardless of the circumstances – it is special in a way that you cannot see anywhere else in the world, due to its beautiful spirit, its modest people, and the diversity of its customs and dishes."
We are republishing this clip in light of the current month-long holiday of Ramadan.
For more about Gaza prior to October 7, 2023, see The Face Of The 'Suffocating Occupation,' 'Humanitarian Disaster,' 'Concentration Camp,' And 'Prison Camp' Of Pre-War Gaza – In Pictures And Data.
To view this video on MEMRI TV, click here or below:
Below is the transcript of the MEMRI translation of the video:
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Mohamed Aborjela: "Everything is changing – us, the times, and the circumstances. Things are different in every country. But Ramadan in Gaza never changes. Ramadan is not only a month of fasting, but a month with a very special atmosphere, regardless of the circumstances - the streets are decorated, and we go to the market every day, in order to prepare the iftar meal.
"One of the most special features of Ramadan is the sweets. When talking about sweets, we must mention qatayef. Qatayef has become something that we eat every day [during Ramadan]. In Gaza, you see little things that are insignificant on regular days, but they are very important during Ramadan – like carob juice, for example.
"Picture yourself buying ice-cold carob juice just before the iftar meal, when you are thirsty. The maqluba has been served. One of our firmly established customs during Ramadan is eating Palestinian dishes. In addition, people invite each other for meals – family and friends. You find yourself eating a different Palestinian dish every day.
"Ramadan has a special atmosphere everywhere in the world, but in Gaza - regardless of the circumstances – it is special in a way that you cannot see anywhere else in the world, due to its beautiful spirit, its modest people, and the diversity of its customs and dishes."
