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How one West Bank mosque is reconnecting with local Palestinians

By encouraging Hebron's Palestinian residents to hold weddings and other celebrations in the Ibrahimi Mosque, officials and activists hope to restore their connection to the sacred site.

Muslim men pray near the al-Ibrahimi mosque, also known as the Tomb of the Patriarchs, in the West Bank city of Hebron during the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan August 5, 2011. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma (WEST BANK - Tags: RELIGION) - RTR2PMYE
Muslim men pray near the Ibrahimi mosque, also known as the Tomb of the Patriarchs, in the West Bank city of Hebron during the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, Aug. 5, 2011. — REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma

Azmi Shuokhi has been on a mission for some time now. As the head of the local popular committees for Hebron, he has been trying to convince fellow Hebronites not to abandon the Ibrahimi Mosque. His idea is simple and peaceful: He wants all the Palestinians of the city to hold their social events — especially weddings — on the mosque’s grounds.

Shuokhi, who is also the head of the consumer protection committee in the city, doesn’t just talk about his idea, he practices it. Speaking to Al-Monitor, Shuokhi explained that he has applied his theory in his own family.

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