Gaza Genocide30 May, 20262 min read
Israel Bombed Al-Huda Mosque as Muslims Marked Eid al-Adha in Khan Younis and Beirut
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Eid al-Adha celebrations muted region-wide due to ongoing war and shortages. Beirut Eid disrupted by war with security concerns and limited gatherings.
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Eid Marked Under Bombardment
Across the Middle East, Muslims marked Eid al-Adha amid war and crisis, with celebrations described as muted by “mourning, displacement and uncertainty” as the holiday began on Wednesday. In southern Gaza, Palestinians prayed near the ruins of Al-Huda Mosque in Khan Younis on Wednesday, the first day of Eid al-Adha, after Israel bombed the mosque early in the war in Gaza.
In Beirut, hundreds gathered for morning Eid prayers at Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and afterward many moved into nearby Martyrs’ Square where families and friends embraced and posed for photographs. Ahmed Mohamed, 32, an immigrant from Sudan who works at a cafe, said, “We have to be happy and celebrate, even if it’s only for a short time,” as the region’s shortages of food and fuel roiled alongside the fighting.
Beirut Families Describe Anxiety
In Beirut, the war continued to steal the joy of Eid al-Adha, with Lebanese families describing escalation, warnings, and daily anxiety that disrupted gatherings and limited family visits. Ramia Salman told Ashar Al-Awsat that “Two days before Eid, and the escalation that the western Beqaa experienced specifically, we felt a great fear about the idea of the holiday itself,” shifting the focus from celebration to getting through the days safely.
She said, “Eid night was always a space for joy, for movement in the markets, for family gatherings,” but that “Today the scene has changed a lot,” with gatherings dominated by anxiety, fear, and questions. Ali al-Husseini told Ashar al-Awsat that escalation changed personal and family decisions, saying, “I decided to stay with my children in our displacement site in Mount Lebanon, fearing any new escalation or warnings.”
Eid Abroad, Security Added
While Eid al-Adha was marked across the region under the shadow of war, a Muslim community in West Hartford, CT gathered at Blue Back Square for the holiday as hundreds attended. WFSB reported that the celebration came as many in the Muslim community watched the conflict in the Middle East with deep concern, and West Hartford police officers added extra security for the event.
“West Hartford police officers added extra security for the event.”
Event organizer Humaira Salehi said, “Our goal is to build connections and build a better understanding between cultures,” describing the festivities as a way to bring art to the streets. Amir Miam, who came from Berlin for a glimpse back at his childhood, said, “A lot of us used to live in countries where they had big celebrations,” and that for him, coming together “with all different ethnicities on one road all together here united to celebrate and have a good time” was “a big deal.”