Palestinian Mosque in Israeli Territories to Change into Night Clubs

Safed, MINA – A centuries-old Palestinian mosque in Safed, a city in northern district of Israel, has been converted into a bar. Al-Ahmar Mosque was built in 1276. Initially, the mosque was named Al-Ahmar and then changed to Khan Al-Ahmar.

Since 1948, Khan Al-Ahmar has changed functions several times. This Palestinian mosque was used as a Jewish school. Furthermore, the mosque turned function into the center of general election campaign, then, mosque used as a clothing store.

Now, according to Al-Quds Al-Arabi news agency, the mosque building will be converted into a bar and event hall by a company affiliated with the municipality of Safed in Israel.

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Secretary of Donation of Safed and Tiberias Islamic Endowment, Khair Tabari, said his party had been trying to save the mosque for years. He requested that Al-Ahmar Mosque was returned to charity. Currently, they have been waiting for a decision from Nazareth court.

“I feel dizzy when I see vandalism in the mosque, as can be seen, where the remnants of Qur’anic verses are removed from the pulpit and replaced by Ten Commandments in Hebrew,” Tabari told Al-Quds Al-Arabi , reported by The New Arab, Monday.

Historian, Dr. Mustafa Abbasi said that the mosque has extraordinary historical and architectural value.

“Al-Ahmar Mosque gets its name from its red stone. Today, this mosque is used in various ways but not as a prayer room for Muslims,” said Abbasi, who is a native of Safed.

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It ia not only Al-Ahram Mosque, there are also other historic mosques in the city of Safed that have similar stories. Greek mosques have been converted into art galleries. The mosque that was built in 1319 has been banned from being used as a place of worship.

Thousands of Palestinians, including families of Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, moved from their homes as they fled Safed in 1948. Finally, Jewish paramilitary forces took control of the city. Thus, there is currently no significant Arab population in Safed.

Abbas had previously said about Safed to Israeli media. “I visited Safed before, once. I want to see Safed. It’s my right to see it, but not to live there,” Abbas said. (T/Sj/P2)

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)