Jerusalem Muslims call for postponing foundation stone for al-Nasera mosque
Israel, Politics, 11/23/1999

In a statement issued by the Palestinian papers, the Islamic commission in Jerusalem has called upon the Muslims of al-Nasera (Nazareth) to postpone laying the foundation stone for Shehabeddine mosque near al-Beshara church (the Basilica of the Annunciation) in the city following the strong protest shown by Christians.

In its statement, the commission which supervises the Islamic shrines in the holy city said: "We denounce and refuse the laying of the foundation stone for one of God's houses after the decision of the Israeli government. All of us read the statement of the God Almighty as saying, 'One who builds God's mosques is that the one who believes in the God and the day of doom.'" The commission hoped "our brothers in al-Nasera will postpone the laying of the foundation stone for the mosque. We appeal the God almighty to avert our Palestinian people's sectarianism."

In October, the Israeli government licensed the building of a mosque on a piece of land adjoining al-Beshara church, which is among the most important holy shrines for Christians. This decision has provoked the rage of the Christian churches which called for closing Christian sites on Monday and Tuesday.

Previous Stories:
  Some Christian churches close in Jerusalem   (11/22/1999)
  Palestinian demonstration in Nazareth   (10/9/1999)
  Israel permits small mosque in al-Nasera   (4/20/1999)

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