August 1, 2012

For Immediate Release:

Jerusalem Municipality Produces Series of Cultural Events for Jerusalem’s
Arab Residents to Mark Ramadan

*Lectures on Heritage and Religion *Theater *Children's Performances
*Storytelling Festival*

The Jerusalem Municipality, in conjunction with local community leadership,
has produced a series of cultural events to mark the month of Ramadan.
During the month of Ramadan, which falls this year between July 20 and
August 21 (including all 3 days of Eid al-Fitr), there will be a wide range
of heritage events and themed lectures. The Municipality and local
organizations have developed theater performances, a storyteller series, a
variety of other activities and entertainment opportunities for the entire
family.

The Municipality has recruited Arab cultural icons to participate in this
year’s festivities, which include:

1. Ramadan—Patience and Tolerance: 50 lectures on Islamic heritage and
religion. Includes lectures on the relationship between fasting, suffering,
and tolerance. Lectures will take place in all neighborhood community
centers and branches in the Eastern part of the city on Tuesdays, Thursdays
and Saturdays during the month of Ramadan.

2. Performances for parents and children. A celebration of theater
involving some of the leading theater groups in Jerusalem, as well as from
the Galilee and northern parts of Israel. Many of the performances will be
accompanied by hands-on art activities with leading Arab artists.

3. Family Activities. Performances from top Arab children's stars, Roni
Rock and Amu Khamis.

4. Hakea—Storytelling Festival. A cultural tradition in the Arab world
during the month of Ramadan. Hakea is scheduled to take place in the Arab
quarter of the Old City, as well as in the Beit Hanina, Wadi Joz, Issawiya,
A-Tur, Beit Zafafa and Tsur Baher neighborhoods and surrounding towns of
Kfar Akeb and Ras Hamis.

Since the beginning of his administration, Mayor Nir Barkat has made it a
policy priority to improve the quality of life for Arab residents of the
city, and thereby bridge the gaps between Arab and Jewish residents of
Jerusalem that result from years of neglect. The activities of the
municipality’s Cultural Division in Arab neighborhoods include projects
aimed at the rehabilitation and transformation of community centers into
active and leading partners in the process of providing social and cultural
services residents, as well as the improvement of municipal services and
authority in these neighborhoods.

The success of the municipal investments is reflected in a Washington
Institute survey that revealed a significant rise in overall satisfaction
with municipal services among Arab residents of Jerusalem, including the
obtaining construction permits and the general standard of living.

Jerusalem Mayor, Nir Barkat, stated:

“We wish the Muslim residents of Jerusalem, and Muslims around the world, a
meaningful and blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem”

"Ramadan events sponsored by the Municipality are another step in bridging
the gaps in Jerusalem’s Arab neighborhoods—gaps that exist due to many years
of governmental and municipal neglect. I place great importance on hosting
these types of events and on advancing the cause of a diverse and
pluralistic Jerusalem, one that honors and promotes religious freedom."

For more information: Jerusalem Municipality Spokesperson: 02-629-7744