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Gaza is an ‘incubator’ for religious tolerance

July 4, 2016 at 1:13 pm

Kamal Tarazi, a member of one of the famous Christian families in the Gaza Strip, hopes that he is able to go on a trip with his Muslim neighbour, Hatem Khrees, to teach the world about the religious tolerance found in Gaza.

Tarazi lives in a house adjacent to Khress, who is blind. Life had taken them on a long journey together, however after Khress lost his sight in an accident eight years ago, their bond tightened.

After being registered blind, Khrees has needed a companion to help him carry on with its day-to-day life, including going to the mosque and the market.

At first, many of his friends and family members were by his side to help, but over time the numbers dwindled and only Tarazi remained.

Speaking to MEMO, Tarazi said that he takes his friend to the market and everywhere even to the mosque. He then waits for him to perform his prayers and takes him back home or anywhere else he needs to go. He even helps him take off his shoes before entering the mosque and places them on a shoe rack for him.

“I feel proud about helping him,” Khress told MEMO. “This is humbling and I am grateful to Kamal.”

During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from the sunrise until sunset, Tarazi insists on sharing the sunset meal – Iftar – with his Muslim friend as gesture of solidarity and love.

“I hope that me an Khress travel abroad to show the world what religious tolerance is,” he said, noting that Gaza is an “incubator” for religious tolerance and harmony. “This must be the norm all over the world.”