Iraq: Young Christians distribute roses to Muslims for Eid al Fitr

Source: Fides In Mosul, young Christians, Yazidis and Shabaks, offered white roses and sweets to their Muslim neighbours for Eid al Fitr, the Islamic festival that ends the holy month of Ramadan.

The initiative was launched by the Italian association ‘Un Ponte per’ with the aim of promoting reconciliation between the different parts Iraqi society, torn apart by sectarian conflicts. The distribution took place in particular in front of the Rashan mosque, in the district of al Muthanna, which badly devastated during the military operations carried out to reclaim the city from the jihadist occupation. A spokesman for the association said: “We celebrated this special day for the Muslim community together with the girls and boys of our Conflict Prevention Teams. Young people belonging to the Christian, Yazidi, and Shabak community, arrived in Mosul from across the Nineveh Plain, to pay homage to their Muslim sisters and brothers with flowers and sweets after morning prayer.” “We imagine a future in which every person can follow their own religious beliefs and express it freely, with respect and friendship, sharing traditions and happy moments.” In February, Un Ponte per helped celebrate a ‘Mass for peace’ at the Syriac Catholic Church of St Thomas in Mosul, which was still full of rubble. The Eucharistic liturgy was celebrated by the Syrian Catholic Archbishop Boutros Moshi. Muslims and members of non-Christian minorities, also attended that service.