PRCS Volunteers in Hebron Revive the Musaharati Tradition

“Hebronites! Ramadan is here! Wake up! There is only one God! Wake up and remember God!”. These are some of the sentences used by PRCS volunteers whose job is to wake people up before day light so they can enjoy one last meal before they begin their fasting. The Musaharati tradition aims at building social and cultural ties and is part of new outstanding activities which see the light every day in Hebron’s streets thanks to work by the Youths & Volunteers’ Departments at PRCS.

When Ramadan started this year, PRCS volunteers decided to revive the Musaharati tradition for the sixth year in a row: The Musaharati is a person who roams the streets with a drum late at night during the holy month of Ramadan in order to wake people up so that they can have a last meal before the sun goes up. Hence, PRCS volunteers took up drums, tambourines and cymbals in an attempt to maintain an ancient religious tradition linked to Palestinian customs and culture.

Jawdat Al Muhtasseb, coordinator, expressed his joy at this new tie established between the Red Crescent and the Ramadan Crescent. He valued the role played by volunteers in reviving this tradition which was welcomed and commended by Hebronites. He underlined the role played by PRCS’ Senior Management at Headquarters and at PRCS/Hebron to support voluntary action in Hebron, because they believe in the importance of safeguarding Palestinian heritage. Hebronites also expressed their satisfaction at the numerous activities organized by volunteers during the holy month of Ramadan in cooperation with many national institutions.

The Musaharati voluntary team expressed their delight towards this initiative which continues to grow. Anas Al Nather and Dib Al Tamimi, said: “Six years ago, our team comprised only five members. Now, we have two teams with 20 members each. Each night, Palestinians meet us with sweets and juice, and remind us to come wake them up again the next day”.

Samih Abou Eisheh, Secretary of PRCS’ Executive Committee and Head of PRCS/Hebron, added: “Our work is based on voluntary action. We encourage relevant youth initiatives. Our volunteers are unique because they implement endless activities and exceptional initiatives, attracting support from across the board, with Palestinian individuals and institutions encouraging them to give more”.

Ala’a Al Zghayer, who lives in the University neighborhood, said: “Al Musaharati mixes modern life with ancient traditions. Moreover, this tradition builds bridges between us and volunteers, who sometimes share our early morning meal. Our children wait and look for them every morning, while we have seen many people stop them in the street to take their picture”.

Hani Al Nather, from Al Rama neighborhood, said he is proud of this Musaharati tradition which reminds him of the Old City. “I seize this opportunity to thank PRCS volunteers who came up with this initiative and who help us safeguard these traditions and convey them to our little ones”.