Eid el-Fitr and Rosh Hashana fell on the same day this year, and in Akko Jewish and Arab residents could be seen celebrating together as the riots that took place in the city last year appeared to have been totally forgotten.
"We are cousins, so there is no reason we shouldn't be happy and celebrate together," Basem Khalifa, who runs a children's amusement park in the city, told Ynet.
Khalifa's juica stand (Photo: Out Productions)
Thousands of people celebrated the two holidays at Akko's port, its market, and its ancient alleyways. "The tears in Israeli society have been sewn up and now it is time for reconciliation. It's time to put things right again," said Omar Nagu, who came to Akko with guests from Russia.
"Since the establishment of the state we have been living here in peace and there is no reason not to do so now," he added.
Stopping at a stand run by Khalifa, at which he sells pomegranate and carrot juice, Nagu said he hoped it will always be this way. "You can see here on the rides Jewish and Arab children having fun together, and none of them care who is Jewish and who is Arab," he said.
Salah sells Tamar Hindi on boardwalk (Photo: Out Productions)
Salah Shami came from Judeide to sell Tamar Hindi to people along the boardwalk. His colorful dress appeared to be attracting many customers. "Tamar Hindi is for everyone," he said.
Hadar Cohen, who came to sightsee in Akko with her family, said the mood was very festive. "We haven't had such fun in Akko in a while, and the fact that the Muslims are at our side celebrating Eid el-Fitr only adds to the joy," she said.
Eid el-Fitr marks the end of thirty days of fasting during the holy month of the Ramadan, and restaurants will probably remain full for the next few days. "In Akko it doesn't matter if it's Rosh Hashana or Eid al-Fitr, Jews or Arabs, bless the lord there are always happy people here," Humus restaurant owner Isa Tantouri said.
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