Jerusalem in photos: Tisha B'Av and Ramadan

As day marking Temple's destruction coincides with Muslim holiday, city hallowed by three religions combines sadness and celebration with magical lights

Reuters | Published: 08.09.11, 12:46

Upon darkness, Jerusalem receives a different magical touch as the sun goes down, making way for the bright city lights.

This year, on the eve of Tisha B'Av, Israel's capital combined sadness and happiness as the day marking the destruction of the Second Temple coincided with the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. One people's fast began as another people's fast ended.

And so, one could see Jerusalem – the city hallowed by the three monotheistic religions – enchanting each and every person in a different way.

Here are some pictures of this holy city on this very special night:

Mamilla Mall. All stores closed (Photos: Ziv Reinstein)

View of the Dome of the Rock and Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives

It's 9 pm and the Western Wall plaza is filling up with worshippers

Some sit, amazed by the Kotel's greatness, others get close

Ark of the Covenant model placed in Mamilla, all made of gold

As time passes, hundreds of people – men and women – flock to the Western Wall

Worshippers read verses from the Book of Lamentations

Yeshiva students share their lamentations with each other

On the other side, streets are decorated for the Ramadan celebrations

The colorful lamps can be seen in all of the Muslim Quarter's alleys

Meanwhile, the Muristan Road is deserted apart from several Christians visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre