Staged Photo Does Not Show Muslim And Jewish Israeli Soldiers Praying Together
The Claim
An image shows a Jewish Israeli soldier praying with his Muslim colleague.
Emerging story
Social media users recently shared an image that allegedly shows a Muslim soldier and a Jewish soldier praying side by side while they serve the IOF.
The caption that is circulating reads: “Israeli Jews and Arabs are all fighting together for a common goal, to return all the hostages and to protect our home.”
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading. People of Jewish faith have a different praying direction that of Muslims.
The Image Of Muslim And Jewish Israeli Soldiers Praying is Staged
In Judaism, the direction of prayer, known as "Mizrach" in Hebrew, is towards Jerusalem, specifically the Western Wall, which is the last remaining part of the Temple Mount, considered the most sacred site in Jewish tradition.
When Jews pray, they face towards Jerusalem from any point in the world.
Muslim Prayer Direction and Its History
In Islam, the direction of prayer is called "Qibla." Muslims around the world face the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during their prayers. The Kaaba is considered the most sacred site in Islam. This practice was established in the second year after the Hijra, or the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
Initially, Muslims prayed facing Jerusalem, but a revelation to prophet Muhammad changed the direction to the Kaaba (as detailed in Quran 2:144). This shift marked a significant moment in Islamic history, further distinguishing Islamic worship practices from those of other faiths and reinforcing the unique identity of the Muslim community.
Given these established practices, the claim that a Muslim and a Jewish person were praying together in the same direction would be factually incorrect, as their religious traditions prescribe different directions for prayer. This discrepancy in prayer directions serves as a clear indicator that the image in question was staged as a PR stunt in favor of the IOF.
Netanyahu Stands Firm on Gaza Offensive Amid Calls for Ceasefire and International Warnings
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing increasing pressure from both the families of captives and the broader Israeli public to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas. Despite this, Netanyahu has firmly committed to persisting with military operations in Gaza. Amidst these developments, an Iranian envoy issued a stark warning, stating that any attacks on Iranian territory, interests, or citizens abroad would be met with a decisive response.
In related news, Israeli forces have detained 15 Palestinians across various locations in the occupied West Bank, as reported by the Palestinian news agency, WAFA. The detentions took place in Qalqilya, Nablus, Bethlehem, the Qalandia camp north of East Jerusalem, and other parts of Jerusalem, along with one individual from the village of Kharbatha Bani Harith, west of Ramallah.
Additionally, a leak concerning Netanyahu's post-war plans for Gaza has surfaced, as reported by two Israeli newspapers, Maariv and the Jerusalem Post. According to the leak, which is believed to have originated from a group of businessmen close to Netanyahu, the plan involves a multi-stage process for Gaza's future governance. Initially, a military governor appointed by Israel would oversee the region, eventually transitioning to a new Palestinian Authority supported by an international Arab coalition, thus excluding Hamas and Fatah. This plan, if successful, could potentially lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state within two to four years.
Furthermore, leaders from fifteen United Nations agencies and non-governmental humanitarian organizations have issued a joint appeal for the resumption of funding for UNRWA, warning that the suspension of funds by various member states could have catastrophic consequences for the people of Gaza. They stressed that no other entity is capable of providing the level of assistance required by the 2.2 million people in urgent need in Gaza.
Read More
