Key facts
- An Israeli bill to restrict the Muslim call to prayer passed a preliminary parliamentary reading.
- The bill aims to prohibit mosques from using loudspeakers without a permit.
- Proponents cite 'noise' from the call to prayer as a public health concern.
- Palestinians and the OIC condemned the legislation as discriminatory and an attack on religious freedom.
- The bill must pass further readings to become law and could impact Al-Aqsa Mosque.
An Israeli bill aimed at restricting the Muslim call to prayer, known as the adhan, has passed a preliminary reading in the Israeli parliament. The legislation, which seeks to prohibit mosques from using loudspeakers without a permit, passed with 50 votes in favor and 36 against. It now moves to a Knesset committee before returning for further readings.
Introduced by Zvika Fogel, a lawmaker from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's party, the bill's proponents argue that the noise from the call to prayer constitutes a public health concern. However, Palestinian leaders and human rights lawyers have strongly condemned the bill, describing it as a 'declaration of religious war' and an attack on freedom of worship.
Khaled Zabarqa, a human rights lawyer, stated that the characterization of the adhan as a 'noise problem' offends religious beliefs and insults Muslims, infringing on their freedom to worship. He also suggested the bill is part of a broader effort to 'Judaise public space' by removing non-Jewish religious symbols.
The proposed law would grant authorities the power to order the immediate shutdown of mosque loudspeakers for permit violations, with potential fines of up to 50,000 shekels ($16,700) for operating without a permit and 10,000 shekels ($3,300) for breaches. It remains unclear if the legislation will apply to Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem.
The Palestinian Authority's Jerusalem Governorate condemned the bill, labeling it as evidence of an 'apartheid system' and warning of serious implications for Al-Aqsa Mosque. They argue the bill is not about noise pollution but a policy targeting Palestinian religious expression and cultural identity, potentially paving the way for further state intervention in mosque affairs.
The general secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday condemned the Israeli Knesset’s preliminary approval of the bill, describing it as a discriminatory and racist measure that constitutes a flagrant violation of freedom of religion and worship guaranteed under international law.