The Israeli Police and settlers’ fierce attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem has shed light on the significant presence of Palestinian women in the city and their participation in demonstrations condemning the Israeli attacks. These women have also held the ribat, the act of defending Islamic holy places, at Al-Aqsa Mosque and used the hashtag “SaveSheikhJarrah” on social media to shed light on the developments there.
The participation of Jerusalemite women is an extension of the historic role they have played since the British Mandate for Palestine. In 1925, women had their first impactful movement, as they took part in the protest to condemn Britain's then-Foreign Minister Arthur Balfour’s visit to Jerusalem and plan to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque.
