Israel’s state radio has begun announcing fasting times for the Muslim month of Ramadan after Amnon Beeri-Sulitzeanu, co-executive director of the Abraham Fund Initiatives, sent a letter to Israel Radio.Beeri-Sulitzeanu told The Jerusalem Post that the idea came to him when he was listening to announcements on the radio Thursday morning.“There are 1.5 million Arab-Israelis who need to know the fast times,” he said, “so I sent a letter to the manager of Kol Yisrael [Israel Radio], Michael Miro.”He added that Miro responded quickly and positively.Beeri-Sulitzeanu then supplied the timetables, and on Friday the broadcasts began.Abraham Fund Initiatives works for the integration and equality of Arab citizens in Israel.“The responses have been very positive,” Beeri- Sulitzeanu said, adding that Arabs now feel that their culture is gaining legitimation by the Israeli public.Asked about those who would argue that this is a Jewish state and Ramadan fasting times should be provided by Arab radio stations, he said that Israel Radio was a national broadcaster for everyone.“If they broadcast Shabbat times, they also need to do it for Muslims,” he asserted.He concluded by saying that other media outlets should also start broadcasting Ramadan fasting schedules.During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from food, drink and sexual activity from dawn until dusk. The daily fasts are broken in the evening with prayer and festive meals called iftars.
