In this Monday, Sept. 21, 2015 photo, a Muslim pilgrim prays at the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Makkah

An elderly Palestinian woman met her brother and her nieces and nephews in the Saudi holy city of Madinah after 70 years of separation, Makkah daily reported.

Fatima Al-Hard said she was separated from her brother 70 years ago.

“I had never imagined that I would be able to see him again. I have always trusted in Allah and kept a ray of hope in my heart that one day I just might see my brother again. I was able to meet his wife and children for the first time. I am so overwhelmed at the opportunity Allah has presented to me,” said Al-Hard.

Other Palestinian pilgrims were also happy to have made it safely to Makkah and have performed their hajj smoothly.

“We are very lucky to survive all of the crises of this year. Coming to Makkah is no easy trip for us Palestinians. We had to go through a lot to be with the rest of the Muslims,” said Sami Al-Husni.

He added he saw the efforts and dedication of Red Crescent paramedics and Saudi police officers and was impressed by their efficiency and resilience.

“The Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia has put in great efforts into serving the pilgrims. I was able to come here with my family to perform hajj. The endeavor would not have been possible without the efforts and support of the current and past Custodians of the Two Holy Mosques,” said Al-Husni.

He added he was able to see the historical and Islamic sites in Makkah and Madinah with his family before his departure.

“We have also received free copies of the Holy Qu’ran as gift from the ministry. We will give this gift to our relatives in Palestine. We pray for the day when Muslims all over the world are free to visit the Kaaba,” said Al-Husni.

Related articles across the web

• Annual Ghilaf-e-Kaaba changing ceremony held in Makkah
• 87 dead after crane collapses at world's holiest mosque in Mecca
• King's Program for Umrah Visits Hosts 1,000 Muslims
• 110 Muslims Killed By a Crane Crash in the Holy Kabba , During the Peak Hours of Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj
• Qatar residents pay respects to Makkah crane collapse victims
• More than 60 dead in crane collapse in Mecca's Grand Mosque
• What is the Hajj in Saudi Arabia?
• 87 Dead, 184 Injured After Crane Collapses At World's Holiest Mosque in Mecca
• More Than 2M Muslims Start Hajj
• Eid al-Adha in 60 seconds