The holy month of Ramadan has a special meaning for Muslims in Jerusalem in particular and all over the world. Al-Aqsa mosque is the third holiest mosque for the nation of Islam. The sensitivity of Muslims towards the holy mosque was evident on September 29th, 2000 when Sharon ignited the Intifada by his incursion into the holy site, provoking Palestinian national and spiritual sentiments. Al-Aqsa is where the Intifada started, and some measures of goodwill during this holy month might serve as the start of peace in the region.

This past Friday, which is the first Friday in Ramadan, there were reports of 150,000 worshipers attending prayers in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque. These Israeli media reports painted a different picture than the reality. The New York Times also wrote an article in which they claimed that 130,000 worshipers attended the Friday prayers. To confirm these reports, however, the mufti of Al-Aqsa mosque who told Palestinian newspapers that the number of worshipers did not exceed 30,000 and that Israeli propaganda was attempting to polish its image of religious discrimination practiced against Palestinian Muslims and Christians alike.

"The Israeli measures had resulted in Al-Aqsa mosque courtyard being empty unlike it usually is on a Friday during Ramadan," The Mufti of Jerusalem reported. "Contrary to Israeli statements there were age restrictions which resulted in many people barred from entering inside Al-Aqsa mosque for prayer." Many ended up praying in the streets under the gun barrels of Israeli troops, who seemed to outnumber the worshipers.

On the first Friday of the holy month, many Palestinian Muslims headed to the Al-Aqsa mosque for worship but only a few were able to get there. The city of Jerusalem was turned into a military zone. Policemen on their tall horses and Israeli soldiers placed at every gate at the Old City in a provocative manner were visible expressions of control and intimidation. Young men under the age of forty were denied access to the Old City of Jerusalem, even those who are residents of the city carrying Jerusalem IDs.

During this month of sacrifice, of humility and humanity, of generosity and self-denial, the Sheikh gave his speech on the spirit and virtues of Ramadan and commended the attendents for their steadfastness and the trouble they continue to go through in order to pray. The worshipers were asked to remember the 'Zakat' (helping the needy) during this month. With 60% of Palestinians living under the poverty level, many are still fasting and turning to God asking for patients and forgiveness.

Occupation is discrimination and no matter how distorted information gets, the truth can not be silenced and one day we shall overcome. Facing discrimination on all fronts while being denied basic human rights, Palestinians continue to look forward towards a future in which they can live in freedom and peace.