Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for ALL people — without exception.

IPS reports on the inability of Palestinians to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque, during Ramadan.

IPS reports: “Normally Mohammad works a full eight-hour day. These days during the fast his Arab Israeli contractor gives his fellow Palestinians special dispensation; the workday is cut short at 2.30 pm. Ramadan is a time of worship, of self-reflection, of contemplation. Afterward, he’ll cross back into the West Bank through the Israeli checkpoint, the minibus will stop to allow Mohammad and his fellow workers time for the afternoon prayer. On Friday when they don’t work, they wish they could travel to Jerusalem 35 kilometers away to pray — especially now during Ramadan — at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site.”

“For that, they can only pray. For Palestinians from outside Jerusalem to be allowed to pray at the Noble Sanctuary requires another Israeli permit. On Friday, there will be tens of thousands in Al-Aqsa — those who have managed to secure the sought-after permit. However, says Mohammad: ‘you have to be at least 50, and also to have a regular permit allowing you into Jerusalem. It’s hopeless. I don’t even bother trying.'”

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