This year marks the third time Palestinian Muslims have celebrated their holy month of Ramadan under the current Intifada. Many worshippers are prevented from praying in one of their holiest of mosques, Al Aqsa, in Jerusalem as Israeli soldiers block the gates into the Old City with their jeeps and horses. Checkpoints along major thoroughfares are set up to prevent movement of Palestinians who may wish to enter the city to pray. Recently Samah Jabr, a young Muslim woman, wrote, "While our words may be prescribed by ritual, our ways of praying have become as varied as the torments we suffer.

To those who exhort Palestinians to practice non-violent resistance, I suggest they take note of our insistent devotions. Our prayers reflect our dream of peace in this land. Come and see our people at prayer. Unsuccessful at reaching our mosques, our people bow and pray at checkpoints, along muddy wasted roads, and in shells of ruined homes in Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, and Tulkarem." Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights avows, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes… freedom, alone or in community with others, to manifest their religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, or observance." During this season of Ramadan, Hanukkah, and Christmas it is important for us all to remember the rights of others to observe and practice the religious beliefs in the traditions to which each hold.

• Demonstrate for an end to the illegal occupation of the West bank and Gaza.

• Hold interfaith prayer vigils during the high holy days to demonstrate the right of freedom of religion.