The day was marked by moments of prayer, long queues at checkpoints and the arrival of about two hundred thousand Moslems, from other parts of Israel as well as the Palestinian Territories: first in Jerusalem, and finally at the Al Aqsa mosque on the first Friday of Ramadan. There was a festive illuminated evening atmosphere at Damascus Gate and along the streets within the walled city. At a certain point, families congregated on the esplanade, and the scene was typical of those in Bethlehem and Jerusalem in this, the most sacred month for the faithful of Islam who were marked by fasting, prayer ... and hope.