Hundreds of Jews waited in line for long hours this morning (Sunday) to ascend the Temple Mount on the occasion of Jerusalem Day. Police put the immigrants – some of whom lined up at the entrance to the Western Wall and the mountain at dawn – in groups of thirty once every few minutes, but the pace does not match the growing number of waiters.
In the crowded queue for the ascent to the mountain, there was “great frustration” at the slow pace, the overcrowding and the police’s decision not to allow the immigration of larger groups of observant Jews. Among those waiting was MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, who announced the background to the tension he intends to ascend to the Temple Mount on Jerusalem Day.
In the shadow of reports of great tension in the capital ahead of Jerusalem Day, the Temple Mount was relatively quiet this morning. Several dozen Arab worshipers clashed with security forces, but Jews were given the opportunity to immigrate relatively uninterrupted. Even today, however, some Jews have been detained for reciting Shema Yisrael or singing aloud.
Tom Nissani, Director General of the Temple Mount: “While the people of Israel ascend the mountain en masse, unfortunately there is no preparation for this event again, and Jews are forced to ascend the mountain under inappropriate conditions and danger. It is time to understand that the Temple “Do not allow instigators of terrorists to enter the mountain and Jews to open the entrance at all hours of the day and from all the mountain gates.”
In Jerusalem and around the country, the police are preparing to allow the events of Jerusalem Day safely, after clashes broke out in the cities involved last year and Arabs sought to harm Jews across the country. In preparation for the dance flags march, about 3,000 policemen and border guards will work to secure the parade in Jerusalem, along with thousands of policemen and fighters who will operate in other cities.