The District Court this evening (Wednesday) overturned the Magistrate’s Court’s ruling on freedom of worship on the Temple Mount. In doing so, the court accepted the position of the appellant police, and ruled that the expulsion of the boys who had prayed in the compound for 15 days would remain in effect.
In the Magistrate’s Court’s decision, the position of the boys was accepted, the judge ruled that there was nothing wrong with the “Shema Yisrael” prayer recited by the boys who were prosecuted, relying on the police commissioner’s statement that there is freedom of worship for all religions in Jerusalem. This is a determination that pertains to freedom of worship in a sweeping manner, but only to the individual case adjudicated in the courtroom.
In his decision, the judge referred to the tense situation on the Temple Mount and ruled: “Given the high sensitivity and risk potential inherent in the Temple Mount, especially during this period, I believe that the condition, which stipulates removal from the Old City of Jerusalem for 15 days is reasonable and proportionate. The officer’s opinion determined this. “