What it is about:
Five distinguished rabbis from Jerusalem have issued a public appeal urging people not to visit the Temple Mount. This rare move, made with intentions to calm tensions, comes after controversial visits by government ministersItamar Ben-GvirandYitzhak Wasserlauf. The rabbis disseminated a video message in Hebrew and Arabic, condemning these visits to maintain peace and religious observance.
Why it matters:
The Temple Mount remains a highly sensitive site, revered in both Judaism and Islam. Visits by politicians can exacerbate existing tensions between communities, risking harmony and security. Senior rabbinical voices warning against visits highlight the importance of maintaining strict adherence to religious norms and the delicate status quo.
Rabbis’ Standpoints:
Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl, the senior halachic authority in Israel, stated: “All leading rabbis advise against ascending the Temple Mount. It is forbidden to enter such a sacred place.” He stressed that clarifying this posture helps preserve the sanctity and peace needed in such a contested area.
Rabbi Shmuel Betzalel, from the Council of Torah Sages, reinforced: “Most leading halachic authorities forbade it; no one should ascend.” His message aims to eliminate misunderstandings and prevent provocations.
Rabbi David Cohen, another Council member, called those visiting the Mount “hooligans,” condemning their actions as public desecration that mustn’t be tolerated.
TheSephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosefimplored international audiences to recognize that these politicians don’t represent the broader Jewish or Israeli communities, who universally seek peace and harmony.
Rabbi Simcha Rabinowitzechoed these sentiments, calling for protests against those igniting unwarranted confrontations, regardless of their status.
Recent Developments:
Security officials approached Jerusalem MayorMoshe Lionfor intervention, prompting his call for rabbinical involvement. Releasing the video with Arabic subtitles aimed to directly address the Arab community and calm international fears, showing Jewish leaders’ commitment to maintain established traditions at such pivotal sites.
Amidst this, over 1,500 Jews visited the Temple Mount recently, with some engaging in prayers monitored by Ben-Gvir and Wasserlauf—actions deemed necessary for governance progress yet sparking more controversy.
Official Statements:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’soffice distanced itself from the political argument, underscoring that no minister has discretionary policy over the Temple Mount, reaffirming adherence to status quo arrangements.
Consequences and Global Reactions:
Ben-Gvir’s visit amidst rising geopolitical challenges like potential conflicts with Iran stirred disruptive waves within Israel’s political terrain and globally. The event drew sharp rebukes, including critical evaluations of the government coalition dynamics linked to Otzma Yehudit.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.