The following appeared on YWN on March 16, 2008: Hagon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita has called on Yeshivos to fire Arab employees, stemming from the murderous attack in Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva. Apparently, Rabbonim from a local Bnei Brak Yeshiva had concerns after learning the Merkaz HaRav terrorist was a Jerusalem resident, and they asked Rav Kanievsky regarding an elderly Arab employee in their yeshiva, stating he has worked there for many years. The rabbis added they do not fear the elderly employee is tied to terrorist activities, but nevertheless feel compelled to seek Rav Kanievsky’s ruling on such a serious matter. The rabbi expressed surprise upon hearing Arabs are employed in the Jewish schools, adding there are many Jews seeking employment and in need of Parnassah. When Rav Kanievsky was asked if his ruling should be publicized, he stated “certainly” and now, after his ruling is public knowledge, hundreds of Yeshivos around the country are expected to follow his decision. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

The Vishnitzer Rebbe Shlita has recommended to his chassidim to stop employing Arabs for the time being but emphasized his words are just advice, his conclusion based on contemplating today’s situation. He added his words are not to not compel chassidim as he is just advising. The rebbe made his announcement while in Modi’in Illit. Those present state the rebbe’s tone was pained over the horrific events of this week, particularly the barbaric massacre in Kehillas Bnei Torah in Har Nof, Yerushalayim. “Our hearts ache and are pained over those taken Al Kiddush Hashem in the holy city of Yerushalayim by vile murderers from the Islamic race” stated the Rebbe. The rebbe spoke about how one of the murderers was employed in a nearby grocery store and “one should be wary of employing a member of the Yishmael community during the current climate” the rebbe added. The rebbe called on chassidim to do a cheshbon nefesh, to be mechazeik their limud and absolutely not to enter into any ‘sichos chullin’ in the beis medrash. Earlier in the week, the Karlin-Stolin Rebbe Shlita ordered the Arabs thrown out of the chassidus’ mosdos, explaining that their presence today represents sakonos nefoshos and this is not permitted. In 2008, YWN published an article following the Merkaz HaRav massacre, where Hagon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky said people should stop hiring Arab workers. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

· 5 Arabs were arrested near Mevo Dotan after a shotgun and ammunition were found in the vehicle by soldiers during an inspection. · Hamas claims to have downed an IDF drone which was flying at a low altitude. The IDF denies the report. · 2 rockets fired from Gaza on motzei Shabbos landed inside Gaza. · Rock-throwing attacks on Highway 443 not far from the Dor gas station. · Thousands visited the tziyun of the Steipler before and after Shabbos as the yahrzeit was on Shabbos. HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita visited the tziyun on Sunday morning. · Security forces during the night arrested 11 PA (Palestinian Authority) residents on suspicion of taking part in rock-throwing and other acts of terror. · Former government minister, Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, remains admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit in Assaf HaRofeh Hospital in Rishon L’Tzion. · A male about 50 was hit by a bus and seriously injured near Bar Ilan Junction on Sunday morning. MDA transported the victim to Hadassah Hospital. · After a one-month break, the trial of IDF soldier Elor Azariya resumes this morning with the defense presenting witnesses. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

On the morning of Sunday 5 Adar I three Jews were detained on Har Habayis on suspicion of davening. They were detained for approximately 40 minutes and then released without being interrogated. Police officers informed them that in order to ascend Har Habayis in the future, they will need to get approval in a hearing before a police officer and they will need to sign on the guarantee demanded by the police. Honenu Attorney Menashe Yado, from whom the three requested legal counsel, sent an urgent letter to the police in which he clarified in their name that two of them had not prayed at all and the third quietly moved his lips in prayer, and therefore there is no cause to ban them from entering Har Habayis. Additionally, Yado wrote that the search which the policemen carried out on the detainees was illegal, and demanded that police keep the photographic evidence of the visit on Har Habayis held in order to prove the claims of the three detainees concerning their false detention by the police. Some of the other cases in which Honenu defended persons suspected of law-breaking on or near Har Habayis include: · February 11, 2016: A Har Habayis activist is awarded NIS 32,000 compensation · December 28, 2015: District judge strongly criticized Har Habayis police · September 8, 2015: Jew detained for reciting a bracha on Har Habayis · September 6, 2015: Jews banned from Har Habayis allowed to return · June 29, 2015: A Father and sons assaulted on Har Habayis · May 28, 2015: Jewish youth on Har Habayis ‘framed’ · May 10, 2015: Bridegroom detained on suspicion of davening on Har Habayis · April 20, 2015: Soldier detained on Har Habayis on suspicion of bowing · February 5, 2015: Rabbi Elitzur briefly detained on Har Habayis, faces possible ban · February 2, 2015: Court criticized police treatment of Har Habayis detainees · December 16, 2014: Jewish woman carrying grape juice detained at entry to Har Habayis · October 31, 2014: Police request rejected, Har Habayis activists released · August 6, 2014: Jewish youth detained on suspicion of singing at gate to Har Habayis · May 7, 2014: Har Habayis detainees released · February 6, 2014: Har Habayis: Israeli flag, banned – Hamas flag, permitted · June 23, 2013: Court: Ban on Jewish prayer on Har Habayis violates freedom of worship · May 8, 2013: Har Habayis detainees unconditionally released · April 29, 2013: Police selectively enforcing law on Har Habayis, detainee unconditionally released · April 23, 2013: Two minors detained on Har Habayis · December 19, 2012: Police lost control of Arab mob, abandoned Jewish women · October 4, 2012: Jews detained after Arabs riot on Har Habayis It must be noted: According to the Poskei Hador one is absolutely forbidden to visit the Temple Mount, and there is an Issur Kares for one that goes there. Six years ago on Sukkos, Israeli President Shimon Peres paid a visit to the Sukkah of Maran Hagon Rav Elyashiv ZATZAL, where Rav Elyashiv called on the President to prevent Jews from visiting Har HaBayis, stating it is an act that that is viewed as extremely provocative by the goyim. Maran stated everything possible must be done to avoid a religious war, and the provocateurs are playing

Jerusalem Magistrate Court Judge Dorit Feinstein ruled that the State of Israel will compensate a Har Habayis activist with the sum of NIS 32,000. The ruling was given in the framework of a civil suit filed for illegal searches and detentions carried out by policemen and prison guards. The two incidents which occurred several days apart in June 2013 included searches and prolonged detentions, after the activist was detained while davening at one of the gates to Har Habayis. The first incident occurred when the activist davened at noon on a Friday near the Cotton Merchants’ Gate, the gate located opposite Kodesh Kedoshim. Muslims who were leaving Har Habayis began to curse him and an Arab child kicked him. The activist kicked the child in response and was detained by nearby policemen. After interrogating the activist the policemen requested his release on condition of banning him from entering Har Habayis for 15 days, but he refused to accept the condition. Even though he had been detained five hours before the onset of Shabbos, and there was sufficient time to bring him to a deliberation before Shabbos as the law requires, the police chose to leave him in remand over Shabbos. On motzei Shabbos, the detainee was brought to a deliberation and conditionally released until another deliberation was held two days later. During his remand the detainee was strip-searched by prison guards, despite his objection. Judge Feinstein ruled that there had been no grounds for the strip-search, rather only for a search of his clothes, as the regulations instruct. Judge Feinstein also ruled that there were no grounds for leaving him in remand over Shabbos instead of releasing him on condition of appearing later at a deliberation. Judge Feinstein awarded him NIS 8,000 for the illegal strip-search and NIS 5,500 for the illegal remand. The second incident occurred several days later when the activist walked around the walls of the Old City by himself, on the “Circling the Gates” route customarily walked by groups on the first day of the Hebrew month, and davened outside of one of the gates to Har Habayis. A group of Arabs who had begun to gather outside of one of the gates started to yell at him and argue with him. After several minutes the activist relented and with a police escort moved to the nearby Tribes Gate. Also at the Tribes Gate a small group of Arabs began to gather. The police then decided to detain the activist and handcuffed him. According to the policemen the activist cursed them, however Judge Feinstein ruled on the basis of security camera footage that “There is no evidence that the plaintiff was wild or behaved violently.” Judge Feinstein rejected the police claim that the plaintiff was handcuffed because “he was jumpy” and wrote that the claim “does not stand up to the test of legality”. The judge added that there was no cause to keep the plaintiff in remand and to bring him to court as a detainee and also that, “the judgment of the police was not balanced and reasonable and therefore the remand was not legal”. Additionally, an illegal search was carried out on his body and therefore the judge ordered that he be compensated with NIS 5,500 for the illegal remand and NIS 6,000

Minister (Bayit Yehudi) Uri Ariel spoke with Kol Chai Radio on Thursday morning 25 Tishrei. He was asked to comment on the order given to Israel Police by PM Netanyahu barring MKs and cabinet ministers from Har Habayis. Ariel explained he was not given any such order, but learned about it from media reports. He stated that he will continue visiting Har Habayis B’Kedusha and encourage others to do the same, but if prohibited from doing so by police he will abide by their orders. Ariel explains he feels one cannot prohibit a Jewish politician from visiting the holy site, and doing so is not the correct response to the sharp increase in Arab terror. “It is not about sensitivities but we must call it what it is, terrorism. We must build an additional 1,000 homes in Yehuda and Shomron and this will act as a deterrent”. Kol Chai: Do you really believe that building homes will make a difference to the terrorist who decides to stab someone in Petach Tikvah or the Lion’s Gate? Ariel: It will make a difference to the Arab leadership and the leaders will get the message to the masses. You do not have to agree but I am confident this is the correct response and you can maintain a different opinion if you wish. Ariel then spoke about the approach and he feels strongly that preventing Jews from visiting Har Habayis may be similar to the situation in Europe, where Jews are fearful to walk outside with a yarmulke. He feels that doing so in Israel is a mistake and here we must wear our yarmulke as we do and we must visit Har Habayis. Ariel clarified that the new directive barring Members of Knesset and cabinet ministers from Har Habayis applies to Jews and Arabs alike. In response to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s clarification, Arab Members of Knesset announced they will all visit Har Habayis on Friday, 26 Tishrei. It must be noted: According to the Poskei Hador one is absolutely forbidden to visit the Temple Mount, and there is an Issur Kares for one that goes there. Six years ago on Sukkos, Israeli President Shimon Peres paid a visit to the Sukkah of Maran Hagon Rav Elyashiv ZATZAL, where Rav Elyashiv called on the President to prevent Jews from visiting Har HaBayis, stating it is an act that that is viewed as extremely provocative by the goyim. Maran stated everything possible must be done to avoid a religious war, and the provocateurs are playing with fire. Maran is quoted as explaining to the president that Halacha forbids going onto Har HaBayis but today, it is more than this, it is an act that may lead to a religious war and bloodshed. This is and remains the view of poskei hador. This is also the view of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Among the rabbonim who share this view are HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Halevy Wosner ZATZAL, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein Shlita, Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita, Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L, Maran Hagon HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv ZT”l and many others. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

14:03: Israel Police nationwide move to level 3 alert, one below its highest level. The names of the three other Kedoshim HY”D: The levayas of the three kedoshim will begin in front of Kehillas Bnei Torah, the site of the attack, at 3PM and proceed to Har Menuchos. 1. Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg 2. Rabbi Kalman Ze’ev Levine 3. Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky The levaya of the fourth victim, Rabbi Moshe Twersky will take place at 2PM at Yeshiva Beis HaTalmud and then to Har Menuchos. 13:33: Eight attack victims remain hospitalized in Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital and Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Three of the victims in Hadassah are listed in serious condition. 13:30: The levayas of three of the kedoshim will begin in front of the site of the attack, Kehillas Bnei Torah, 5 Agassi Street in Har Nof. The three levayas will proceed from the shul to Har Menuchos for kvura. The levayas will get underway at 3PM. 13:25: The condition of the policeman who was gravely injured in his head by gunfire has reportedly improved slightly, now showing “a measure of stability”. He is in Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. 13:00: Israel Police Chief Yochanan Danino orders the cancelation of all vacations of members of the force. HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita: 12:55: Rabbi Shalom Cohen Shlita, head of the Shas Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael explains that the bitul Torah and complacency are contributory causes to such horrific acts calling on the tzibur to add additional limud Torah and tefilos to their daily schedules. 12:52: Arab violence and attacks against security forces in clashes taking place in the Ramallah area, Jabil Mukhaber (Jerusalem) and Adam Junction in the southern Shomron. 12:48: Names of victims for tefilos bsoch cholei Am Yisrael: חיים יחיאל בן מלכה איתן בן שרה שמואל ירוחם בן ביילה אברהם שמואל בן שיינה אריה בן ברכה Rav of the Kosel Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz Shlita: 12:41: I call on Muslim leaders to work to halt the bloodshed and incitement, especially amid the realization they too are aware there is no reason for the last wave of incitement. 12:37: Police surveillance balloon operating over the Shuafat area of the capital. Former Jerusalem Police Chief Aryeh Amit 12:15: Every citizen who has a gun should carry it. The way the government has been handling the escalation in attacks is not satisfactory and one cannot be surprised that attacks continue for the matter is not being handled as it should be. The policy making it close to impossible to get a legal handgun today is nothing more than hysteria and it does nothing to better the situation. There is an enormous amount of illegal handguns in the Arab and criminal sectors but my son who is a paratrooper cannot get a gun permit. We live in the Mideast here, not Hawaii and citizens should be able to get a weapon. Those who have one must carry it everywhere. 12:05: Terrorists waited at the scene for a period of time until there were about 20-25 mispallalim in the shul. The shot and swung their hatchets for about seven minutes before they were neutralized by police. Statement from US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro via Facebook: 12:03: Today’s vicious terrorist attack at Kehilat Yaakov synagogue in Har Nof in Jerusalem represents a barbaric new low

Har Habayis was closed to Jews on erev Shabbos as a result of continuing Islamic violence. On Wednesday, erev First Day of Sukkos, Arabs rioted as well, resulting in injuries to four policemen. Clearly the violence coincides with yomtov, times many Jews wish to visit Har Habayis. The Islamic rioters are aware that if the violence continues to escalate, the routine response is to shut the holy site to non-Muslims, hence granting the rioters a victory. Deputy Minister of Religious Services Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan responded to the yomtov violence. “Once again we see that we cannot rely on the Waqf and Israel Police must take control and maintain order. Jews are entitled to religious freedom on Har Habayis. I call on Israel Police to expedite addressing the formulation of guidelines for Jewish worship on Har Habayis.” As Jews began ascending on Har Habayis on erev Shabbos, the first day of chol hamoed in Eretz Yisrael, dozens of Arabs began attacking and police with stones and blocks. Jerusalem police continue to reassure the public it will not tolerate violence on Har Habayis in any form and troops will take whatever measures necessary to restore order on Har Habayis. YWN notes that this view is not accepted by poskei hador, who remain opposed to Jews visiting Har Habayis. This is and remains the view of poskei hador. This is also the view of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Among the rabbonim who share this view are HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Halevy Wosner Shlita, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein Shlita, Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita, Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L, Maran Hagon HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv ZT”l and many others. Recently, HaRav Yitzchak Yosef, the Chief Rabbi of Israel said in a speech about this: “One of the rabbis even dared to argue. I told him ‘with all due respect how can you disagree with Rav Elyashiv, with Maran my father, the Steipler, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach and the Gedolei Hador? We are talking about kores!” Six years ago on Sukkos, former Israeli President Shimon Peres paid a visit to the Sukka of Maran HaGaon Rav Elyashiv ZATZAL, where Rav Elyashiv called on the President to prevent Jews from visiting Har Habayis, stating it is an act that that is viewed as extremely provocative by the goyim. Maran stated everything possible must be done to avoid a religious war, and the provocateurs are playing with fire. Maran is quoted as explaining to the president that Halacha forbids going onto Har Habayis but today, it is more than this, it is an act that may lead to a religious war and bloodshed. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Religious freedom, not in the State of Israel. Mrs. Tziporah Filch, a mother of nine and a tour guide on Har Habayis was arrested on suspicion of davening on Har Habayis. It is reported that she is pregnant as well. Over 100 Jews visited Har Habayis on Thursday, 11 Menachem Av, culminating with her arrest. She was apprehended reciting Tehillim. According to eyewitness reports, Filch was on the holy site with a number of her children. They children were taken aside and police took her into custody. They were left alone for over an hour until police permitted them to enter the police station to be with their mother. In another Har Habayis incident, Honenu reports a group of Jewish youths went up to Har Habayis on Wednesday morning 10 Menachem Av. After the group exited they began to dance and sing near the Chain Gate, which is permitted and common. For an unclear reason the policemen decided to shove the dancing youths. At some point one of the group, a youth approximately 19-years-old, was detained by policemen on suspicion of disturbing a policeman in the line of duty and disturbing the peace. The detainee was taken to the Kishleh Police Station in the Old City of Jerusalem for interrogation. Attorney Rechavia Piltz arrived at the police station and worked on behalf of Honenu for the release of the detainee, who refused to agree to the restraining order banning him from entering the Old City of Jerusalem offered by the interrogators as a condition for release. In the end, the detainee was unconditionally released. Honenu responded to the detention: “At a time when Arabs are rioting every day in the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem and in East Jerusalem it is difficult for us to comprehend why the Jerusalem Police chose to detain a Jew whose only crime was dancing at a gate to the Temple Mount, the most holy place to the Jewish nation.” Regarding visiting Har Habayis, there are rabbonim who have indicated one may visit Har Habayis after one learns the pertinent halachos and prepares oneself as required. Leading dati leumi poskim including Rabbi Dov Lior Shlita is among these rabbis, who site visits are permitted if the appropriate halachic restrictions are adhered to. However, this view is not accepted by poskei hador shlita, who remain opposed to Jews visiting Har Habayis. This is and remains the view of poskei hador. This is also the view of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Among the rabbonim who share this view are HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Halevy Wosner Shlita, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein Shlita, Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita, Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L, Maran Hagon HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv ZT”l and many others. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Ami Popper, who was sentenced to seven life sentences for the murders of seven Arabs in 1990 wishes to be interviewed by Channel 2 News. A request to interview him was made recently but Israel Prison Authority officials rejected the request. That request is now coming before the High Court of Justice, filed by Channel 2. Following the release of over 1,000 terrorists in the Gilad Shalit deal, Popper requested a pardon from Prime Minister Netanyahu in 2013. That request was denied. Former President Ezer Weizman reduced Popper’s sentence and he is only eligible to be paroled in about 16 years due to another conviction relating to a vehicular accident during a leave from prison in which his wife and child were killed. He was driving without a license. Popper has become a baal teshuvah and today lives a chareidi lifestyle after becoming close to HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)