After being closed to Jews for eight days, authorities on Wednesday reopened Har HaBayis to Jewish visitors, Srugim reports. The reason given for the closure was the end of Ramadan and the It el-Fitr holiday.

Many Jews waited to go onto Har HaBayis since they were blocked on Rosh Chodesh. Mispallalim report there were significant delays due to a shortage of police. No one was permitted onto the area without a police escort.

Visitors were pained to see the accumulation of trash left behind by the Muslims, as well as the general neglect of the Makom HaMikdosh. A Hamas flag was also noticed atop trees.

It must be noted that 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.

Three 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.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)