Har HaBayit activists would agree with Israel Police Chief Yochanan Danino, albeit from the opposite perspective. The police chief told a Hebrew University audience that the issue of Har Habayis presents an existential threat to Israel’s future, “no less than the bomb”. Danino fears the recent upsurge in Jewish identity with the holy site and the yearning to visit and daven will lead to catastrophe. The activists believe that if left alone, ignored, the Muslims will overrun Har Habayis and this will lead to catastrophe for Am Yisrael.

The chief wished to drive his point home, referring to the wave of Islamic terror attacks in Yerushalayim during recent months. “This is the result of the incitement” he exclaimed. He makes a direct connection between the wave of terrorism and increased Jewish activism vis-à-vis the holy site.

He explained that following elections for the 19th [outgoing] Knesset, persons who wished to change the status quo on Har Habayis entered Knesset. He told the audience that he warned them, telling them that this will not just ignite a flame on Har Habayis, in Israel or the Middle East, but the international Muslim community.

Danino feels that in reality, despite the bold statements, “There is no chance of changing the status quo on Har Habayis for we are dealing with over 1 billion Muslims worldwide” he added, telling his audience he has pleased with the Knesset Interior Committee to abandon the discussion pertaining to Har Habayis for they will lead to bloodshed.

Gedolei Yisrael throughout the generations are strongly opposed to visiting the Har Habayis, as is the case today. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel also remains opposed to visiting Har Habayis.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)