Visitors to Har Habayis on Monday 16 Elul were surprised to see a new sign in place posted by Israel Police stating clearly visits to the holy site must be arranged in advance.
The sign instructs one to make arrangements between 15:00-19:00. Visits will take place between 07:30-11:00 and 13:30 – 14:30.
Some believed the sign may pertain to groups but they soon learned police intended this for all Jewish visitors to the holy site. Har Habayis activist Gilad Hadari threatened police to bring the matter to the High Court of Justice, resulting in the removal of the sign. Hadari told police that Honenu attorney Itamar Ben-Givir will represent him to bring the case to the court. He asked police if Muslim worshippers are also required to arrange visits to the area in advance.
Ben-Givir did not waste time, sending a letter to Jerusalem Police requesting the removal of the new regulation immediately since it is discriminatory against Jews. It has been reported that the sign has been removed in response to Ben-Givir’s letter.
Gedolei Yisrael throughout the generations have ruled one may not visit Har Habayis. This is the ruling of Gedolei Yisrael today as well, in addition to being the position of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
Cute how you say that “Gedolai Yisrael have ruled,” but for the Chief Rabbinate it’s their “position.” Just saying.
I do not know why every time there is an article about har habayis ywn needs to add “edolei Yisrael throughout the generations have ruled one may not visit Har Habayis. This is the ruling of Gedolei Yisrael today as well, in addition to being the position of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel”
RAV MOSHE has a tesuva matiring it, also there are some places on har habayis where everyone holds its muttar to go
I didn’t know Rav Moshe has such a teshuva- Never heard of it- can you please be so kind and tell us where it is? Can anyone tell me?