Israel Police informed Jewish pilgrims to the Temple Mount that the site will be closed from this Thursday until Sunday, April 14th due to the Muslim observance of Ramadan. That's 16 days in which the Mount will be closed to Jews despite previous statements by Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir regarding his desire to keep it open throughout the year.
As you will recall, a few weeks ago there were discussions in the security cabinet regarding age restrictions for Muslim worshippers entering the site over Ramadan. Now, it turns out that the only restrictions will be imposed on Jews, even though Purim saw 390 Jewish worshippers ascending the mount without any unusual incidents. Last year, the Temple Mount was closed off to Jews for a total of 12 days, and two years ago, it was closed for 13.
Tom Nisani, head of Beyadenu, a grass-roots organization at the forefront of the fight for Jewish rights at the holy site, told Srugim/JFeed: "There is not a single day of the year when the Temple Mount is closed to Arabs. Instead of enforcing security for Jewish worshippers, the police, Prime Minister, and [Itamar Ben Gvir] prefer to fold in the face of threats and close the Temple Mount for an unimaginable period of 16 days. It is clear that this surrender will invite displays of incitement, hatred, and support for terrorism. Shame on them."
