Over 1,500 Israelis ascended the Temple Mount on Tuesday morning to mark Tisha B'Av, the day commemorating the destruction of the ancient Jewish temples and other tragic events that occurred on or around this date. The significant number of Jewish visitors on one of the most important days to remember the destruction and subsequent exiles represents a notable increase from previous years.
Video: Jews ascend the Temple Mount for Tisha B'Av prayers
In line with the policy of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who visited the site along with Negev, Galilee and National Resilience Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf, Jews were permitted to pray freely on the Temple Mount. Visitors were recorded singing songs expressing longing for the Temple.
"The Temple Mount is quiet and calm," said Asaf Fried, spokesperson for the Israeli activist group Temple Mount Administration. "We saw very few Waqf officials and Muslims. Jews are walking as free people. We recited lamentations and prayers for the well-being of the hostages. I invite all of Israel to ascend the Temple Mount." The numerous Jewish ascents since the early morning hours proceeded with almost no friction. Among other activities, Jews were seen singing the national anthem and holding Israeli flags. In a small number of cases, visitors were removed from the Mount or asked to take off visible tzitzit.
Video: Jewish worshippers prostrating themselves on the Temple Mount, Aug. 13, 2024, Tisha B'Av / Credit: Or Nehemiah Aharonov
Alongside the many visitors, MK Amit Halevi (Likud) also ascended the Temple Mount. He had requested to go up with the crowds but was ultimately instructed by the police to ascend alone. Rabbi Shimshon Elboim, head of the Temple Mount Administration, stated, "It's moving to see the people of Israel returning to the Temple Mount. Thanks to those ascending, Zion is no longer desolate. Thanks to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Jerusalem Police under the command of Commander Amir Arzani. Come and ascend."
Tom Nisani, CEO of Beyadenu – Returning to the Temple Mount, said, "It's moving to see Jews praying, singing, and prostrating themselves on Tisha B'Av on the Temple Mount.
"Those who wanted to see the Al-Aqsa Flood received over 40,000 Jews this year, strengthening Jewish sovereignty on the Temple Mount," he said, referring to the Oct. 7 massacre, which Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists named Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
