By Ryan Jones
Israel Today
Jews around the world and particularly in Israel on Tuesday marked the solemn fast of Tisha B'Av, the annual commemoration of the destruction of the Temple and numerous other tragedies to befall the Jewish people.
Under threat of Muslim violence, Jews (and Christians) were barred from entering Jerusalem's Temple Mount as part of the ceremonies, a situation many said proves the Tisha B'Av tragedies have not come to an end despite the rebirth of Israel as a nation state.
Jewish Worshippers Blocked from Temple Mount
Israel Polices spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the decision was made following security assessments that determined the presence of Jews on the Temple Mount on this day would lead to disturbances.
On Monday, the eve of Tisha B'Av, a few hundred Jewish worshipers did ascend the Temple Mount, only to be confronted by a hostile mob of Muslims. Witnesses said the Muslims appeared ready to break out in a violent riot before the Jews were evacuated by police.
Israeli Knesset Member Danny Danon (Likud) said that enough is enough in response to the news.
"We are in favor of freedom of religion on the Temple Mount, and that means freedom for all religions," Danon told Arutz 7. "That includes Jews. We must take steps to ensure that Jews are not only able to visit the Temple Mount, but are also able to pray there. I see no logic in allowing Muslims to pray there, but not Jews."
- Thousands of Jews gather at Western Wall to mourn Tisha Be’av • Jerusalem Post
- Jews Sue Police for Barring Them from Temple Mount on Tisha B’Av • The Jewish Press
- Danon: Equal Prayer Rights on Temple Mount Now • Arutz Sheva
- The Temples of the Bible (Part 1) • BPB (Andy Woods)
- Jewish Holidays: Tisha B'Av • Jewish Virtual Library
- Laying the groundwork for a Third Temple in Jerusalem • Times of Israel
