Jerusalem – Despite tensions in Jerusalem’s Old City, some 30,000 worshippers arrived at the Western Wall today to attend the traditional Sukkot Priestly Blessing.
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Following recent violent events in the area, police were on high alert and many officers were deployed throughout the allies of the Old City leading up to the Western Wall, in an attempt to prevent any conflict.
Hundreds of police and Border Guard officers, as well as volunteers, were deployed throughout the allies of the Old City since the early hours of Monday morning.
Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch was also at the Western Wall on Monday, in order to oversee police preparedness.
Two incidents were already recorded Monday morning: Stones were thrown at dozens of haredim praying at the Mount of Olives. Police and Border Guard officers were able to disperse the riots without using force.
Earlier, some 150 young Arab worshippers prayed near the Old City, and refused to leave once prayer was over.
However, police were able to disperse them without having to use any force, and were able to significantly limit the number of Muslim worshippers entering the Temple Mount compound.
After the violent clashes that took place on the eve of Yom Kippur, riots at the Temple Mount resumed on Sunday. In protest of entry restrictions, some 150 Arabs began throwing stones and empty bottles at police officers near Lions’ Gate. Two officers were lightly injured, and five rioters were arrested.
Ahh, finally, we’re getting to the heart of the matter. Now, we can demonstrate our Mesiras Nefesh for Hashem and our land!
For all those who call the Israeli police vile names and show such hatred toward them, please think again. Would “nazi” police risk their own safety to protect jews during prayer?
they should avoid provoking the arabs even if it means some minor limitations on when and where they daven by the kosel. Hashem will listen to our tfilot and duchening from anywhere even if its not directly below the kosel.
#3, 5- You remind me of Neville Chamberlain who was the leader of Great Britain when Hitler came into power. He wanted peace too and Hitler kept going and going. You are correct that Yidden can daven anywhere but davening at the Kosel gives Chizuk. Besides, the Arabs want Israel for themselves- are you willing to give it back to them? Should Obama give back the US to the Native Americans (Indians)?
mmmhhh. the arabs never liked jews and have always killed jews. please open a history book and start to read. true there are people who go on top of the temple mount and it bothers the arabs but again its not theirs its ours so it should b bothering us more then them that we allow arabs to pray there.