Record 69,000 Jews Ascend Temple Mount in Past Hebrew Year

The past Hebrew year, 5786, concluded with a record number of Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount, also known as Haram al-Sharif, with approximately 68,944 individuals ascending the site. This figure represents a slight increase from the 68,429 visitors in the previous year, 5785, and marks an all-time high for Jewish visits.

The "BeYadenu" organization for the Temple Mount, which published the statistics, highlighted a growing personal, communal, and familial connection to the site. The data reveals that the Temple Mount was accessible to Jewish visitors on only 220 days during the year, with closures occurring on 134 days due to Shabbat, Muslim holidays, and security reasons.

The busiest month for Jewish ascensions was Tishrei, during which 12,778 people visited. The single busiest day was the Ninth of Av, with 4,288 visitors. The organization noted that security events and the "Lion's Roar" military operation led to a complete closure of the site to Jewish visitors for a period, suggesting that the number of visitors would have been significantly higher without these restrictions.

Additionally, the past year saw a notable increase in families and couples choosing to mark significant life events at the Temple Mount. A total of 217 couples, including 160 grooms and 57 brides, celebrated their weddings there, an increase from 124 grooms and 44 brides in 5785. Furthermore, 45 teenagers, 36 boys and 9 girls, celebrated their bar and bat mitzvahs at the site.

In terms of law enforcement, 383 individuals were detained and 36 were arrested during the year, totaling 419 detentions and arrests. Administrative and police restraining orders were issued against 127 civilians. The "BeYadenu" organization stated that the numbers demonstrate the Israeli public's deepening connection to the Temple Mount and pledged to continue working towards removing restrictions and ensuring full, free access.