National Security Minister Ben-Gvir Attends Prayers on Temple Mount

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir participated in a Mincha prayer service on the Temple Mount on the eve of Yom Kippur. He was joined by the head of the Temple Mount Yeshiva, Rabbi Elisha Wolfson, yeshiva students, and other worshippers. During the prayer, Ben-Gvir and the attendees sang "Open the Gates of Heaven."

On Yom Kippur itself, the Temple Mount opened at 6:30 AM, with hundreds of Jews ascending the site. The Temple Mount Yeshiva prepared prayer books, which were approved by the police and distributed to worshippers. The prayer service on Yom Kippur was led by Rabbi Eliyahu Vevir, head of the Temple Mount Yeshiva.

According to the Temple Mount Yeshiva, over 200 people prayed together for approximately four hours. A total of 654 individuals ascended the Temple Mount during Yom Kippur.

Temple Mount activist Arnon Segal noted a change in the approach to bringing prayer materials to the site. He stated that last year, fifty Jews were delayed, arrested, or removed for bringing prayer sheets, whereas this year, the police distributed prayer books printed by the Temple Mount Yeshiva. Rabbi Wolfson praised Ben-Gvir's visit, calling it a "huge, moving, and joyous historic correction" and expressing optimism for future developments.

Ben-Gvir's participation and the distribution of police-approved prayer books mark a significant shift in policy regarding religious observance at the sensitive holy site.