Record Number of Jews Ascend Temple Mount During Sukkot Holiday

A record number of Jewish visitors ascended the Temple Mount during the Sukkot holiday, according to figures released by the "B'yadeinu" organization. A total of 9,172 Jews visited the site during the holiday, marking the highest number ever recorded for Sukkot. This represents a 22.7% increase compared to last year's Sukkot, when 7,474 visitors were recorded, and a 42.4% increase compared to Sukkot 5785 (2024), when 6,442 Jews ascended.

Since the beginning of the Hebrew year 5787 (2026), 12,776 Jews have visited the Temple Mount. The organization noted that this figure is nearly equivalent to the total number of visitors during the entire month of Tishrei last year, which was approximately 12,778.

Organized group visits during the holiday included residents from the communities of Har Bracha, Yakir, and Beit Ein, as well as a children's ascent in memory of the late Emuna Kugel. Among the notable visitors were Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, Members of Knesset Amit Halevi, Tzvi Sukkot, and Moshe Feiglin. During one of the ascents, Rabbi Dvir Tal raised an Israeli flag.

Minister Ben-Gvir's visit drew attention as he arrived carrying a Sukkot prayer book. While official police regulations prohibit Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount, and bringing prayer books is considered a violation of the status quo, the police have recently been piloting an option to allow Jewish visitors to enter with prayer books. This initiative is reportedly linked to Ben-Gvir's efforts, as he has previously entered the site with prayer leaflets and lamentation booklets. During his tenure as Minister of National Security, more Jewish prayers and prostrations have been permitted on the Mount, actions that have drawn criticism and tension, including from Jordan, which holds a special status at the site.

The "B'yadeinu" organization expressed pride in facilitating the "amazing return of the people of Israel to their holiest place," thanking the thousands of visitors for participating in this "historic event" and strengthening the Jewish presence there.