Israeli Security Figure and Temple Researcher Dr. Yehoshua Peleg Dies at 87
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Dr. Yehoshua Peleg (Frankel), a clandestine security operative who won three Israel Security Awards, died at 87. His extensive security work remains classified. After retiring, Peleg pursued doctoral research on the Second Temple, proposing original theories about its structure, water systems, and historical connections to Roman and Byzantine figures. Journalist Arnon Segal eulogized him, highlighting his genius and creativity in both his security and academic pursuits.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dr. Yehoshua Peleg (Frankel), a secret security operative, died at 87 after a decades-long career.
- Peleg received three Israel Security Awards for his clandestine work, much of which remains classified.
- Post-retirement, Peleg earned a doctorate for his research on the Second Temple and its history.
- He proposed original theories regarding the Temple's water supply and its connection to Roman and Byzantine eras.
- Journalist Arnon Segal praised Peleg's genius and originality in both security and academic endeavors.
Dr. Yehoshua Peleg (Frankel), who was involved in decades of clandestine security activities and received three Israel Security Awards, passed away on Saturday at the age of 87. Much of his work for Israel's security remains classified, even after his death.
Alongside his security career, Peleg researched Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, and was among the founders of the "Kiryat Ne'emana" synagogue. Journalist Arnon Segal eulogized him on social media, stating that Peleg "did great and hidden things behind the scenes for Israel's security for decades," but his work cannot be detailed due to ongoing publication restrictions.
After retiring, Peleg dedicated significant time to researching the history of the Second Temple, completing a doctoral thesis on the subject. His research focused on the Temple's structure, historical developments on the Temple Mount, and its water systems. He proposed original hypotheses, some of which formed the basis for chapters in Segal's book.
Another proposed that Byzantine Emperor Justinian used columns from Herod's Royal Stoa on the Temple Mount for a large church, with the columns potentially still buried under the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem.
Peleg also theorized about the Temple's water supply, suggesting that an aqueduct from Gush Etzion supplied two pools at the Temple's summit via a connected vessels principle, with the water used to cleanse the sanctuary of blood from Passover sacrifices. Segal noted that he continued to publish further findings from Peleg's research in the "Mekor Rishon" newspaper even after his book's publication.