Temple Mount Activists Demand Night and Shabbat Access Amid Winter Time Changes
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
The organization 'B'yadenu - For the Temple Mount' is protesting reduced morning access hours due to winter time changes. They demand expanded access, including nighttime and Saturday ascents, to the holy site. The group sent a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other officials outlining their demands and requesting an urgent meeting.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Temple Mount activists demand expanded access, including nighttime and Saturday visits.
- Winter time changes will shorten morning ascent hours by 30 minutes.
- The organization sent a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu and top security officials.
- Activists want to return to pre-2000 access rules and add nighttime hours.
- They are requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the issue.
An organization called 'B'yadenu - For the Temple Mount' is launching a strong protest against what it calls a severe blow and regression in achievements for those ascending the Temple Mount, stemming from the transition to winter time. In a formal letter sent last week to the government and police leadership, the organization demands not only the cancellation of reduced morning hours but also an unprecedented expansion of access to the holy site, including opening its gates on Saturdays and during nighttime hours.
The demand arose following new guidelines for winter time, which shorten the morning ascent window to 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM, a half-hour reduction from the current schedule. The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, Inspector General of the Police Daniel Levi, and Jerusalem District Commander Abshalom Peled, expresses deep disappointment.
The organization highlights that this change comes after a period of progress where ascent hours were extended, warning that the current reduction will severely harm the continuity of ascents and erase previous achievements. They present their vision of the Temple Mount, as the holiest site for the Jewish people, being fully open for Jewish ascent and prayer 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without any restrictions or discrimination.
Given that many citizens are currently unable to ascend in the early morning due to work and study constraints, the organization has put forth three immediate operational demands: an immediate halt to the planned reduction, maintaining the morning closing time at least until 11:30 AM; a return to the status quo from before 2000, allowing Jewish ascents on Saturdays; and finally, opening a nighttime ascent and prayer window between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM, which would enable tens of thousands of workers, students, and families to exercise their right to ascend.
The organization emphasizes that the growing public wishing to ascend the Temple Mount expects a suitable, equitable, and accessible response that reflects sovereignty and true freedom of worship at the site. They concluded their letter by requesting an urgent meeting with decision-makers to prevent the detrimental changes.