Record 3,703 Visit Jerusalem's Temple Mount on Tisha B'Av Despite Fast and Heat

A new single-day record was set on Thursday for visitors ascending to Jerusalem's Temple Mount, with 3,703 people praying at the site, according to the Temple Mount Administration. This milestone was achieved despite the challenging weather conditions and the observance of the Tisha B'Av fast day, a solemn day in the Jewish calendar.

Rabbi Shimshon Elboim, head of the Temple Mount Administration, expressed his excitement over the turnout, stating, "It is moving to see thousands ascending the Temple Mount properly even on a day of fasting and heat." Throughout the day, morning and afternoon prayers were held, and the site saw visits from rabbis, yeshiva heads, ministers, and Knesset members from various political parties.

Elboim noted improvements in recent years regarding access conditions to the Temple Mount, which have contributed to the steady increase in visitor numbers. He emphasized that each visitor participates in the "return of Israel to the Temple Mount."