Former Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar Condemns Calls for Jewish Ascents to Temple Mount as False and Dangerous
Former Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Shlomo Moshe Amar, issued a sharp and unusual letter strongly criticizing groups promoting Jewish visits to the Temple Mount. Responding to inquiries, Amar directly addressed various publications claiming to represent "Torah opinion" on the matter, labeling them as "pillars of falsehood" and blatant forgeries of the historic rabbinic consensus. He emphasized that most leading rabbis throughout generations have strictly forbidden ascending the Temple Mount due to serious halachic prohibitions.
Rabbi Amar expressed deep regret that contemporary reality reflects the Talmudic warning about increasing audacity, stating, "Day by day, hour by hour, the brazenness grows and intensifies." He condemned the publications for presenting fabricated endorsements under the headline "Torah opinion on the mitzvah of ascending the Temple Mount at this time," calling it a new peak of empty audacity and denial of truth. Amar accused the promoters of crossing a red line by falsely attributing statements to renowned rabbis, both deceased and living, thereby misleading the public with rebellion and deceit.
He firmly rejected claims that his position had softened or that he had endorsed evidence encouraging such ascents, clarifying that he consistently teaches halachic lessons proving the practical impossibility of fulfilling the requirements on site. Regarding minority rabbinic opinions permitting ascent, Amar acknowledged their existence but stressed that halacha follows the majority view. He accused those promoting minority opinions of maliciously deceiving and endangering the public.
Rabbi Amar concluded with a stern warning to the public not to trust these publications, stating, "Know that all their words and writings are lies and deception. Whoever values their soul should distance themselves from these people and their circle, for they have proven they have no fear of God before them. It is forbidden to believe anything they say."