Israeli Police Reinstate Ban on Wearing Pashminas at Temple Mount for Jews

The Israeli police have reinstated a ban on Jewish visitors wearing pashminas at the Temple Mount, citing security enforcement. A pashmina is a large scarf that, due to its size, requires tzitzit (ritual fringes), but it does not resemble a traditional prayer shawl (tallit) because of its colors and design. Earlier today, police informed security personnel at the Temple Mount entrances to no longer allow Jewish visitors to enter wearing pashminas, reversing a policy change made on the 17th of Tammuz this year when the ban was temporarily lifted.

About two years ago, the police initially prohibited entry with pashminas, then reversed this decision in July 2023, only to reinstate the ban now. Two Jewish men who entered the site wearing pashminas with prior approval were removed from the Temple Mount area. This development follows recent restrictions reported last week, including prohibitions on approaching the upper plaza and limitations on ascending via the northern path during most visits. Authorities justified these measures by stating they lack sufficient manpower to secure Jewish visitors simultaneously on both the northern path and the adjacent route.

These enforcement actions reflect ongoing tensions and security concerns regarding Jewish access and attire at the sensitive religious site in Jerusalem, which remains a focal point of Israeli-Palestinian tensions.