Extremist Threat Forces Closure of Temple Mount
The Temple Mount was closed to Jewish visitors on the day that Jews mark Tisha b’Av, mourning the destruction of the holy temple.
Jerusalem Police closed the Temple Mount Sunday following information that Jewish extremists would create “provocations,” according to reports. The calls for the provocations appeared on several websites, according to Ynet.
Muslim leaders threatened to riot in return, leading to the closures. Muslims are currently observing the holy month of Ramadan. Muslim worshippers reportedly were allowed on the Temple Mount Sunday.
The Jewish fast of the ninth of the Hebrew month of Av is actually being observed on the tenth of the month, since the ninth fell on Shabbat.
Thousands of Jewish worshippers gathered at the Western Wall on Saturday night for a Tisha b’Av prayer service. Hundreds later joined in the annual march around the walls of the Old City.
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