Jerusalem Day: Temple Mount Violence, Singing, Dancing

reprinted from Arutz Sheva
10:35 Jun 06, '05 / 28 Iyar 5765

As Jews await word as to whether they will be allowed to visit the Temple Mount today, the 38th anniversary of Jerusalem's reunification, Arabs mounted a stoning attack, marring the celebrations.

Arutz-7 reporters at the entrance to the Temple Mount said that a small group of Jews was originally allowed to ascend this morning to that holy site, Judaism's most sacred location in the world. Within minutes, however, several Arabs ran out of the Dome of the Rock and attacked them with rocks. Police quickly overpowered the attackers, firing off about seven stun grenades, and arresting one Arab who attempted to jump on a visiting Jew. Two Jews were lightly hurt.

The police announced immediately afterwards that the situation had become volatile, and that Jews would not be allowed to visit the site until further notice. Dozens of policemen are on the scene, and some journalists have been allowed onto the Mount.

Close to 50 Jews are still milling around the Mughrabi Gate area - where visitors to the Temple Mount ascend from the Western Wall area - in the hope that the ban on their entry will be reversed within a short time.

Last night at 10 PM, the traditional thanksgiving march set off from the Merkaz HaRav Kook Yeshiva in the Kiryat Moshe neighborhood, near the Central Bus Station, for the Old City. Participating were Knesset Speaker Ruby Rivlin, rabbis, public figures, and hundreds of marchers.

The Jerusalem Day "Rikudgalim" Parade will begin this afternoon at 3:30 from Independence Park boys) and Sacher Park (girls) to downtown Jerusalem. The parade features thousands of schoolchildren of all ages singing and dancing while waving flags of the State of Israel. This year, for the first time, parents of young terrorism victims will head the march, holding signs reading, "Despite everything, and because of everything - don't give up!" and the like.

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