Congresswoman Calls for Equal Access for All to Temple Mount

 You've all heard it said, "Israel is God's timepiece and Jerusalem is the minute hand and the Temple Mount is the second hand."

So today we see news that the second hand is in focus again.

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced a resolution affirming Israel’s sovereignty over the Temple Mount and calling for equal access and religious freedom for Christians, Muslims, and the Jewish people at one of the world’s most sacred sites. 

The resolution recognizes the Temple Mount as the holiest site in Judaism and a revered place for all three Abrahamic faiths. It reaffirms that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of Israel and calls for the protection of the right of all people to worship freely and peacefully. The resolution also highlights the historic and biblical connection of the Jewish people to the Temple Mount, noting that archaeological and historical evidence confirms this enduring bond over more than 3,000 years.

Rep. Tenney’s measure follows repeated international efforts to downplay Jewish ties to Jerusalem and restrict access to the Temple Mount. Currently, Muslims can enter the site through eleven gates, while non-Muslims are limited to one gate with restricted hours and prohibitions on prayer. The resolution condemns these double standards and reaffirms America’s commitment to Israel’s security, sovereignty, and religious liberty for all faiths.

“The Temple Mount is the holiest site in the world for the Jewish people and a symbol of faith and freedom for millions around the world. For generations, Israel has ensured that people of all faiths can access and pray at sacred sites, a freedom that remains nonexistent across much of the Middle East. Christians and the Jewish people continue to face limits on prayer and access at the Temple Mount. My resolution reaffirms Israel’s sovereign right to protect its sacred sites and calls for true religious equality and respect for all who worship there,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

This resolution is supported by Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET), Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), and the Israel Heritage Foundation (IHF):

“The Temple Mount has been revered for 3,000 years as the single holiest site for the Jewish people. It is the location of the temple built by the great King Solomon and rebuilt by King Herod. For nearly two millennia of exile, our people have made the call "to next year in Jerusalem", in reference to the Temple Mount. Safeguarding religious freedoms in Jerusalem and Israel requires us to ensure safe and dignified access for members of all faiths to this holy site. This resolution is an important call and reminder that much work needs to be done towards that end,” said Sarah Stern, President & Founder of the Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET).

“ZOA is pleased the American Congress will enact this resolution recognizing the 3000 years of Jewish history at the Temple Mount and the right of Jews and Christians to pray there while safeguarding the religious rights of all faiths. ZOA appreciates the strong leadership of Rep. Tenney and the other cosponsors in introducing this resolution at this time. Future progress towards a peaceful Middle East depends on a correct understanding of the history of the Temple Mount and its importance to all three Abrahamic faiths. Pretending that Israel might someday surrender this site or any part of Jerusalem as a bargaining chip would only hinder American peacemaking efforts,” said Morton A. Klein, National President of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA).

“We applaud the efforts of Congresswoman Tenney to secure Sovereignty of the Temple Mount for Israel,” said Dr. Joseph Frager, Executive Vice President of the Israel Heritage Foundation (IHF).

Here;  Congresswoman Tenney Introduces Resolution Affirming Israel’s Sovereignty Over the Temple Mount and Supporting Religious Freedom for All | Representative Claudia Tenney

As you all know, Israel took control of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount during the 1967 war where the Arab-Muslim nations invaded Israel AGAIN only to have their butts kicked.  But in order to keep the Muslims calmed down Israel allowed Jordan to control the Temple Mount and that means KEEPING JEWS OFF THE MOUNT.  It's been that way since.  

Can you imagine the outrage if there was a spot somewhere on earth where they said, "No blacks can enter here!"  The outrage would be intense...but the Muslim world gets a pass...again.

The reason that Jews hang out and pray at the Western Wall is because that's as close as they can get to the actual Temple Mount.  Remember the Muslims have the Al Aqsa mosque built there and also the Golden Dome of the Rock...and they don't want any Jews there to filthy it up.

Cudos to this congresswoman from New York making an attempt to change the status quo.

Hat tip to Tom F.