The Temple Mount

When Israel lost Jerusalem in '48, we lost access to our holiest sites. From then until '67, we weren't allowed to go to the Western Wall, we weren't allowed onto the Temple Mount. Jews were banned from our most ancient, holiest site.

When Israel recaptured the Old City in '67, it guaranteed access to religious sites for all. It left the Temple Mount under the administrative control of the Arab Community--a shockingly bold, fair concession, especially considering the complete ban on Jews which had just ended. When tensions rose, along with sporadic violence in (I think) the 90's, Israel banned Jews from ascending the Temple Mount, so that the Muslim community could continue to use the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque in peace. It sent police and army troops to protect those Muslims who were going up to the mount, and even built a covered walkway for their protection.

Remember that history. Because, last week, The Times of Israel reported:

Jerusalem is a Muslim and Christian city, and there will be neither peace nor security until the Israeli occupation, settlements, and settlers leave the city, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday.

He also claimed that:

“[Israel's] ultimate goal is to rob Muslims and Christians of their holy shrines, destroy the Al Aqsa mosque and build the alleged Jewish temple.”

"Alleged Jewish Temple."It seems to me that only one side is trying to rob the other of their religious sites.

Please remember that Abbas is generally considered, and is nearly always referred to in the US Press as "a moderate." This is what passes for moderation.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.