Unprecedented
History on the Temple Mount: Police Officially Approve Entry of Prayer Sheets for First Time
For the first time, Israel Police officially allow Jewish visitors to bring printed prayer sheets into the compound. Activists thank Minister Ben Gvir for the significant policy shift.
In a historic move, the Israel Police on Wednesday officially permitted Jewish visitors to bring printed prayer sheets onto the Temple Mount for the first time.
The specific prayer page was prepared by "Yeshivat Har HaBayit" (The Temple Mount Yeshiva), which worked directly with police authorities to secure approval for its distribution and entry into the compound. Until now, the police have generally enforced a strict ban on bringing religious objects, such as prayer books (Siddurim), into the site to maintain the fragile status quo.
The Yeshiva celebrated the policy shift in a statement, thanking the political and police leadership for the change.
"After many efforts, Yeshivat Har HaBayit is issuing prayer sheets for the benefit of those ascending the Mount," the statement read. "The Yeshiva thanks Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, the Police Commissioner, and the District Commander for their many efforts, and for the privilege of being part of the process of restoring the Divine Presence to Zion."
The development comes just one week after the Temple Mount was closed to Jewish visitors due to a Muslim holiday, a decision that had drawn criticism from temple activist groups.