An IDF soldier was detained on the afternoon of Monday, 1 Iyar on Har Habayis for allegedly bowing a slight bow. According to the police, at the exit from Har Habayis the soldier walked backwards, facing the site of the Beis Hamikdash and bowed a slight bow, in the manner in which Jews are accustomed to leave a shul and other holy places.
The soldier was taken to a police station adjacent to Har Habayis. Honenu attorney Rehavia Piltz hurried to the station in order to work towards the release of the soldier.
Honenu: “The detention of an IDF soldier because he dared to honor the site of the Beis Hamikdash is a disgrace. The fact that a detention such as this was carried out on the eve of Israeli Independence Day is a badge of shame for the State of Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem, the capital city.”
Gedolei HaPoskim throughout the ages including Gedolei Hador Shlita today have ruled it is absolutely forbidden to visit Har Habayis, even if one does so in line with Halacha including tevila. This is also the ruling of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. This is an Issur Kares.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photo: Students for the Temple Mount)
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4 Responses
The soldier may have been on har habayis for reasons that are allowed even according to those who believe it’s assur, in fact he may even be allowed to enter the place of the kodshei kodoshim.
Oh my gosh! how terrrible of this soldier! such an act can provoke WW3!
Really, children, how stupid can we get? to arrest some one who shows respect for a holy place in a manner that does not offend anyone!
luckshen,
it offends the chamorim who are up there
Reminds me nebech of the old joke of someone looking to give an urgent message to a Congregant in a modern synagogue on Yom Kippur (and didn’t pay for a “ticket” for the services). He finally convinces the Usher to allow him in. As the Usher relents, he tells the guy; “Ok, go to your friend; but don’t let me catch you Praying in there”. Ah bitter gelechter.