Hundreds of Jews to Raise Israeli Flags on Temple Mount for Independence Day

In a move stirring controversy and heightening tensions, a group of 500 Jewish activists affiliated with the non-profit organization Beyadenu have announced their intention to raise Israeli flags atop the Temple Mount on Independence Day. 

This announcement comes amidst escalating friction surrounding access and control over the holy site, which holds immense religious significance for both Jews and Muslims.

Beyadenu, which advocates for full Israeli sovereignty on the Temple Mount and equal rights for Jews to worship there, described the site as a “place of ascension, longing, and aspiration” central to the Jewish nation’s spiritual and national identity. 

The organization’s CEO, Tom Nisani, emphasized the symbolic significance of the action, framing it as a response to ongoing tensions and acts of terrorism targeting Jewish worshippers.

Critics of the plan have voiced concerns about its potential to exacerbate existing tensions and provoke a strong reaction from Palestinian and Muslim communities. 

The Temple Mount, known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif, is administered by the Islamic Waqf under Jordanian custodianship and is a highly sensitive religious and political flashpoint.

During Passover, a surge in Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount reignited debates over access and religious rights. Some visitors reported restrictions on prayer and movement imposed by Israeli authorities, leading to confrontations and arrests. 

The detention of former MK Aryeh Eldad and Rabbi Aryeh Cohen, allegedly for defying orders, underscored the complex dynamics surrounding access and control at the site.

Tom Nisani reiterated Beyadenu’s stance on the issue, emphasizing the need for Israel to assert its sovereignty over the Temple Mount and address the religious-national conflict it represents. 

He criticized the current management of the site by the Islamic Waqf and called for corrective action to ensure Jewish rights and access.

The Israeli government has yet to officially respond to Beyadenu’s announcement, but the planned flag-raising event is expected to reignite debates over the status quo on the Temple Mount and Israel’s control over religious sites in Jerusalem.

As tensions continue to simmer, the upcoming Independence Day event on May 13th promises to be a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for control and religious freedom in one of the world’s most contested and revered sites.

This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members