Free Republic

The ceremony has become a tradition ever since the liberation of the Temple Mount during the Six-Day War in 1967 and is seen as an observance of the Jewish obligation to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the Holy Temple three times a year, on Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost) and Sukkot (Tabernacles). During the weeklong Pesach and Sukkot holidays, the ceremony is held on the second of the Hol haMoed (intermediate) days. Hundreds of kohanim, Jews who trace their lineage to Aaron, the first High Priest, stood closest to the Western Wall to take part in the special blessings....

Oct. 13, 2003 (Supreme Court of Israel:) Ultra-nationalists barred from Temple Mount By ETGAR LEFKOVITS Acting on police recommendations, the Supreme Court on Monday barred the leader of the fringe Temple Mount Faithful group, and the head of another small ultra-nationalist organization, from ascending the Temple Mount on Monday morning. The high court rejected an appeal by Gershon Solomon, and Yehuda Etzion to enter the ancient compound, after police warned that visits by either men could lead to bloodshed at the bitterly contested holy site. The Temple Mount was reopened to non-Muslims two months ago, after nearly three years when...