Introducing Jewish religious texts to Al-Aqsa Mosque: A new violation of the status quo
On Wednesday, Israeli police permitted the entry of prayer materials into the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which were handed out to settlers during their incursions. This move is considered a new escalation in the enforcement of Jewish religious rituals within the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The materials include prayers and religious texts called "Leshem Yehudid," as well as general instructions for "ascending to the Temple," a term used by extremist groups on the Temple Mount to refer to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
These extremist groups connected to the Temple Mount expressed gratitude to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for what they called "the changes being conveyed to the settlers." They regarded this move as a "historic event" and an "unprecedented change on the Temple Mount," describing it as "a historic and inspiring moment in the Jewish struggle."
These groups also hope that more religious study materials will eventually be approved for entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The leaflets they distributed feature the logo of a well-known extremist Temple Mount group, highlighting the organized and public aspect of this move, which clearly breaches the established status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The settlers took photos of the prayer leaflets they distributed and held them up in the eastern part of Al-Aqsa Mosque, with the Dome of the Rock behind them. This action emphasized the public and organized aspect of these rituals within Al-Aqsa.
The inclusion of the text "Leshem Yehudid" at Al-Aqsa Mosque marks a serious escalation, as it serves as a religious declaration of intent to conduct Jewish rituals. This shifts the incursion from a simple symbolic visit to an active religious practice. Additionally, permitting the distribution of prayer leaflets and written instructions with Temple Mount group logos clearly and openly breaches the existing status quo.
