Temple Mount Faithful turned back

About 50 to 75 members of the Temple Mount and Land of Israel Faithful Movement,
including their leader, Gershon Salomon, were unsuccessful in their attempt yesterday to reach the Islamic-controlled Temple Mount and lay a 4.5 ton marble cornerstone for the purpose of rebuilding the Third Temple.

While thousands were praying at the Western Wall Plaza, the group broke away and walked up the ramp near the Mugrabi Gate to the Temple Mount. Police prevented them from proceeding and they were turned back. A minor scuffle between the Temple Mount Faithful and Ultra-Orthodox Jews then broke out on the ramp. No one, however, was injured. The Ultra-Orthodox Jews are adamant in their opposition to the group’s annual plans. Salomon could not be reached by phone.

The cornerstone itself was nowhere near the group’s procession and remained
relatively unnoticed on a flatbed truck outside the Dung Gate in an Arab parking lot covered by an Israeli flag. The group did approach the Mugrabi Gate’s entrance but was immediately halted by security police and told to leave. The marchers soon after turned back and quietly dispersed.

Gershon Salomon, the leader of the Temple Mount Faithful told reporters, “We know that we are living in a special and exciting time of the redemption of the people and the land of Israel, the Temple Mount and Jerusalem. We are doing and shall continue to do everything that the Third Temple will soon be built in our lifetime for the honor of the God of Israel.”