Yehuda Glick, Chairman of the Temple Mount Heritage Fund, told Arutz Sheva Tuesday that he was shocked to learn that a sign in Hebrew had been placed at the entrance to the Temple Mount, stating that visits and tours of the Mount have to be coordinated in advance.
After contacts with the police, the sign was removed.
Glick said that the police quickly understood that putting up the sign was a mistake. “We encounter harsh decrees once in a while,” he explained. “In the course of the last year they have been allowing in smaller groups and carrying out intrusive inspections. This deters Jews from coming. We contacted elements within the police and drew their attention to the seriousness of the matter. We were glad to learn that the sign was removed.”
Glick had warm words for the new minister of internal security, Gilad Erdan (Likud), who he said has been taking action regarding the Muslim rioting in the Temple Mount.
"At the end of the 100 days, it is important to me to note that Minister Erdan – beside his activity in appointing a new police commissioner – has taken upon himself the subject of the Temple Mount, and we feel the great change in the way matters are handled vis-a-vis the Arab elements that are creating trouble on the Temple Mount.”
Glick hinted that Erdan – who is secular, but was raised in a religious home – sees with favor a Jewish presence on the Temple Mount, and not just for religious reasons. "There is an attempt to improve the situation,” he said. “There is a religious and sovereign interest favoring the ascent of Jews to the Mount, and these things are stated in our meetings with Minister Erdan as well. With him, we found an attentive ear and a new spirit can be felt.”
Despite his serious injury last year, when a would-be assassin tried to murder him, he is continuing his activity as Chairman of the Temple Mount Heritage Fund at full throttle. “With the grace of God and thanks to the prayers I am getting better,” he said. “I am not yet 100% well, but my motivation has grown and doubled. The degree of interest in us has tripled. There is great interest from rabbis who were not interested in the past, and who were even opposed to the ascent [by Jews], and now encourage the ascent to the Mount.
"I am continuing with greater strength. The terror attack showed me that there are hostile elements who do not want us to be on the Mount and that encourages me to act. There are numerous tours on the Mount, including religious and secular students. It is gathering steam and I call upon the wide public to come and ascend the Mount.”