The UN Security Council convened on Thursday for an emergency session following National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount earlier this week.
At the meeting, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, presented the facts regarding the history of the Temple Mount and the Palestinian Arab violations of the status quo through the opening of more mosques on the Temple Mount, by trying to prevent Jews from visiting, and by using the mosques to store weapons and rocks for attack.
Erdan criticized the very existence of the debate, noting that there are many conflicts going on across the world and “yet here we are, discussing the peaceful, 13-minute visit of a Jewish minister to the holiest Jewish site under the sovereignty of the liberal democracy of Israel.”
“I’m sure that at least some of you see the absurdity of this situation. Sadly, this meeting which creates a sense of emergency over a non-event, reminds me of the words of the famous comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who described his show as ‘a show about nothing,’” said Erdan.
“Nevertheless, if this Council wishes to waste its resources on shows about nothing, we may as well utilize this meeting for the best. This is the ideal opportunity to share the truth and facts regarding the Temple Mount. Have any of you heard of the Western Wall? Do you know what this ‘Wall’ was west of? And why it is the most focal point of Jewish prayer? I’ll tell you. The Western Wall is the only surviving structure from the Second Jewish Temple. Our Temple – that was located on the Temple Mount – was the holiest place to the Jewish people, but it was destroyed by others and we were left with the Western Wall. Many don’t know this and I’m not surprised. After all, for years now, the Palestinians have orchestrated and advanced a poisonous campaign to obliterate any trace or connection between the Jewish people and the Temple Mount. They exploit every means, both in words and actions, to promote these lies.”
“Here at the UN, they advance libelous resolutions, just like the one adopted in the General Assembly last week, deliberately erasing the Jewish name of the compound, by referring to it only by its Muslim name, Haram al Sharif. And tragically, many Member States submit to these lies, despite the indisputable proof and archaeological evidence proving the Temple Mount’s true history,” he added.
Ambassador Erdan also quoted a past statement from Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who said, “The Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher are ours. They are all ours, and the Jews have no right to defile them with their filthy feet.”
“Is this the way to uphold the status quo? This is blatant incitement and the rewriting of history. Was there an emergency Security Council meeting when these toxic words were uttered?” asked the Ambassador.
“Minister Ben Gvir’s recent visit to the Temple Mount was not an incursion into al-Aqsa or any other fabrication that the Palestinians branded his visit as. Minister Ben Gvir’s visit was in line with the status quo and whoever claims otherwise is only enflaming the situation. Jews are allowed to visit the Temple Mount. Every Jew!”
Ambassador Erdan clarified who is really violating the status quo, “Rather than protecting the sanctity of the site, the Palestinians have turned the Temple Mount into a battleground. Time and again, the mosques are used as arsenals, where terrorists keep rocks and explosives to attack Jewish visitors and security forces.”
“Just listen to what really happens on the Mount each year: On average, only thirty to forty thousand Jews visit the Temple Mount throughout the year. They are permitted to do so from only one specific entrance, on specific days, at limited hours, in small groups, and under heavy security detail. Meanwhile, every year, millions upon millions of Muslims come to visit and pray at the site, while Israel ensure their safety and protection.”
Ambassador Erdan added, “When this council dedicates its valuable time to 'shows about nothing' it legitimizes the poisonous lies of the Palestinians, and as a result, empowers terrorists to continue in their murderous ways!”
Ambassador Erdan concluded, "According to Jewish tradition, we believe that the Temple Mount will one day, one day will be a place of peace and coexistence. As Isaiah prophesied in the name of God: “I will bring them to My sacred mount and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices shall be welcome on My altar; for My House shall be a house of prayer for all nations.” While the Temple Mount is sadly not yet a house of prayer for all nations, it is still the right of every Jew – no matter what title they hold – to at least, at least visit this holiest of holy spots. Jews will continue visiting the Temple Mount and whoever believes in tolerance and coexistence, should support that."