-Caveat Lector-
Muslims Close Al Aqsa Mosque
By LAURIE COPANS
.c The Associated Press
JERUSALEM (AP) - Muslim clergymen closed Islam's third holiest shrine
Thursday after Jewish extremists called for the expulsion of Muslims from the
hill that once held the ancient Jewish Temple, Judaism's most sacred site.
Israeli police arrested three members of the outlawed anti-Arab Kach group
early Thursday after they distributed leaflets near the Al Aqsa Mosque
compound, calling on Jews to ``expel the strangers from the Temple Mount.''
The three were later released.
Police issued statements published in Palestinian newspapers Thursday
promising that Jewish extremists would not be allowed into the mosque area.
Police apparently hoped to prevent possible Palestinian demonstrations.
Gates to the compound known to Muslims as Haram as-Sharif, or Noble
Sanctuary, were shut this afternoon. The mosque area is located on the site
of the second Jewish Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70
Israel is in overall control of Jerusalem, including the holy sites. Under
arrangements dating back to Israel's capture of the area in the 1967 Mideast
war, the Waqf, the Muslim religious council, administers the mosque area.
Jerusalem police commander Yair Yitzhaki expressed displeasure with the Waqf
decision to close the compound. The Waqf issued no statement, but the
compound was likely to reopen by Friday noon, the most important Muslim
prayer session of the week and the time the sanctuary attracts the largest
crowds .
Some Jewish extremist groups believe the Al Aqsa and Dome of the Rock mosques
should be razed to make way for the rebuilding of the Temple. But most
observant Jews believe the structure will be built only with divine
intervention.
As part of a semiannual tradition, one extremist group, the Temple Mount
Faithful, made an attempt Thursday to enter the gates of the compound on the
Ninth of Av, the day marking the destruction of the two ancient temples.
Police blocked the 30 demonstrators, including a few American Christian
evangelists, who chanted mournful prayers and waved Israeli flags.
``I am here to bless Israel and to support it,'' said Miriam Lee of Buena
Vista, Ga. ``According to the Scriptures, this mount is Jewish land.''
Some evangelical Christians believe the rebuilding of the Temple will hasten
the Second Coming of Christ.
Yitzhaki said the police decided not to let the group onto the Temple Mount
after the Kach members distributed the leaflets.
Jews are allowed to visit the compound and pray, but only silently and in
small groups.
The Haram as-Sharif hill overlooks the Western Wall, the holiest site to Jews
and the last remnant of the Second Temple compound. Dozens were killed in
Israeli-Palestinian clashes in the area in 1990 and 1996 as part of disputes
over the holy sites.
DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER
==========
CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic
screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters
and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright
frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects
spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL
gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers;
be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and
nazi's need not apply.
Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector.
========================================================================
Archives Available at:
http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html
http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/
========================================================================
To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Om
