The Hebrew year 5785 (Sept. 2024–Sept. 2025) marked a record-breaking surge of Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, first consecrated by King David around 1000 BC. According to Beyadenu, a Jerusalem-based group advocating for Jewish presence on the Mount, 68,429 Jews ascended during the year—a 22% increase from 56,057 the year prior. They hailed this as the highest figure since records began, and possibly since the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. The recent Rosh Hashanah celebrations highlighted this shift, with 897 Jewish visitors in just two days, nearly double last year’s numbers. Weddings, youth gatherings, and educational tours added to the momentum, underscoring a growing national interest in the site.

Beyadenu spokesperson Akiva Ariel described the numbers as evidence of a “great awakening” among the Jewish people. Once considered the realm of religious extremists, open discussion about the Temple and its significance is becoming mainstream in Israeli society. Still, the rising activity has not come without tension—authorities reported 460 arrests and 163 distancing orders against Jewish visitors. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has played a central role in shaping the new policy, declaring that prayer and singing should be freely allowed across the Temple Mount. For many, these developments represent both a cultural transformation and a prophetic echo, as Israel’s focus intensifies on the very ground where their ancient Temple once stood.

SOURCE: Israel 365 News