Claudia Tenney, a Daniel Come to Judgment

Claudia Tenney, a Congresswoman from New York, on October 28 introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives that affirms Israel’s sovereignty over the Temple Mount, and calls for equal access and religious freedom for Christians, Muslims, and the Jewish people at the site. This “equal access” means that Jews would no longer be limited to visiting the Temple Mount for four hours a day, five days a week, while Muslims can visit at all hours and on every day of the week. Furthermore, while Muslims can pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount, Jews are forbidden to pray on the Temple Mount, thanks to an ill-considered policy put in place by Moshe Dayan just after the Six-Day war. Congresswoman Tenney wants that wrong to be righted.

More on her resolution can be found here:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced a resolution affirming Israel’s sovereignty over the Temple Mount and calling for equal access and religious freedom for Christians, Muslims, and the Jewish people at one of the world’s most sacred sites.

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The resolution recognizes the Temple Mount as the holiest site in Judaism and a revered place for all three Abrahamic faiths. It reaffirms that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of Israel and calls for the protection of the right of all people to worship freely and peacefully. The resolution also highlights the historic and biblical connection of the Jewish people to the Temple Mount, noting that archaeological and historical evidence confirms this enduring bond over more than 3,000 years.

Rep. Tenney’s measure follows repeated international efforts to downplay Jewish ties to Jerusalem and restrict access to the Temple Mount. Currently, Muslims can enter the site through eleven gates, while non-Muslims are limited to one gate with restricted hours and prohibitions on prayer. The resolution condemns these double standards and reaffirms America’s commitment to Israel’s security, sovereignty, and religious liberty for all faiths.

“The Temple Mount is the holiest site in the world for the Jewish people and a symbol of faith and freedom for millions around the world. For generations, Israel has ensured that people of all faiths can access and pray at sacred sites, a freedom that remains nonexistent across much of the Middle East. Christians and the Jewish people continue to face limits on prayer and access at the Temple Mount. My resolution reaffirms Israel’s sovereign right to protect its sacred sites and calls for true religious equality and respect for all who worship there,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney….

“The Temple Mount has been revered for 3,000 years as the single holiest site for the Jewish people. It is the location of the temple built by the great King Solomon and rebuilt by King Herod. For nearly two millennia of exile, our people have made the call “to next year in Jerusalem”, in reference to the Temple Mount. Safeguarding religious freedoms in Jerusalem and Israel requires us to ensure safe and dignified access for members of all faiths to this holy site. This resolution is an important call and reminder that much work needs to be done towards that end,” said Sarah Stern, President & Founder of the Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET).

“ZOA is pleased the American Congress will enact this resolution recognizing the 3000 years of Jewish history at the Temple Mount and the right of Jews and Christians to pray there while safeguarding the religious rights of all faiths. ZOA appreciates the strong leadership of Rep. Tenney and the other cosponsors in introducing this resolution at this time. Future progress towards a peaceful Middle East depends on a correct understanding of the history of the Temple Mount and its importance to all three Abrahamic faiths. Pretending that Israel might someday surrender this site or any part of Jerusalem as a bargaining chip would only hinder American peacemaking efforts,” said Morton A. Klein, National President of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA)….

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Claudia Tenney deserves the thanks of all those who care about history and the truth. Jews have been worshipping on the Temple Mount since the 10th century B.C. Jerusalem is the holiest site in Judaism. And it is time to recognize the right of Jews to have as much access to the Mount — now severely limited to about twenty hours a week — as Muslims do, as well as having their right to pray on the Mount be restored. Let’s see who supports her resolution, and who holds back.