Temple Mount DestructionAn Eyewitness Report from the Temple MountDigging Up the Temple Mount—A Report from the Fourth Day Talkback Add Your CommentThis morning, three archeologists (Asaf Avraham, Tikva Levine and I), went to the Temple Mount to carefully examine, to the extent possible, what may be learned from the trench that is being dug before it is filled in. Our main purpose was to examine the characteristics of the earth in the various areas along the length of the trench and compare it to the earth that we have been sifting for the past three years; that earth had been excavated by Muslim authorities in the course of digging a huge pit as an entrance to the a underground substructure, which was turned into a mosque on the Temple Mount (without proper archaeological supervision) and then dumped in the Kidron Valley. We started from a point north of the raised platform on which the Dome of the Rock sits, where the new digging was begun. We observed much material from the Byzantine period, including mosaic stones and broken vessels (some of them freshly broken by the work of the tractor). Beginning at the point where the trench turns east we could distinguish noticeable layering in the cross-section of the trench. In the western section one could see, beneath the foundations of the modern paving, a layer of gray dust and beneath it another layer of yellowish-brown color (figure 1). The yellow sand that can be seen on the floor of the trench is unrelated to the layer in the cross-section of the trench. In the eastern part of the trench we saw a light gray layer that is sloping down toward the east and beneath it a layer of terra-rosa soil (figure 2). In this area we also saw two building stones, chiseled in a comb-style, characteristic of the Second Temple period, Byzantine mosaic stones and additional shards from various periods. Between them we observed an area where there was a large collection of pottery.
Near the north-east corner of the trench, at the point where it turns south, there was a collection of architectural items, among them a fragment of a border and a lattice from the Byzantine period. These had been removed from the trench and gathered here.  Figure 3 The eastern trench has already reached the amazing length of more than 200 m./640 ft. (Fig 4). Combined with the northern segment, the trench is currently 1.5 m./5 ft. deep and about 350 m./1120 ft. long! About 80 m./250 ft. distant from the northern corner of the eastern trench and about 20 m./65 ft. north of the eastern stairs of the raised platform of the Dome of the Rock we could see the exposed bedrock of the Temple Mount at a depth of less than one half meter (1.6 ft.) for a length of about 10 m./ 32 ft. It appears that the tractor had difficulty digging in this area and only scraped the upper surface of the rock. It also seems that the rock had been carved into at various points because in different places it noticeably protruded above its nearby environs. This provides us with new information regarding the topography of the Temple Mount, since previously it was not known that the bedrock at this point was so shallow. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that, according to the generally accepted views of researchers dealing with the location of the Temple, it was in this area that the northern wall of the Temple Court of the Women and the Chamber of the Lepers of the Second Temple stood.1 To our great misfortune, the work of the tractor on this spot made it impossible to carefully examine any earth layers that could help us date the earliest period when the rock was first covered.
Along the continuation of the trench there were areas where building stones could be seen, among them building stones with comb-like chiseling from the Second Temple period (Fig 8).  Figure 8 As the trench extends along the area opposite the Dome of the Rock, one can observe layering in the cross-section of the trench. In certain areas beneath the foundation of the modern flooring a layer of yellowish or gray texture could be seen above a layer of terra-rosa soil (Figs 9-11). It must be pointed out that according to the archeology of Jerusalem, layers with reddish soil hint at a date earlier than the period of the Second Temple.
At the same area we found a few building stones; one of them was finely engraved and seems to be part of a gate jamb (figure 12).  Figure 12 Along the trench, about 20 m./65 ft. south of the eastern stairway of the Dome of the Rock, we identified in the cross-section a collection of ashlar and hewn stones laid out against each other in one row (fig 13 a, b. c.). The average diameter of the stones was about 35-45 cm./14-18 in. It was not clear whether these had been cut during the digging of the trench or whether they were there by coincidence, since in the cross-sections of archeological digs, wall-foundations are seen more clearly with the stones nicely positioned one against the other. When we considered that this cut had not been done carefully by archeologists working by hand but rather crudely by tractor, we could understand the disorganization of the stones. It appears that this is a foundation for an ancient wall that passed here, which is 7 m./22 ft. wide. It was approximately in this area that the southern Court of the Women yard wall and the Chamber of the House of Oil of Second Temple stood!.2
It should be mentioned that, from testimony we heard yesterday, at this point one of the policemen tried to stop the tractors work. It is not certain if he did this on his own initiative or on the initiative of the archeological supervisor. However, he had to fight for this. According to the testimony of the architect Gidon Charlap, when he refused to stop, the policeman climbed up into the tractor but was forcibly pushed out by one of the workers who sat next to the operator. Following that, the policeman jumped into the trench to stop the tractor bodily (fig 14). According to the police, the policeman did not try to stop the work because there were antiquities about to be destroyed but because the tractor was not allowing adequate archeological supervision there. It is not clear what the position of the Israel Antiquities Authority was in this conflict or how the issue was resolved; however, it is clear that, if the face-off took place at the spot where we identified the remnants of a wall, it seems that those who make the decisions decided to allow the tractor to continue destroying the wall.
Along the trench, the more we proceeded to the south, we were able to see more and more items that were familiar to us from the sifting of the earth dumped in the Kidron Valley. We saw broken glass vessels, many mosaic tiles, glazed wall-tiles from the Ottoman period and marble slabs. It seems that the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount served as a dumping area for repair works that were carried out there in modern times. In addition, we came across the handle of a vessel with two imprints of slanted cross-lines. This seems to have been from the Mamluke or Othman periods. (fig. 16)  Figure 16 In the southernmost area of the trench, south of the southern face of the Dome of the Rock’s raised platform, a layer of terra-rosa soil beneath a stratum of gray soil could be clearly seen (fig 17).  Figure 17 At this point, the trench began a turn toward the west in the direction of the Al Aqsa mosque. The turn was near the wall of the modern southern terrace, at the base of which can be seen the well-known remnant of the stairway carved there into the bedrock (fig 18). When we visited the site, the tractor was only a few meters away from that step and its progress was directed so as to pass right alongside that step. (See video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hyVDrzcp4w and fig 19).
 Notes1. Leen Ritmeyer, The Quest—Revealing the Temple Mount in Jerusalem (Jerusalem: Carta, 2006), pp. 345, 355. 2. Ritmeyer, pp. 345, 355.
censorshipI attempted o post to this discussion. In that post I mention that I was disappointed in the fact that several posts contained historically inaccurate facts and I anticipated a higher level of education from BAR readers. I also urged cooperation between the jewish and muslim authorities.. My post was never posted, what is more I have read several overtly zealous post urging intoleration and making no real contribution to the discussion except to inflame anger in its readers. I am shocked to realize that a magazine I have always considered fair and unbias censors everything but blatant zionism on its website (personally I believe in isreals right to exist as a nation and to isreal as their homeland however unless you advocate the annhilation of all palestinians then your post will nt be seen as i doubt this one will • • • • • • • Digging Up the Temple MountI am always amazed at what Israel endures from the Muslims trying to pacify other countries of the world That is something which can not be done no matter what their stance. Most countries of the world have shown their hatred of the Jews for 2000 years. Israel should/must take a stronger stance against all who want to destroy the country and its heritage. • • • • • • • arab denialArabs (or "palestinians") seek to deny the historical fact of Israel in antiquity, especially the presence of the ancient Jewish temples. Their wanton destruction of archeological evidence is simply an effort to deny these findings to Israel and the world. Their "Pallywood" version of history, sans Jews, cannot stand up to archeological proofs. • • • • • • • temple mountI find it astonishing that Israelis are complaining about the digs by the Temple while they remain silent on the work being done by the Israelis on the Mosque. The Moslem community has the same concern as the Jews do but their concern is also being ignored. Perhaps if both sides stop playing politics with God's house, the Palestinians could live in dignity and the Jews in peace. • • • • • • • The digging of the Temple MountHamas is now disputing the building in the east part of Jerusalem and yet thru an agreement demolishes part of the Temple Mount by digging trenches. Recently they have defaced a Jewish Temple--all without any consideration. So,I ask, who does Jerusalem belong to and whose country is it in? Why, it belongs to the Jewish people and the country of Israel in case the world has forgotten! So, this interference by outsiders must stop. And why hasn't the country of Israel been more progressive in their actions? They should know by now they are dealing with the devil who keeps not his word. How would other nations like interference with their countries agendas? When the shoe is on the other foot- there would be some grievances and they wouldnt wait for a reaction but would act immediately.So, leave ISRAEL alone to their affairs. • • • • • • • Temple Mount "Destruction"Do arhaeologists finance the delays and extra work involved in hand digging? If so, then fine. If not, then let the folks dig their utility trench and be quiet about it. • • • • • • • Digging at Temple MountI am stunned after reading and viewing the pictures regarding the mechanical digging around the Temple Mount. What could possibly justify this kind of devastation in such an archaeologically sensitive. Who, in their right mind, would authorize such and outrageous activity? I am simply dumbfounded by this. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionFirst the destruction caused by digging that ridiculous entrance a few years ago and now this. How many more careless diggings are going to be allowed to be conducted? Laying necessary pipes is one thing, but when you're in a historically rich area such as this, care must be taken while digging. This blatant disregard and use of heavy machinery is another slap in the face. • • • • • • • Dig on TemplemountHave the Muslems given any reason for the tractor created trench? • • • • • • • Temple MountIt is paramount that someone stops the excavation by machine at any cost. It has come to my attention that what has been most sought by God's people is close. What was hidden in a cave so many centuries may be right there beneath.....!! • • • • • • • Israel’s Supreme Court Hears CPDATM PetitionWhat kind of incompetance makes up the CPDATM and its attorneys? What do you mean the "Committee and its lawyers could not respond to testimony given behind closed doors..."? Why not? Was there proper archaeological supervision or wasn't there? Is the Committee going to sit idle by and allow this ruling or are they going show proof of their case? Why is it so difficult? This should be a slam dunk! Temple artifacts have been carelessly damaged, have they not? By Muslims who apparently couldn't care less, right? I hope to hear about a victory in this case after the 21 day period is up! And how much more will be destroyed by then? • • • • • • • Destruction of temple mountWhy did they turn the temple mount over to the muslims? What were they thinking? Is anyone surprised at their behavior in destroying all these archeological treasures? • • • • • • • Muslim crimesWe have seen by the destruction of the ancient Buddhas of Bamyan statues in Afghanistan that Muslim supremecists have no regard for the holy sites of others. In Iraq Sunnis and Shiites are blowing up each others mosques. Often mosques (such as the ones in Jerusalem) are built right on top of the holy sites of others. I pray every day for a really well placed earthquake that will put an end to the 3rd holiest shrines in Islam. They deserve that. I'd have no problem sharing the site with a truly peace loving religion. Islam is not showing a peaceful face to the world. • • • • • • • Temple mount destructionI'm appalled, not just with the Israeli govt,but moreso with those dwelling in the land and Christians & Jews worldwide for not speaking up vehemently regarding this atrocity! May Hashem wake us up • • • • • • • tempel mountStop the digging. It is destroying history. • • • • • • • Temple MountThis is exciting. I'm glad that the archaeologists are allowed to continue the search and reporting their finding . The walls are getting weaker with every tractor full of dirt. Prophesy is becoming more clear. • • • • • • • "Temple Mount"While I understand others concern over the work being done, I am not convinced that this IS the true "Temple Mount". From what I read in Josephus writings, the ENTIRE city of Jerusalem was leveled EXCEPT for the Legion Antonia Fortress. This fortress was built by Herod using the same materials as the Temple, but was of a size for an entire Roman legion. The only structure that fits the description is what is now called the "Temple Mount" All of the articles in BAR have assumed that this was the site of Herod's Temple but no one has offered concrete proof, just "tradition", and supposedly a vision of Helena, Emperor Constantine's mother. So where was the actual site? It has to be south because the Antonia over looked it on the Temple's northern side. I suspect that the mysterious "Stepped-Stone Structure" is related, and possibly was built by Solomon when he built the first Temple. However, whether Temple or Antonia, the refusal to have the work properly overseen by competant archeologists is inexcusable. • • • • • • • Temple Mount trenchI am very tired of ALWAYS hearing in the media about the Temple Mount being "the 3rd most holy site" of Islam and then, secondly always, hearing it is a holy site for the Jews. It is the holiest of sites for Israel!!! I hope that the Israeli government has the courage to not allow such destruction by Muslims any longer and begin real excavations of the Temple Mount. • • • • • • • Temple Mount trenchWhile the alleged improvements on the Tmple Mount are causing a stir because of the disregard to archaealogical rules, and legal rules also,there may be some positive results. This is an additional time the Arabs are digging up the Temple Mount and have still not found important evidence, as far as we know. We know Jews restrict themselves to going to the area and so they cannot dig or really monitor what is revealed. If Jews were to digg up the Temple Mount and use archaeological rules, they would be stuck at the start of the digging and study the evidence. This way the Arabs are digging and, hopefully, will reach the really interesting levels-those of the First Temple and King Solomon's original structure- and then the Jews and the world can step in and study the really valuable finds. • • • • • • • Destruction at the Temple MountI think this is typical of the self-centered, ignorant attitude of the Moslem authorities responsible for the work near the Dome of the Rock. Since there is antagonism towards and complete disrespect of beliefs and religions other than their own, it does not surprise me that they are allowing the destruction of Byzantine and earlier Judaic artifacts. I guarantee that there would be an uproar from the Islamic community if work at a Jewish temple disturbed some Mohammedian relics. • • • • • • • TEMPLE MOUNT DESTRUCTIONI am disheartened by the blatant disregard for the sacred sit that is being destroyed. Valuable archaeological finds are being corrupted by the flagrant disregard for the importance of the Israelite history of the site. One has to wonder if Mecca would be treated with such disrespect by the Muslim authorities? • • • • • • • Temple MountI oppose any construction in the Temple Mount area. Stephen Barr • • • • • • • Temple Mount diggingB"H The State of Israel has no constitution. Israeli politicians such as Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert do what they want to do for reasons that only they know. The Israeli Supreme Court rules on issues of conflict, but it has no power to enforce those rulings. What can the Israel Antiquities Authority do when politicians rule and the Authority must bend to political winds? Zachi Zweig deserves a medal of honor for his tremendous efforts in 1999 in sifting through the dumps of Temple Mount destruction. More power to him. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionIs it possible that good can come out of what is considered destruction? • • • • • • • Waqf destruction of Temple MountIn The USA we have a proverb - give someone an inch, they'll take a mile - (give a centimeter they will take a kilometer). Let WAQF take this, next they'll take the whole mount area. Pathetic. Sacrilegious. Blasphemous. Immoral. Why does not Israel do something? Who gave WAQF the right to do this in the first place? Take back their privileges. • • • • • • • temple trenchMy heart is broken over the continuing destruction of our Holiest Temple Mount remains. I don't blame the Wakf, they're barbarians. I do blame Olmert and all the secular Israelis • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionMy earlier posting to the IAA decrying the destruction of the Temple Mount so far has received no response. However, I also e-mailed the Prime Minister's Office which did respond though (which is reproduced below) I would like to read Mr. Shanks's take on it: We acknowledge receipt of your recent e-mail to the Prime Minister’s Office regarding excavations on the Temple Mount. Please be assured that the Israeli Antiquities Authority is closely following the work being carried out on the Temple Mount, and is ensuring that there is no damage to any antiquities unearthed. Thank you for writing to express your concern. Sincerely, Prime Minister’s Office – E-Correspondence • • • • • • • Temple MountNeeded renovations and enhancements should not be called destruction. This a charged word that indicates prejudice. Whole Palestinian villages and churches were destroyed by Israel. Where were you? • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionWith all of the sensitive history surrouinding the Temple Mount, one would think that Isreali leaderes would follow archeological methods when digging. There must be fear of worse reprisals to oppose the digging. If you have not read it, find Dore Gold's 2007 book, "The Fight for Jerusalem" to learn the history of the Temple Mount. • • • • • • • Contact ListNatan Sharansky has on his website a contact list of those you can e-mail or call and let them know of your outrage at the destruction. It appears though that all protest is falling on deaf ears! His web site is onejerusalem.org Blessings, Bee • • • • • • • Needless damage to Temple SiteI feel frustrated. There appears to be a call for the Christians to help discourage the Muslim desecration, but I am unsure how to contact these folk to protest. I will still be searching if some others with knowledge have established such a communication. I wonder if the Arabs have gotten clues from the large number of unbelieving Archeologists who have questioned the Bible's testimony in BAR to arrogate their opinion that the Hebrews never had a temple on this mount. I am part Cherokee and even though we still have an existing population, it is very difficult to find cultural clues pointing to our peoples that actually identify us and verify that we actually existed even two or three hundred years past. • • • • • • • Temple MountIsn't there a way to carefully install telephone, etc. cables without destroying valuable archaeological sites? This IS the site where two Temples stood. • • • • • • • temple Mount destructionIt is insanity to even consider the destruction of the Temple Mount. You can't change history. The ancient temple of the Israelites has been gone for millenia, replaced by succeeding cultures and structures, just as it occurs in every civilization that has ever existed. The very suggestion reeks of prejudice and racism. Would a Jew gladly allow the destruction of synagogues across the world because they were not the original inhabitants of that property? want to cause more conflict in the world? Support this type of insanity. • • • • • • • Islamic Disregard for anything Non-IslamicTeaching for three years in Kuwait in a private, bilingual school gave me a direct impression of the Islamic idea of "truth". It was demonstrated in what I observed to be a fundamental idea of "truth" in settings involving elementary, secondary and post-secondary students. "Truth" is a tribal matter in Islamic society; lying cheating and stealing are "OK" if they help out the tribe (Muhammed himself stole to help his followers). Whatever is not reflective of "Islamic" realities is not "truth". If it's not good for the tribe, then it's not truth. It is easy to see how Jewish history is disregarded by Islamic authorities; it simply isn't relevant and can never have any "true" significance for them. The bulldozer is a wonderful metaphor for Islamic regard for other than Islamic truth; Islam has NO REGARD for anything non-Islamic. They are the bulldozers of Judaism as well as Christianity, not to mention Buddhism. Furthermore, they are the great usurpers of Jewish and Christian history. They bulldoze it and "reinvent" it as Islamic. The Temple Mount becomes then for them just another place of Islamic significance, good for the tribe. To accuse them of lying or stealing or cheating is to make the mistake of assuming that they are see "truth telling" in a Western way. They simply won't get it. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionGod is good all the time. And what would His possible reason be for allowing the destruction and desecration of His Holy place by the Muslims? The Lord also has a sense of humor and maybe He's decided that if the Muslims clear everything off the Temple Mount, whether it be Muslim, from the time of the Crusades, or (how I hate this phrase!) pre-Islamic, i.e. Jewish or Roman, it will make it easier for the Jews to reconstruct the New Temple when the time comes. One thing's for certain, there will be much less stuff to sift through! • • • • • • • temple mountI am outraged at the travesty of justice in the world; the destruction of truth; and the silence of the people. What can a little person like me do? The heritage of the Jewish people is being destroyed. • • • • • • • Destruction on Temple MountI believe the Moslems should allow excavations on the Mount before they totally destroy valuable historic information. The mount is a place sacred to both religions (Judaism, first) and the Moslems should not destroy history (no matter whose it is). • • • • • • • Temple Mount destructionAll interested parties should be present and have a say in what goes on on the Temple Mount. What good is the U.N. if it cannot or will not intervene? • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionHow the various authorities can sit back and allow this destruction to take place on one of the most precious sites on the planet is beyond belief. "Legal" it may be but it is certainly also immoral. Even a careful well planned excavation would be daunting but driving a backhoe through the site is sheer vandalism. If cabling is needed then well protected surface trunking might suffice but I guess as the Palestinian leaders have decided neither Solomon’s Temple nor Herod’s Temple ever existed on the site who are we to question the decision. If even the Israeli authorities, who you would think would have an interest in their own history, blatantly let the excavations continue without protest the Waqf Muslim religious trust will continue to abuse their custodianship of the site. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionIf I understand the position of the Waqf, there never was any temple on the temple mount. Therefore digging on the temple mount should not uncover any artifacts from any of the three temples. (I'm not sure what they say about Roman and Byzantine buildings.) Their refusal to do proper archeological work and their willingness to destroy anything dug up by using a backhoe suggests a fear that something might be found that proves that there were Jewish temples before 70 AD. Their real position seems to be, "it's ours now and we can rewrite history as we choose. Others can kiss off." And the Israeli government allows them to go ahead and destroy. That I really do not understand. • • • • • • • The tractor diggingI believe the moslems don't care about the Archaeology of the temple mount. It is a real shame that they didn't bother to get Archaeologists involved. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionThis is just not destruction but scrilege. I am not talking about desecrating an holy site, which they are, but the complete disregard for another people's ancestry. History is not just for the few, but for all. No one culture has survived without affecting all others associated with it. If the idiots who are destroyig ancient artifacts because of (1 hatred, (2 ignorance, (3 religious superiority, or (4 for any other reason, are also destroying part of their own histroy. OR, maybe they have something to hide and are afraid of the truth(s) that are being unearthed. God will always win over the ills of this world and it's inhabitants. I just feel sick that so much history is being wiped from view. • • • • • • • Israelis allowing this?The only explanation for the Israelis allowing this to happen is fear of Muslim extremists, yet I find this hard to believe. I thought the Israelis defended themselves, their turf and their heritage like no other people...have their priorities changed? • • • • • • • excaxation Temple mountAtrocious. This site is holy to Jews and Christians. Would Muslims like it if we dug up Mecca? Mohammed is buried in Medina and couldn't have gone to heaven from Jerusalem. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionThis is SACRILEGIOUS AND BLASPHEMOUS! Olmert has to go because he refuses to stop it. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionI think it is self-evident that the IAA and the Israeli Government (and people) are so terrified of the muslims and the rest of the world that they will allow them to do anything rather than make waves. After all, the world will only blame Israel and support the Waqif. The moslems and palestinians are in control - not just of the Temple Mount but of everything that affects the non-muslim world. They have stated repeatedly that their goal is to wipe out Israel and the Jewish people; destroying that history is a great place to begin. What is truly frightening to me is less the destruction, than that the Israeli (and world) governments are willing to stand by, watch it happen, and do nothing to stop it. Where is the spirit and faith of 1967? • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionIn a word 'DESECRATION' • • • • • • • Temple Mount 'Destruction'Zachi Zweig says "This provides us with new information regarding the topography of the Temple Mount, since previously it was not known that the bedrock at this point was so shallow." Yes, the tractor disturbed the layers, but who had foreknowledge that the soil was so shallow? Same person, same article: "there was a collection of architectural items, among them a fragment of a border and a lattice from the Byzantine period. These had been removed from the trench and gathered here." Note that they had been removed and gathered [conscious, careful actions], not tossed out of the trench hither and yon. How come no one is up there politely asking if they can proceed the tractor and sift through first? The people digging are referred to [same article] as 'the people who make the decisions' rather than a specific organization or individual. This isn't happening in a vacuum, there are people behind those decisions and it sounds like nobody's talking to them. Go find the guy in charge and let him know what's up. Re: “Israeli and Palestinian authorities are failing to protect the Temple Mount.” Well, maybe the Palestinian authorities are too busy keeping their people from being shot by Israelis, or having their access to medical care and food and water and livelihood cut off to care about somebody else's turf. Besides, "the dig is proceeding without interference from Israeli authorities", permission granted by Olmert, with 'no comment' from the Israeli Antiquities Authority. Since "Israel has a long history of ignoring these violations", I don't see how any outsiders can change the course of this trenching. If Israel doesn't care, and hasn't cared, there is no point in calling it 'destruction' because it obviously has little value to them despite it being their own history going under the tractor bucket. It's a shame from a scientific and cultural point of view, let along a religious one, but it is their history they are choosing to relegate to the dusbtin. • • • • • • • SadI think it's terribly sad that thier destroying history. That is precisley what this is. If we don't look back at where we've been, how do we know where we're going? • • • • • • • bachnerthis makes me want to cry. i supposse if the waqif found the holy of holies on day in their DIGGING they would destroy it so no one would know it ever existed. they are trying once again to remove all jewish prsence from this earth. • • • • • • • Shanks Op-EdOne wonders at the intransigence. not of the Waqf as that's assumed, but rather of the Israel Antiquities Authority. While this appears to be the standard manner in which the IAA operates, it is unconscionable that this authority would do nothing to protect it's own history, property, and religious artifacts. Olmert seems to be no better. How can this be? I dislike the idea of being suspicious of their motives in allowing this destruction to continued without even a protest, but it is not possible to ignore the possibilities of some sort of collusion with the Waqf in this. • • • • • • • test our faithI believe this destructin is a sign that the third temple will soon be rebuilt. The motive of Islamics involved in these actions are to destroy remains of the jewish temples, so there will be no physical proof of them having existed. Although they may destroy artifacts, they can not destroy the Biblical records. I believe God wants us to have faith that even though we don't have artifacts we still believe. Blessed is he who has not seen yet believes. • • • • • • • New destruction on the Temple MountThe following is what I e-mailed to the IAA upon reading of this new act by the Waqf: Sirs, I am writing in concern and outrage that the Waqf is once again destroying the history of the Temple Mount ostensibly for legitimate reasons. I understand this is being done in violation of Israeli law yet virtually no one with authority to deal with this tradgedy is taking any action to stop this. Why the silence? What is the fear? This is the heritage of two great religions being obliterated so a third religion can solidify it's claim to the site. This would not have been tolerated when I lived in Jerusalem and worked for Prof. Benjamin Mazar on the Temple Mount Excavations in 1975 and 1978. What we found was considered precious to our historical understanding of the past. Now it seems the pre-Islamic remains of the Temple Mount are destined to go the way of the Bamyan Buddas destroyed by the Taliban. Why are you, the keepers of Israel's past allowing this to happen? In the 1930's there was a similar silence to the destruction of Jewish culture until it was too late to stop it. Is history repeating itself in the heart of Eretz Israel? After nearly 30 years away I am returning to Israel in November as part of a tour group. I know my heart will break when I see the Temple Mount. Will anybody care? • • • • • • • Digging on Temple MountCan you just imagine the uproar if Israeli people went to Mecca, rented several back hoes and began digging a trench along the Muslim's holiest site exposing its ancient ruins without regard for inspection or preservation? • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionI continue to be appalled and outraged that this destruction is something no one is able to prevent. All we can hope is that archeologists may recover whatever possible. • • • • • • • temple desicrationHow can the government allow,the destruction of a national treasure,that affects the whole world community. This is a world travisty. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionOUT OF EVERY EVIL DEED CAN BE FOUND SOME MEASURE OF GOOD. • • • • • • • Unbelivable• • • • • • • Destruction of the Temple MountWhen I participated in archaeological digs in Israel in 1974 and 1976, the state of Israel required that all excavations were licensed and led by professional archaeologists. Preservation of finds and documention of each step of the excavation process was required to preserve history for posterity. This destruction needs to be stopped now, with military force if necessary. Peoples of all faiths should be outraged as the destruction is affecting the historical record of Musllms, Christians, and Jews. This site is particularly sensitive but there is no excuse for the blatant disregard for the historical record. There are qualified Palestinian archaeologists who could work on this project with Israeli professionals to ensure proper documentation of the excavation and preservation of artifacts. • • • • • • • Temple MountIt is tragic that, in order to buy peace, the IAA is ignoring it's charter to preserve Israel's precious archeological heritage. Where is there a Joshua who will face the Muslim Goliath and do battle for the artifacts of God's chosen people? Who can catalog what treasures have been lost already or predict what grievous losses are yet to come? The world will support the IAA if it will only stand with integrity and courage and present it's case to the world community. What is being lost transcends national or even religious boundaries for each of us has a stake in preserving our past. • • • • • • • Temple tractorIt is shocking what the Arabs are doing--thumbing their noseat others not Muslim, even when the archaeological finds are very--extremely--important. I'm surprised that the government hasn't intervened already! • • • • • • • and no one does anything?I read these articles ad see the pictures and I ask mysel where is the academic world? The UK Universitied boycot Israeli scienties but don't even say a word about the distruction of one of the most important sites in the world. • • • • • • • Damage to Temple MountThis is typical of (aparently)the contempt the Moslems have for their Jewish neighbors etc. I am certain that Omert is holding his mouth shut in order to avoid violence etc. What kind of neighbors do we have?? • • • • • • • heartsickI am heartsick that this trench digging could not have been closely monitored by Muslim, Jewish and Christian archaeologists. How sad that we have such division among us. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionI was in Jerusalem in March and saw some of the damage to the temple wall caused by previous construction on the Temple Mount. There needs to be an international delegation formed which will confront the Israeli government regarding allowing this type of activity to continue without proper supervision. It is amazing that the Israelis are scrutinized regarding any professional excavations which they are involved in around the base of the Temple Mount, but the Palestinians who control the Temple Mount are allowed to perform whatever destruction it wills at anytime. There must be a public outcry against this type of activity. I can't imagine what potential ancient discoveries are being destroyed by this process. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionWhat a travesty indeed! The Olmert government has failed the Israeli people in so many ways. Not only can they not provide security to the citizens of Israel from the continued rocket attacks, but they have failed even to protect the nations archaeological treasures. Ehud Olmert must resign! Jews and Christians around the world must find a way to stop this wanton destruction of the holiest site in both religions. • • • • • • • Temple desecrationThere is absolutely no reason in the world why the AEI can't arrange to dig in the pre determined area where the Arabs want to excavate. The only reason why I should have to explain this at all is because of sheer cowardice. • • • • • • • Temple Mount destructionI can not understand how the IAA or the GOI can stand by and let the Waqf destroy whatever it chooses to. Almost certainly, they do it with great glee because, whatever else it accomplishes, it helps destroy Judaism's historic claim to the Temple Mount. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionI am amazed that the destruction of two Buddhas by the Taliban brought worldwide condemnation. I suppose the world would consider the Buddhas as of greater cultural value than the Temple mount. • • • • • • • Temple Mount DestructionThe calculated and indiscriminate destruction of this historically unique and irreplaceable site leaves me filled with dread, and disgust with all the involved parties. isn't there any thing the world community can do to protest? • • • • • • • temple mount destructionwhat can a little person like me do about this travesty • • • • • • • |
Temple Mount DestructionIntroductionShragai’s Report about the Temple MountIsrael’s Supreme Court Hears CPDATM PetitionAn Eyewitness Report from the Temple MountFollow-Up Visit to the Temple MountVideos and Photos of Temple Mount DestructionHershel Shanks Op-EdWorld Wide Press CoverageInside Online ExclusivesThe Dead Sea Scrolls and Why They MatterOldest Church Found?A First-Hand Report from the 2008 International Society of Biblical Literature MeetingThe Book of RuthWho's the Boss: What Saul and David have to do with McCain and ObamaDoing Egypt Right—With a BAS TourIl Fantastico: The Strange Pilgrimage of Pietro Della ValleTemple Mount DestructionTwenty-Four Hours That Changed the World Forever: An Easter DiscussionWhere Was Jesus Born? (And When?)Herod’s Tomb FoundIs the Ivory Pomegranate a Forgery or Authentic?Jerusaelem Forgery Conference Report |
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