Arab Muslims set an ambush for Jewish and other non-Muslim visitors as they attempted to ascend Jerusalem’s Temple Mount on Wednesday to mark the start of the biblical holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles.
Sukkot is one of three biblical festivals during which the people of Israel were commanded to come to Jerusalem and ascend the Temple Mount. Many still adhere to that precept. Or, they try to, at least.
For the past decade or so, Muslim mobs occupying the holy hill have erupted in violence each and every time the Jews try to ascend in honor of one of their festivals.
Sukkot has annually seen the worst holiday confrontations. And Wednesday was no different. The moment that the single gate accessible to non-Muslims was opened, masked Muslims began hurling firebombs and stones at Jewish visitors and police officers.
At least four police were wounded in the ensuing clash.
Ultimately, the police were able to clear out the rioters and restore order to the Temple Mount, allowing the holy site to remain open to visitors throughout the morning.