A total of 8,623 people ascended the Temple Mount during the Hebrew month of Nissan—an increase of 43% compared to the previous record for the same month. Over the Passover holiday alone, 6,315 worshippers ascended, representing a rise of approximately 37% compared to last year.
On the Thursday of Chol HaMoed (intermediate days of the holiday) a new daily record was also set, with 2,106 people ascending the site in a single day.
Unprecedented: Large Groups Permitted to Ascend
According to the Temple Mount Administration, the ascensions were generally orderly and without prolonged waiting times, aside from some congestion recorded on the final day of Chol HaMoed. The police allowed relatively large groups of up to around 200 people to enter at once, significantly reducing wait times.
Among those who ascended were dozens of rabbis, heads of yeshivot, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, and Members of Knesset Amit Halevi and Tzvi Succot.
Thousands Circled the Temple Mount
In addition to the ascensions onto the Mount itself, activities took place outside the Temple Mount, including marches and gatherings around its gates. According to the Temple Mount Administration, the majority of participants in these activities were from the Haredi community.
Meanwhile, on the eve of Passover, a symbolic reenactment of the Passover sacrifice was held in Jerusalem, attended by thousands.
“New Historic Milestones”
At the conclusion of the month, Head of the Temple Mount Administration Rabbi Shimshon Elboim stated: “Blessings to the thousands who ascended the Temple Mount and set new historic milestones. The return of Israel to the Temple Mount continues to increase, thank God.”
He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and security officials for their assistance in removing sources of terror and violence and enabling the mass ascensions.
