Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) introduced a House resolution on Tuesday that affirms Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount and calls for “equal access and religious freedom for Christians, Muslims and the Jewish people at one of the world’s most sacred sites.”
“The resolution recognizes the Temple Mount as the holiest site in Judaism and a revered place for all three Abrahamic faiths” and “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 congresswoman stated.
She noted that Jews have an “enduring bond” of more than 3,000 years tying them to Israel, and that archaeological and historical evidence confirms that connection. Yet there have been “repeated international efforts to downplay Jewish ties to Jerusalem and restrict access to the Temple Mount,” she stated.
“Currently, Muslims can enter the site through 11 gates, while non-Muslims are limited to one gate with restricted hours and prohibitions on prayer,” she said. “The resolution condemns these double standards and reaffirms America’s commitment to Israel’s security, sovereignty and religious liberty for all faiths.”
“Christians and the Jewish people continue to face limits on prayer and access at the Temple Mount,” she added. “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.”
The Endowment for Middle East Truth, Zionist Organization of America and Israel Heritage Foundation supported the resolution.
