Last week, far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben-Gvir continued inflaming religious tensions by calling to alter the status of the Al Aqsa mosque, advocating for building a synoguge inside the mosque. While he has led incursions into Al Aqsa with illegal Israeli settlers and called for allowing Jewish prayers at the site, this is the first time for the minister to openly speak about building a synagogue at the site. Over the last few months, Ben Givir has enjoyed protections from the Israeli police who are under his jurisdiction while he violated the legal and historical status of Al Aqsa. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry warned of grave consequences from Ben-Gvir’s call, citing it as is an explicit and public call to demolish Al-Aqsa and build the alleged temple in its place.
Lord of All Creation, we reject the actions of those who misuse faith to promote hatred, exclusion, and violence. Protect Jerusalem from those who seek to undermine its diversity and disrupt its peace. We especially ask for Your guidance to respect and preserve the status quo at Al Aqsa Mosque, ensuring that this holy site remains a place of peace and prayer for our Muslim community. Empower all people of conscience to speak out against hatred and discrimination, and to defend international law.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer