Al-Aqsa ....
Since the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967 the Zionist fundamentalists have staged over a hundred attacks on Masjid al Aqsa Haram Shareef. Until recently attacks on Masjid al Aqsa were in principle discouraged by the successive Israeli government.
However, the Zionists policy to remove all sites of religious significance belonging to the other faiths from Jerusalem has grown in momentum and the desire to build the Third Temple on the site of Masjid al Aqsa is becoming real. However, according to the Halachah, the Jewish code of law and doctrine, the most critical requirement for rebuilding the Temple, the coming of Messiah, has to be fulfilled. Hence the construction of the Temple until then would actually be in violation of Jewish beliefs. But, the Zionists and their parallel friends in the Christian Zionism have their enthusiasm outstripped by knowledge and from the time of occupation in 1967 Jews began their prayers in the area of Masjid al Aqsa Haram Shareef. Below is a brief list of attacks on Masjid al Aqsa since the illegal Zionist occupation of Jerusalem:
1967 Jewish zealots begin prayers within the Masjid al Aqsa sanctuary, despite the prohibition by the chief Rabbanate of Jews of even setting a foot in it (for fear of violating its sanctity according to Judaic law).
1969 Masjid al Aqsa set on fire. Entire south wing burnt down including the precious Mimbar (pulpit) of Nuradeen commissioned 700 years ago and installed by the great Muslim hero Salahuddin al Ayubi. The man found guilty had sought refuge in a kibbutz and was set free after receiving psychiatric counselling.
1970 Members of the Temple Mount Faithful group, dedicated to demolishing Masjid al Aqsa forcibly entered the Masjid al Aqsa. They were repulsed by the Muslims who suffered casualties from Israeli troop gunfire.
1976 Israeli Courts passed a law permitting Jews to pray in Masjid al Aqsa After much rioting, later to be revoked.
Sept 1979 Jewish extremists blocked one of the entrances to Masjid al Aqsa on Friday, pointing guns to worshippers.
May 1981 The adhan (call to Muslim prayer) was prohibited from the minaret overlooking the Western Wall because of Jewish celebration.
From 1980s Harassment and acts of sabotage escalated. In August of 1981 an Israeli helicopter hovered at low altitude over Masjid al Aqsa preventing worshippers inside from hearing the Khutba.
1981 Tunnels discovered under the Masjid al Aqsa sanctuary. World condemnation followed.
April 1982 A parcel with a fake bomb and threat signed by Jewish extremists was discovered at one of the gates.
April 1982 An ex Israeli army officer opened fire, killing two Muslims and filling the interior and exterior of the Dome of the Rock with bullet marks.
June 1982 An Israeli was arrested and then released for trying to blow up Masjid al Aqsa.
Summer 1982 Jewish fundamentalists attempted to enter Masjid al Aqsa with leaflets inciting Jews to take over the Haram Shareef.
Jan 1983 The Temple Mount Fund was established in Israel, Europe and America to raise funds for rebuilding the Jewish Temple on the site of Masjid al Aqsa.
March 1983 Explosives discovered at an entrance gate and four armed Israelis were discovered attempting to enter the Masjid al Aqsa. Six months later they were acquitted in Israeli courts.
Jan 1984 Jews attempted to climb the walls of Masjid al Aqsa with ladders in the middle of the night armed with ammunition.
1984 Armed Israeli guards start patrolling the Masjid al Aqsa. Their behaviour and presence inimical to the sanctity of Muslim holy site.
15 June 1988 Israeli troops stormed Masjid al Aqsa, firing tear gas into groups of worshippers
July 1988 Further tunnels discovered which sparked further unrest.
6 Oct 1990 Israeli troops opened fire on worshippers murdering 22 and wounding hundreds.
March 1996 Israelis re-opened a tunnel under the Masjid al Aqsa, resulting in confrontations, which resulted in the death of more than 70 Palestinians.
Tunnelling - The excavations under the Masjid al Aqsa are leading to dangerous cracks in buildings adjoining the Western Wall. Archaeologists believe that the tunnels have weakened the building structures within the Haram Shareef. It is believed that a slight tremor, which this area is prone to, will cause the Masjid al Aqsa to collapse. Many are of the opinion this is one of the main reasons for digging tunnels under the Masjid al Aqsa by the Zionists.
March 1997 Birth of a red heifer celebrated by Israelis as a sign from God to destroy the Masjid al Aqsa. This is to be accomplished when the heifer is 3 years old, coinciding with
March 2000.
Oct 1997 Zionist attempted to lay a 4.5 ton rock as a cornerstone for the foundation of their Temple but were repulsed.
May 1999 A recent book published is claiming that the Ark of the Covenant (a box containing the scrolls of Jewish Law from the time of Prophet Musa) is buried under the Masjid al Aqsa and should be retrieved. Although this theory is contrary to all modern scholarly research.
The Jewish fundamentalist aspiration to build a Jewish Temple has become more open. They openly declare their aims and objectives and are seeking financial and political backing from Europe and USA without any hindrance. Their architectural plans of the Temple are distributed throughout Jerusalem. The scale model together with various other aspects of the proposed Temple are placed in the lobby of Land Hotel, Jerusalem.
Recently around a dozen Jewish fundamentalist groups joined together to form an umbrella organisation called the United Association of Movement for the Holy Temple (UAMHT). Another staunch extremist group is of Gershom Solomon's, the Temple Mount Faithful. These groups are gripped in a frenzy of hate and ardent desire to blow up the Masjid al Aqsa
The UN Security Council has passed more than 20 resolutions condemning Israels annexation of East Jerusalem and its military occupation of the West Bank.
If the Israeli enthusiasm for moving Palestinians out of their houses is anything to go by, not to mention their history of blowing them up, then all concerned individuals had better keep an eye on Masjid al Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock. Because every day that passes the pressure is increasing. The Jewish extremists historically and theologically challenged viewpoint is working its way into the mainstream and is actively being taken up by parallel groups of Zionist Christian extremists who believe that the construction of the Temple would herald the End Times and the return of Jesus, peace be upon him. It is up to the honourable members of the International community to check their advance.
We at, Friends of Al Aqsa are trying to increase awareness to the dangers faced by Masjid al Aqsa and lobby appropriate departments to insure its safety.
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