A view of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Photo: Berthold Werner.

JNS.org – About 30 Arabs were arrested over Rosh Hashanah weekend, following several riots that broke out in and around the Temple Mount compound in Jerusalem.

Last week, the Jerusalem Police issued a statement detailing security arrangements for visits to the Temple Mount by Jewish worshippers over Rosh Hashanah. The statement met a call by Islamic Movement head Sheikh Raed Salah, who urged his followers to thwart any such visits.

Riots on the Temple Mount began Sept 4, when dozens of Arab youths began stoning security forces stationed in the compound. Fifteen Arabs, mostly minors, were arrested. The riots resumed on Sept. 6, following the end of the weekly prayer service held in Al-Aqsa Mosque, which coincided with the noon prayer service in the Western Wall Plaza. Dozens of Arab youths began stoning security forces stationed in the area, and clashes ensued near Mughrabi Gate. Security forces stormed the compound once more to disperse the riot, arresting another 15 Arab youths.

In both clashes, the Arab youths were detained for disturbing public order and assault on police officers. Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovich condemned the weekend’s riots, saying the Arab youths had aimed “to hurt the Jews who came to pray at the Western Wall on Rosh Hashana.”

“All violence should be condemned, but all the more so when it comes to the holiest place of the Jewish people,” Rabinovich said.