Latest update: 07/04/2011 

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Jerusalem's 'new Wailing Wall' causes tensions in the Old City

Israel has widened worshippers' access to a revered Jewish site in the heart of the Jerusalem Old City's Muslim Quarter. The move threatens to inflame tensions at one of the world's most contested religious sites. The small courtyard lies less than 100m from the Wailing Wall, one of Judaism's most sacred places; but its proximity to the Al Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, makes the site sensitive to both religions.

By Gallagher Fenwick
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What Bullying?

I didn't see anyone bullying anybody else in this report. I only saw about 20 people coming in one afternoon per week for a couple of hours to pray. What's the big deal?

You know Muslims, Christians, Baha'is, etc can now all practice their religions in Israel--now that the Jews are in charge. It was never that way when the Muslims had control.

freedom of worship by bullying

I'd like to see the Palestinians going into Jewish courtyards and saying their prayers. What are the chances of them having the same freedom to incite?

So opening up an area for freedom of worship is "controversial"?

The scaffolding there never actually held anyhting up, I have seen it myself, there was a small gap between it and the building below.

Freedom of Worship is an important value in Israeli Society, for Jews and for Muslims and it is fantastic that where Muslims are praying a few feet away, so too Jews can pray at this holy site.

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