A protest was held outside the home of Yosef Elbaum, who is counted among the regular visitors to Har Habayis despite being a member of a chassidic community, that does not condone visiting the holy site. The protesters shouted “murderer” and waved signs stating Gedolei Yisrael forbid visiting Har Habayis. They blame the Jews who visit Har Habayis for the recent wave of Islamic terror and harsh shift in international opinion against Israel.

It appears the protest was prompted by a report released by Reuters, which shows Elbaum visiting Har Habayis along with other Jews. The report shows how a chareidi rabbi is among those visiting the site, which is at the heart of controversy today between Jews in Israel and between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

When confronted, Elbaum denied he was on Har Habayis. His response is attributed to his fear of protests against him for his actions. However, the video shows a different story and a protest was organized outside his home within a number of hours. As a result, Elbaum told leaders of the Belzer Chassidus that he will refrain from such actions until such time the situation calms down.

The Elbaum family has been counted among the visitors to Har Habayis for a number of years.

With secret prayers, Jews challenge 'status quo' at Jerusalem holy site https://t.co/QM9Imfm3Cx pic.twitter.com/yOHt8NX37v — Luke Baker (@LukeReuters) October 26, 2015

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)