Whatever happened to the Israeli policy of “free exercise of religion” in Jersualem? It got hijacked by the Waqf and the Sharon government acquiesced because they didn’t want any more clashes with the Muslims in town. Said clashes five years ago sparked off the 2nd Intifada, which, I must remind you...the Palestinians LOST!
Result? Christians and Jews who visit the Temple Mount (which, IMO, is more holy to these two related religions than it is to Islam) can’t bring ANY holy items there. They can’t make any gestures, can’t bow, can’t wear yarmulkes, and it isn’t even open on any religious holidays.
There may not be much which can be done about this right now, but I hope my Israeli friends will make this a major issue in their next elections, whenever that may be.