Mona Suha Handal

Few people were waiting in line when I arrived at the security station adjacent to the Wailing Wall. I noticed two signs. One

read: ＂Announcement and Warning: According to Torah Law, entering the Temple Mount Area is strictly forbidden due to the holiness of the site. -The Chief Rabbinate of Israel.＂ The second sign read: ＂Food and drink forbidden. Afternoon visiting hours canceled on account of Ramadan.＂As I approached the electronic scanner, I placed my wallet and keys in a

small plastic tray. The Israeli security guard scrutinized my pocket-worn American Passport and asked more questions than usual. I answered. He waved me through eventually. When I exited the security station, the entire length of the semi-permanent wooden bridge leading to them Moroccan Gate (Bab al-Maghrabi) was covered top to bottom with Israeli soldiers in riot gear. I started getting unnerved as I navigated the labyrinth of legs, weapons, and bulky riot-gear