As the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah approaches, concerns are mounting regarding potential incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, is set to begin this Sunday, December 15th, and there are indications that groups of settlers may attempt to enter the holy site.
Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration commemorating the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire and the subsequent rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday is marked by the lighting of candles on a menorah each night, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days when there was only enough for one, according to Jewish tradition.
Far-right Temple Mount groups have historically sought to connect the Al-Aqsa Mosque with Hanukkah, with some attempting to light candles within the compound. Last year saw instances of settlers performing religious rituals and prayers while wearing tefillin (phylacteries) and lighting candles inside the mosque.
According to statistics from the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem, 2,556 settlers entered Al-Aqsa during Hanukkah last year, compared to 1,332 in 2023 and 1,800 the year before. These numbers raise concerns about a potential escalation this year.
Adding to these anxieties, a large menorah was erected on December 7th in the Al-Buraq Square, adjacent to the Western Wall of Al-Aqsa. This setup is intended for the daily lighting of candles at sunset. Furthermore, menorahs are often placed and lit each night in front of the mosque’s gates, particularly the Mughrabi and Lions’ Gates.
DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
