I wish to strongly disagree with your Editorial, “An Arresting Development In Israel” (Oct. 18). In the real world, you don’t have the right to do whatever you want; you have to consider the sensibilities of others.
In regard to the Temple Mount, it has been a Muslim place of worship for over 1,200 years. Muslims believe that it
was the place where Mohammed ascended to heaven. Jews have not prayed there since 135 CE. To unilaterally demand the right to conduct a Jewish service there now is an act of religious arrogance. One would not demand the right to conduct a Jewish service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral without consent. Some day there may be enough mutual understanding to allow Muslims to share
the Temple Mount. However, the present is not that day.
In regard the Kotel, we have a similar arrogance. Contrary to the wishes of the Women at the Wall, the Kotel is an Orthodox synagogue. It may well be that some allowance should
be made for feminist and non-Orthodox worship. That change should be made by consent and not imposed unilaterally.
