[Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA: Take a look at the description of the Christian
Al Aqsa arsonist in this article: "Australian man who studied Torah and
wanted to build a new temple" and "Rohan stated that..his reason for trying
to destruct Al-Aqsa Mosque was in order to give a chance to rebuild it as
the Jewish Temple." Someone reading this might think he was Jewish. The
article DECLINES to mention that he was Christian.]

Israel Steps up Security Measures on Al-Aqsa Mosque Arson 47th Anniversary
http://english.wafa.ps/page.aspx?id=RSiOCGa41799088254aRSiOCG

JERUSALEM, August 21, 2016 (WAFA - Official PLO news agency) – Israeli
police Sunday intensified what it called, security measures in the Old City
of Jerusalem as this day marks the 47th anniversary of Al-Aqsa Mosque arson
at the hands of an Australian man who studied Torah and wanted to build a
new temple.

WAFA correspondent said Israel police deployed hundreds of officers in the
streets, neighborhoods entrances and towns and is thoroughly inspecting
Palestinians.

The Palestinian National Council said in a press release that even after 47
years of the arson, Israel continues its attempts to change the face of
Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The council called on both Arab and Muslim organizations to support the
people of Jerusalem and their steadfastness, especially in light of settlers
increasing violations.

It called on UNESCO to implement its decision which adopts the Arabic and
Muslim name for Al-Aqsa Mosque and reject the Israeli name and called for
the implementation Security Council resolution number 271, which demanded
that Israel respects previous UN Resolutions or else it would receive
condemnation.

The morning of August 21, 1969, a fire engulfed the southeastern wing of the
holy Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Al-Aqsa is known to Muslims all over as Haram-al-Sharif (the Noble
Sanctuary). This is a cherished location for Muslims for over 1,300 years, a
site visited by Prophet Muhammad on his winged horse, El-Baraq on The Night
of Ascend.

The fire destroyed a 1000 year old precious and historic pulpit that was
presented by Saladin in the 12th Century. The damage done to the Mosque was
restored to some extent with the contribution of $9 million by Jordan, the
official custodian.

Heated demonstrations took place in the Arab parts of Jerusalem to condemn
this act.

All access points to the Mosque were blocked, hundreds of police officers
were recruited to curb the agitators, and a curfew was put in East Jerusalem
the same evening.

The initial assumptions stated that an electrical fault became the cause of
the fire but reports started spreading about Israelis responsible for it.

The next day brought to limelight another culprit, Dennis Michael Rohan, an
Australian tourist who was termed responsible for the arson and was arrested
on August 23.

Presented in front of the court, Rohan stated that he was acting as “the
Lord’s emissary” following the divine instructions and also stated that his
reason for trying to destruct Al-Aqsa Mosque was in order to give a chance
to rebuild it as the Jewish Temple. He was later found to be mentally ill
and was hospitalized in a mental institution.

M.H