Ic you went to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem when did you get on line?
 

As a non-Muslim we are only allowed in for 4 hours a day and only through one entrance. So we're concerned about the amount of people and timing. We'll be going the first week of November and wonder how much before the gate opens we should get on line.

If it's important to you I suggest you investigate the possibility of hiring a good guide. Though it was a long time ago, I and 3 friends were shown around Israel by a female guide who was able to bypass lines and otherwise smooth the way for us. Things may have changed or maybe not so much. But it's worth an inquiry or 2.

That is such a good suggestion. Guides many/most times are allowed to enter a venue without restrictions.

Short of that, be in line an hour early. Take pictures and whatever else you can do.

Thanks. I have thought about a guide. Some of the companies I've looked at with day tours in Jerusalem cover sites we're not that interested in. I'm guessing getting a private guide would be the way to go but concerned about the price. Would want one anyway for just half a day.

And I'm not sure a guide would help as far as getting on line for the Temple Mount.

Two years ago (October) I just showed up and got in line. Was inside within about 10 minutes. Was asked which tour group I was with, told them I wasn't, they wanted to see my passport and I was in!

Two years ago is a lifetime in terms of how things change here. Your best bet is to be on line at least half an hour before the gates open - the lines will be long and there is nothing that anyone can do to predict how long they will be or how quickly they will move.

Things to know that will make the whole process go smoothly - make sure that you do not have anything in your bag that is connected to any religion other than Islam - that means no Bibles, no prayer books, no rosary beads, no hymnals, no tallit, etc. etc. etc. This is a requirement of the Waqf (the Moslem religious leadership). Also no tablets - yes this is something new which may or may not be enforced - it is definitely enforced for tour guides.

And no - even if you hire a private guide that is no guarantee that you will get in any faster - it is certainly no guarantee that you will jump the line and you will still have to go through the same security screening as everyone else.

And make sure that you are dressed extremely modestly - another requirement of the Waqf - what is acceptable at the Western Wall may not be enough for them - no shorts, no capris, no cap sleeves, etc. etc.

I think I got there around 30-60 minutes before the gate opened. There were a couple groups in front of me and a bunch of groups behind me. I was able to get tons of photos of the mosque without crowds of people around it because all the groups stop to talk about everything else on the way in. I would definitely suggest a hat as there isn't much to block the sun in the waiting area.

As Oreet said, NOTHING even remotely tied to any other religion and dress modestly. I was warned by a day guide the day prior that even a tshirt with a slightly larger scoop neck was pushing it. I wore a regular tshirt and jeans and was fine. Be sure to have your passport on you. I don't remember for sure if they looked at it, but I think they did.


Definitely go, it's absolutely gorgeous! I loved the sun shining on the gold dome with dark clouds in the background, and the mosaic tiling is beautiful. Don't try to go into the mosque itself, there is a guard at the entrance and he didn't appreciate the people who walked into his little area to try to look in the doorway and promptly shoo'd them off.

Thanks for the advice. Hubby and I will wear long pants and long sleeved shirts. I was told that women are sometimes given shawls by the Israeli's at the gate so that you can go in and not worry about Muslim guards, which you can then return on your way back out.

Can they tell if you're just thinking vs. praying? It's all so ludicrous to me but we do want to go.

<<< I was told that women are sometimes given shawls by the Israeli's at the gate so that you can go in and not worry about Muslim guards, which you can then return on your way back out. >>>

I wasn't given anything like that, wasn't offered anything like that, and didn't see anyone else offered that sort of thing. Dress appropriately and there's no need for that. All of the guards, both at the entrance and while I was wandering around the grounds, were very polite to me.


<<<Can they tell if you're just thinking vs. praying? It's all so ludicrous to me but we do want to go.>>>

Don't do something praying'ish like holding your hands together, chanting, appearing to be saying prayers quietly, etc and you're fine. :) As long as you're not doing obvious praying things it shouldn't be a problem.

Yes IowaR, same here. No-one handed out shawls to me but I always carry one in middle eastern/muslim countries. Just a sensible thing to do and easy enough to stuff one in your bag. Likewise it is culturally sensitive to wear long trousers and long sleeves. No big deal.
The guards were very polite to me too. No problem at all. I really enjoyed my time on Temple Mount, must have been there for several hours just wandering around, sitting quietly, taking pictures. Didn't do any praying either externally or internally!
A good experience.