Despite this amazing find, or more accurately because of it, Muslims soon afterward covered the chamber, cemented over the top, and surrounded the area with a protective iron fence. Israeli archaeologists are thus not likely to be able to excavate the gate under the Golden Gate in the near future.
This is most unfortunate, because Josephus writes that the eastern Temple enclosure wall was the only one not rebuilt by King Herod – meaning that that ancient gate beneath the Golden Gate likely dates from the times of King Solomon or possibly those of Nehemiah. Yet the story remains currently buried from world awareness, in accordance with Arab interests.
Ways you can help keep Jerusalem Jewish and Israeli: Visit, organize parlor meetings and rallies, bring speakers to your synagogue, write letters to the editor or for a synagogue bulletin board – and take part in KeepJerusalem’s bus tours in news-making areas of Jerusalem. For information on these options, send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit the Keep Jerusalem-Im Eshkachech website at www.keepjerusalem.org.