U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman was photographed receiving an aerial image of Jerusalem bearing a simulation of the Third Temple instead of the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
First reported on the ultra-Orthodox news site Kikar Hashabat, the photo of Friedman receiving the poster was taken during a tour of Bnei Brak held by the Achiya organization, which aids children who suffer from learning disabilities.
It was unclear at the time whether Friedman noticed that the image was doctored and whether he was endorsing it or not. A U.S. Embassy official told Haaretz they have demanded an apology from the organization “for allowing one of their staff to present this controversial image to the ambassador during the visit.”
A statement issued by the embassy later said that Friedman “was not aware of the image thrust in front of him when the photo was taken. He was deeply disappointed that anyone would take advantage of his visit to Bnei Brak to create controversy.”
“The U.S. policy is absolutely clear: we support the status quo on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount,” the statement concluded.
Source: Haaretz
