Imric wrote: As I recall, before Israel was re-created by the West after WWII, Jews and Christians were freely permitted to make the pilgrimmage to the holy places, no?

It depends when. From 1917-1948 the British ruled and generally allowed free access. However the rights of Jews were quite restricted at the western Wall. Before then Jerusalem was ruled by the Ottoman empire and was generally considered a backwaters by Moslems. From 1948-1967 Jordan (a Moslem country) ruled and not only were Jews NOT permitted to visit the holy sites, all the Jewish synagogues, graveyards, etc. were desecrated. Since 1967, Israel has allowed Moslems and Christians free access. In fact, Moslems have more access then Jews to the temple mount. I am not allowed by the Israeli Gov't to go up to the temple mount and pray so as not to offend the Moslems. Why do you say Moslems are second class citizens in Jerusalem?