Paul KeenanGroup fears loss of site to Christian control
A group of conservative Jews in Israel have staged a 'prayer protest' at the Cenacle, the Upper Room site of the Last Supper and Pentecost.
Just two weeks after Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the site – which sits directly over the tomb of David on Mount Zion – during his official visit to the Holy Land, protestors entered the Upper Room, June 9, to demonstrate their opposition to further Christian celebrations at the site, an issue previously discussed between Israel and Rome.
According to the police, some 30 protestors entered the Cenacle and proceeded to pray and dance at the site. They also hung placards challenging government assurances that the site is to remain under state control following the Popeís celebration there. Under current laws, any celebration of Mass at the Cenacle requires special permission, with that only extended to St John Paul II before Pope Francis. Reported to have been included in the protesting group of Jews was politician Moshe Feiglin, a member of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party.