Visit to an Empty Temple Mount Compound

I ascended today, at 1:30 PM with a group of about 34 other persons.

Haredi. Chardal. Mizrachi. Secular. Family from America. Olim.

First, we waited at the entrance and, surprisingly, we were escorted in first, before the tourists.  There was some concern as the Temple Mount had been closed in the morning due to a violation of the restrictions on any external Jewish expression of prayer or respect 

After security, identification check and a short lecture on proper behavior, off we went.

and briefly stopped to observe the remains of Roman architecture:

The compound was literally empty except for us, the police and some Muslim tourists from an Asian country:

A short clip

We stopped to observe and listen to a topographical explanation (in the white hat is a Channel Two TV reporter; his crew & camera were not allowed in)

sat down a bit

I spied two pigeons seeking shade at the Golden Gate:

It was really empty:

Our group

Looking south

We were there for some 40 minutes or so.

The police were courteous but firm and there was tension.

But we visited the Temple Mount.

____________

UPDATE

Found a short clip filmed by a Muslim:

That's me:

^