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Yehuda Glick (born Yehudah Joshua Glick on November 20, 1965, in the United States to American Jewish parents Brenda and Shimon Glick) is an American-born Orthodox Jewish rabbi, far-right activist, and former Israeli politician. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, he immigrated to Israel and became a prominent figure in the Temple Mount movement, advocating for increased Jewish access and prayer rights at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians. As president of the Shalom Jerusalem Foundation, he has organized tours, conferences, and campaigns to promote Jewish presence on the Temple Mount, including efforts to rebuild the Jewish Holy Temple, often described by critics as contributing to religious radicalism and tensions in Jerusalem. Glick's activism has linked him to far-right religious movements, including speaking at events supported by the Central Fund of Israel (CFI), which connects donors to such causes.
In 2014, he survived a high-profile assassination attempt when he was shot by Mu'taz Hijazi (also identified as Muath Amri Hijazi), a member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, outside the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem. This attack occurred during the 'Silent Intifada' or wave of violence following Operation Protective Edge. Entering politics, Glick was elected to the Knesset in May 2016 as a member of the Likud party, replacing former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, and served until April 2019. During his tenure, he focused on issues like Jewish rights on the Temple Mount, including supporting proposals to divide the site similar to the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained the policy of preserving the status quo. He was awarded the 2015 Moskowitz Prize for Zionism.
Post-Knesset, Glick has continued his rabbinical and activist roles, emphasizing messianic visions of rebuilding the Third Temple. He has remained active in advocacy, speaking at events funded by organizations like the Central Fund of Israel and participating in sessions led by figures such as Miri Regev on Temple Mount access. His dual American-Israeli background and Brooklyn roots have shaped his identity as a bridge between diaspora Judaism and Israeli nationalism, blending religious zeal with political maneuvering in a secular legislative body. His activities remain controversial amid ongoing debates over Jerusalem's holy sites, with critics accusing him of fueling extremism and settler ideologies.