By, Jessica Elgot
1 min read
ByJessica Elgot, Jessica Elgot
Two thirds of Israelis have indicated they would like the Temple in Jerusalem to be rebuilt, including Israelis who describe themselves as secular.
The survey, conducted for Ynet and the Gesher organization, asked 516 Israelis if they knew the meaning of Tish B’Av and if they would like to see the Temple restored.
Ninety-seven percent knew the meaning of the fast of Tisha B’Av, that it was the destruction of the Temple, while only 2% said they did not know.
Perhaps even more surprisingly, 64 per cent of those asked said they would like to see the Temple rebuilt, including secular Jews.
All the ultra-Orthodox Jews who wwere asked in the survey said they would like to see the Temple rebuilt, 91 per cent of the general traditional Jews responded positively and just under half of secular Jews did too, 47 per cent.
Gesher organisation director general, who commissioned the survey with news organization Ynet, Rabbi Danny Tropper said: "We are a nation with a remarkable historic affinity. The Temple was destroyed 1,942 years ago, and almost two thirds of the population want to see it rebuilt, including 47% of seculars.
"I don't think this is a practical proposal, but it seems that Tisha B'Av really does constitute a day of meaningful memory to most of the people."