Bereaved father on removal of metal detectors: 'don't like it, but support it'
Shachiv Shnaan, former MK and father of Staff Sgt. Maj. Kamil Shnaan who was murdered in the Temple Mount terrorist attack, is certain that the Security Cabinet has made the right decision in removing the metal detectors from the holy site—even though he does not like it, and says that the state should make it clear to Temple Mount policemen that they are not abandoned: 'The vile murderers must not be allowed to break their spirit.'
Shachiv Shnaan, former MK and father of Staff Sgt. Maj. Kamil Shnaan who was murdered in the Temple Mount terrorist attack earlier this month, stated on Wednesday that although he objects to the removal of the metal detectors from the entrance to the holy site, he understands why it had to be done.
The decision to remove the metal detectors was made by the Security Cabinet
on Monday night.
"I was not at the decision-making table, and the facts presented to the cabinet members were not revealed to me," said the bereaved father. "I am sure that the prime minister, who visited me last night together with his wife and ministers, was privy to the facts, and that they made their decision in light of them."
Shnaan added that, in the end, he chose to remain "a citizen who respects the law and recognizes the elected government of the State of Israel (enough to) respect their decision."
Regarding the claims that the decision to remove the added security measures amounts to Israel surrendering to the violent backlash caused by the added measures, Shnaan said: "I have never been among those who are outraged, and I have never criticized a decision when I did not know all the reasons and implications. I truly believe that the Israeli government is doing what needs to be done for the good of the State of Israel.
"Whether it's surrendering or not is a subjective matter that is difficult to decide when you do not know the facts," he added.
"Personally, I did not like the decision to remove the metal detectors," he added. "I want the Temple Mount policemen who do holy work to continue to work and to be safe and not to be exposed to any danger.
"I want them to return to work, to believe in themselves, to raise their morale, to bolster them, to give them the feeling that the state does not abandon them."
When asked if he actually thinks that the state does so, in light of some policemen expressing their objection to the removal of the metal detectors and saying that they won't return to duty until they are reinstated, Shnaan reiterated that that they should respect the rule of law and trust the government to do what's right.
"We are ultimately people who live in a state governed by law and this country has a chosen government that is supposed to make decisions and bear the consequences," Shnaan said. "A soldier or policeman must obey their order as long as it is not manifestly illegal.
"I call upon the Mount Temple police to be strong, to believe in themselves, and to trust the system. We must be united. The villains, the vile murderers who defiled the holy land on the Temple Mount, should not be allowed to, god forbid, succeed in instilling hatred and mistrust and breaking our spirit.
"(The policemen) must be strong and continue to believe in themselves."
Shnaan said that in recent days he has been strengthened and consoled from all corners of the country.
"I want to thank all the citizens of the State of Israel, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Bedouins, Circassians, Druze, all the amazing people who consoled us and the Satawi family (who lost their son Staff Sgt. Maj. Ha'il in the same attack) and embraced us with their love.
"I am truly grateful to everyone, those who have shed a tear in their home and did not come, and especially to those who did, and I want to say to the Jewish people: blessed be your allies. You are wonderful people."
