Tel Aviv, Sept. 27 -- A record number of Jews visited the Temple Mount during the past Jewish year, an organisation working to strengthen Jewish ties to the Jerusalem holy site announced on Thursday.

According to Beyadenu, a Jerusalem-based non-profit, 68,429 Jews ascended the Temple Mount, a 22 per cent increase compared to last year's 56,057.

"This marks the highest number recorded since systematic documentation began -- and likely the highest since the destruction of the Second Temple," the organisation said.

Asked about the significance of the numbers, Beyadenu spokesperson Akiva Ariel told The Press Service of Israel, "The importance is that there is a change. There is a great awakening in the people of Israel. Once, talk about th...