Ethan Tucker. The idea that the land of Israel retains a privileged status irrespective of the contemporary Jewish presence on it is one that has coursed through Jewish thought throughout the ages and was a powerful motivator for many modern Jews to return to their ancient homeland even if they had never laid eyes on any part of the Middle East prior to arrival. This problem becomes even sharper for Temple Mount: How can I walk on the place where only the High Priest was once allowed to tread?