This was an another case of Chinese or Asians giving me some unknown respect.  As Dan and I came up on on the Temple Mount, there were many tourist huddling around the center circle.  They were excited and hustling to get their pictures taken there.   Once I walked towards the center circle, they all moved away and gave me lots of room.  Notice in the picture they were all making a point to be looking else where.  Dan's explanation is they don't know if I am a very important person, VIP, and hence don't want to draw attention to themselves and possibly have negative consequences; or just a sign of respect for a possible VIP.