As part of his diplomatic visit to Israel and ahead of Tisha B’Av, the American envoy to the Middle East, Mr. Steve Witkoff, visited and prayed at the Western Wall after walking on foot from his hotel to the Western Wall Plaza.
He was welcomed by the rabbi of the Western Wall and the holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, who explained to him the spiritual and historical significance of this sacred place to the Jewish people — as a center of prayer, hope, and yearning, especially in these times.
Rabbi Rabinowitz thanked the American envoy for his efforts on behalf of the State of Israel and for the release of the hostages, noting that this is one of the most important mitzvot (commandments) in Judaism.
During the visit, Mr. Witkoff was warmly received by dozens of worshippers present at the Western Wall Plaza, who expressed their gratitude for his strong support of Israel.
He then toured the new “Gateway to Heaven” exhibit, recently opened to the public, which connects visitors to the Western Wall with the historical story of the Jewish people and Jerusalem through the generations.
At the end of his visit, he offered a personal prayer, placed a note between the stones of the Wall, and signed the guest book:
“I pray for the hostages and for the end of the war.”
Photo: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation
