As part of their historic and largest-ever visit recorded in Israel, approximately 1,000 pastors, community leaders, and Christian clergy from the United States arrived this evening (Thursday) for a visit and prayer at the Western Wall, as a gesture of solidarity and support for the people of Israel.
The delegation was greeted by the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, who briefed them on the significance of the holy site for the Jewish people as a focal point of prayer, hope, and yearning throughout the generations and expressed gratitude to the delegation members for their steadfast support of Israel during this challenging time.
The peak of the visit came in a particularly moving and powerful moment when all one thousand members of the delegation placed notes between the stones of the Western Wall bearing the names of the victims of the Nova music festival who were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists on Simchat Torah, October 7th. The rabbi of the Western Wall joined the pastors in a special prayer for the elevation of the victims’ souls, for the wellbeing of the bereaved families, and for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces.
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites:
“Standing here before the stones of the Western Wall alongside our faithful friends from across the world is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.’
At this difficult time for the people of Israel, you exemplify what true friendship is. When you place notes with the names of the October 7 victims between the stones of this holy site, you share in our pain, our prayers, and our hope. We remember and cherish your steadfast support, and the bridges of love and faith that you build every single day.”
Photo credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation
