Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited the Western Wall Plaza and the Western Wall Tunnels along with his countrys Foreign Minister. The two were received by the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz. The Prime Minister began his visit in Israel with a tour of the Old City after which he came to the Western Wall to pray and then toured the Western Wall Tunnels. There he received an explanation on the excavations and discoveries since 1967 in the Western Wall Plaza complex which bear witness to the Jewish nations glorious past and roots in Jerusalem.
During the visit, the Prime Minister prayed in front of the ancient stones of the Wall and placed a note between its layers. He did not hide his emotions during the prayer and visit and expressed great interest in Jewish history. He talked about Singapores connection to the Jewish nation, of the active synagogues in his country, and the respect for them. Rabbi Rabinowitz told the Prime Minister that millions of Jews throughout the generations whispered their hearts longings in front of these stones. When the Temple was established, King Solomon asked that it be a place of prayer for Jews and non-Jews alike, said the Rabbi. In synagogues in your country, worshipers face this site. The Prime Minister wrote in the Western Wall guest book that he is grateful for the privilege of visiting this sacred place and wishes for the fulfillment of the prayers of the entire nation for peace in Israel and the world.