The President of Togo, Mr. Faure Essozimna GnassingbŽ, visited the Western Wall and was received by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites.
During his visit, the President prayed in front of the Western Wall and placed a note between its stones.
President GnassingbŽ could not contain his excitement over the prayer and the visit and expressed great interest in Jewish history. He noted his friendship with the State of Israel and said that the visit to the Western Wall was for him one of identification with the spiritual values of the Jewish nation.
The Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, said in his words to the President that millions of Jews throughout the generations have whispered their secret hearts desires next to these stones. When the Temple was established, King Solomon requested that the prayers from this site both of Jews and non-Jews be accepted in Heaven. The Rabbi added, In synagogues the world over, worshippers pray facing this very place.
The President wrote in the Western Wall Visitors Book: I pray for friendship between Africa and Israel. I ask the Creator to strengthen the friendship and solidarity between Africans and Israelis. Peace to all of the world.
