The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Mr. Andrew Holness, visited the Western Wall on Friday, accompanied by the Chabad emissary, Rabbi Yehoshua Raskin, and the Rabbi of the Western Wall, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz.
The Prime Minister began his visit with a new project of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation which allows a visitor to look back at the past of the Jewish nation at this holy site. He noted his awareness of the deep and ancient connection between the Jewish nation and the Western Wall and Temple Mount, while reminding those present that Jamaica voted against the UNESCO resolution denying Jewish connection to this site.
The Prime Minister prayed with the Western Wall Rabbi in front of the stones of the Wall and did not hide his emotion about the sacred nature of where he was standing.
The Chabad emissary told the Prime Minister about his activities in Jamaica where there are approximately 350 resident Jews and approximately 200,000 Jewish visitors annually. The Prime Minister spoke of the Jewish nations historic relationship with his country when they arrived as refugees from Spain and Portugal centuries ago.
Remarks following the historic gathering for the worldwide recitation of “Hear, O Israel”
In our difficult hour, we not only turn our eyes upward, but to one another, strengthening one another, embracing one another, sending strength and prayers and hope to those who need them most.