In the shadow of Operation Roaring Lion and in light of the security situation, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation held this morning (Sun.), as it does each year ahead of Passover, the traditional removal of prayer notes from between the stones of the Western Wall - removing tens of thousands of prayer notes that were placed between the stones over the past six months, before their transfer for geniza (designated burial).
The removal was accompanied by the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and the director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, who together offered a special prayer for the success of the campaign against Israel’s enemies, most notably Iran; for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces fighting on the various fronts - in the air, at sea, and on land; for the well-being of United States soldiers standing alongside the State of Israel in its defense and in confronting the threats; and for the peace and security of the people of Israel and the State of Israel.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation: "In these days, when the people of Israel are facing challenges and seeking heavenly mercy, we see how thousands of prayers continue to arrive at the Western Wall from across Israel and around the world. Alongside prayers for peace in the State of Israel, for the safety of the soldiers, and for the salvation of the entire nation, prayers also arrive from many places and countries, including from citizens of hostile states who seek peace among nations and countries. We also pray for the well-being of United States soldiers standing alongside the State of Israel in confronting the threats, and we long for days of peace, security, and fraternity among all peoples."
The removal was carried out in accordance with halachic guidelines, using gloves and disposable wooden tools, in order to preserve the sanctity of the site and the personal content of the notes. The notes were collected in special sacks and will be buried in a designated geniza.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation notes that hundreds of notes are sent daily through the foundation’s website, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of notes that are placed personally by worshippers and visitors at the Western Wall throughout the year.
What stood out this year in an exceptional way were notes sent through the foundation’s website by citizens from countries hostile to Israel, including: Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Qatar, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sudan, Jordan, Egypt, Kazakhstan and others containing moving requests for peace, reconciliation, and the building of relationships between peoples and nations.
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