(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)
As part of the festivities marking the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Yerushalayim from Jordanian occupation, the Chief Rabbinate Council on Wednesday, 28 Iyar, held a special session at the Kosel, which was also a tribute to Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau Shlita, who announced his retirement as he marks his 80th birthday.
During the special session, the rabbonim reaffirmed the Kosel and Kosel Plaza are holy sites to be used for tefilos, tefilos in line with the minhagim maintained throughout the years.
The statement to the media from the council also addressed recent provocations challenging the never-ending connection between Jerusalem and the Jewish People. We do not require backing from any source whatsoever since the fact is that Eretz Yisrael, including Yerushalayim are the soul of the nation”.
The council also reiterated the prohibition against visiting Har Habayis, adding “As has been ruled by the Chief Rabbinate throughout the years, in line with the position of Gedolei Yisrael. It has been stated unequivocally that we must maintain the kedusha and sanctity of the Mikdosh and it is our tefilla that we will merit visiting Har Habayis with Moshiach Tzidkeinu in kedusha and tahara”.
The council praised the actions of Rav of the Kosel and Holy Sites Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz Shlita along with all those working to maintain and protect the holy sites.
The rabbonim also officially took leave of former Chief Rabbi of Israel Rav Yisrael Meir Lau Shlita, who officially retired as he has reached his 80th birthday.
Rav Yisrael Meir Lau said, “Fifty years after we saw the salvation of HKBH and saw tangible miracles and wonders, we have recently been challenged by the unending connection between [the land located between] the sea and the people of Israel … We do not need any support for the fact that the Land of Israel in general and Jerusalem in particular is the soul of the nation. No authority in the world can sever the connection between the people, their homeland”.
Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita added, “This is an opportunity to thank HKBH for all the miracles and wonders and that we merited the Kosel. It is important to add here that the Kosel belongs to Am Yisrael contrary to what UNESCO states. The Kosel belongs to Am Yisrael”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: הקרן למורשת הכותל)