MK Yisrael Eichler, who chairs the Knesset Ombudsman Committee, was part of the group visiting the Kosel to review security arrangements vis-à-vis Shabbos and Yomim Tovim. Rav of the Kosel and Holy Sites Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz accompanied him as did senior police officials and MK Eliezer Menachem Moses. The purpose was to get a first-hand look at the security along with an understanding of the Shabbos arrangements and heterim for persons to walk through the metal detectors that are in use.

Rav Rabinowitz explained that many poskim permit using the devices which are necessary in areas where there can be no security compromise, including the Kosel and Kever Rochel. The rav added that walking through the special metal detectors are not chilul Shabbos any more than opening a water facet even though at some point, a mechanical pump is used to keep the water flowing. The rav added there are those who wish to be machmir, and it is their right and they will undergo a manual inspection which takes more time. He promises the guards will be briefed and they will accommodate those not wishing to walk through the detectors.

Eichler emphasized the need to inspect each and every person because it is a matter of pikuach nefesh, especially after the outrageous breach of security on Shabbos. Enemies of the Kosel initiated an investigation which was publicized far and wide in the Muslim world. It was reported one can smuggle knives into the Kosel on Shabbos if one wears Shabbos clearing and a tallis. It is added this was a failure of the censor, permitting this reported to go public, resulting in a serious security breach at the strategic site. He added the very publication of the report invites additional terror at the location on Shabbos.

Rav Rabinowitz added they are looking into hand wands that operate on the same principle as the walk-through metal detector, explaining this would make the inspection “passive” and then the guard is also not being mechalel Shabbos. He explains one entering with keys or other accessories without an impact on the detection gate and this is also true of an atora of a tallis. One with metal can place it on the side and then pass through without chilul Shabbos.

Police commanders concurred, stating they are fine with a manual inspection which however will take considerably longer for those wishing it. It was stated police are fine with preventing chilul Shabbos for those who feel a manual inspection is necessary.

MK Eliezer Menachem Moses requests that a manual inspection also be offered at the Shar Shechem entrance to the Kosel. Police explained that due to operational considerations, one wishing a manual inspection on Shabbos and Yomtov will be directed to the gate several tens of meters to the side, not Shar Shechem.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)