Twenty years after making a private visit to the Kosel, Russian Prime Minister Dimitri Medvedev visited the holy site on Wednesday evening 8 Cheshvan. it was during this latest visit that the senior visiting dignitary opted to announce Israel strong and clear connection to the holy site is known to all.

His words are significant after the recent UNESCO resolution denying a Jewish connection to the Kosel, Har Habayis and other mekomos kedoshim.

Mr. Medvedev opened his official visit in Israel at the Kosel, met by Kosel Rav Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz Shlita and escorted by Russia’s Chief Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Berel Lazar Shlita.

Kosel Heritage Foundation Director Mordechai Eliav was also on hand, using the opportunity to explain the significance of the area to the Jewish People to the visiting VIP, showing him a model of Bayis Sheni.

Rabbi Rabinowitz added to Eliav’s words, emphasizing the historical connection Am Yisrael has with the holy site. Rabbi Lazar explained that in Russia and around the world, when Jews daven, they face the Kosel and Har Habayis.

They then accompanied the visiting Prime Minister to the Kosel where he uttered a prayer and was presented with a book on the Kosel Tunnels in Russian.

As he departed Mr. Medvedev thanked his hosts and expressed his delight for having visited the “holiest site to the Jewish People”, extending his wishes for peace, security and the prosperity of the Jewish People”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)