As part of his official visit to Israel, New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the Kosel on Tuesday. He was welcomed by the rabbi of the Kosel, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and the director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, who explained to him the significance of the site for the Jewish people and the nation’s yearnings for it throughout the generations.
During the visit, Mayor Adams stated, “We will continue to fight against anti-Semitism worldwide. New York City has one of the largest Jewish populations outside of Israel. As the mayor of New York City, I want to send a clear message from here, the home of the Jewish people, and to strengthen our resolve to combat anti-Semitism. After touring the Old City among the different religions, the understanding is reinforced that we must find a way to live together side by side.”
Following this, Mayor Adams signed the Kosel’s guestbook: “This wall of prayer is a symbol of hope. As we gather for our wishes, let us have a universal understanding , we can not reach our goals unless we reach them together.”
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10 Responses
I think I have asked this before: When a gentile visits The Wall, must he wear a yarmulke? And if so, why?
@huju, it appears to be a volentary gesture of respect.
No not halachically.
There was a time all gentiles, men & women alike, always covered their heads. It is a sign of self-dignity and humility before the RBS”O. That all got lost by President Kennedy in the 60’s. At least by the Kosel they are preserving this ethical concept and hope it conjures up the respectful attitude and moral behaviour due to this holy site
Who is Adams kidding! He says he is going to fight anti-Semitism world wide when he can’t even control his own city.
I hope Mayor Adams doesn’t confuse Kibutzim and Yishuvim with plantations. We don’t want Eric to get nervous.
It would be political malpractice in the first degree for any NY politician to visit EY and not stop at the Kosel…..Adams clearly understands the value of a photo, having also made a visit to the Toldos Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe in his hospital room. He would much rather be at the border with Jordan or Lebanon than Mexico.
Let him start with the anti-Semitism in his city
Start of Presidential Campagin , not bad but get him a nicer Yarmelka or
at leaset Black,
Doners accepted
@huju
A yarmulka is a sign if respect in middle eastern culture (as opposed to western culture where they “tip the hat”, or take off entirely = the exact opposite).
Jew or gentile makes no difference
NYC has one of the lowest homicide rates of any large US city.