Visit of Pope May Prevent Yidden from Davening at Kosel
Yidden may be banned from davening at the Kosel for the first time since the site was restored to Jewish rule some 60 years ago during the upcoming visit by Pope Benedict XVI. The rov of the Kosel, Rav Shmuel Rabinowitz, said he is strongly against the idea, but some officials are saying that to ensure the safety of the Pope, they will have to have all people leave the area starting the night before he arrives until he leaves. Nine years ago this month, Pope John Paul II visited the Kosel.
”Jews have been davening at the Kosel for almost 42 years,” said Rav Rabinowitz. “The Kosel must remain open during [the Pope's] entire visit for every individual who wishes to daven.”
During the Jordanian rule of eastern Yerushalayim, Jews were not permitted to visit the Kosel. After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel had all religious sites opened to those of all faiths.
{Yair Alpert-Matzav.com Newscenter}
6 Responses to “Visit of Pope May Prevent Yidden from Davening at Kosel”
2. Comment from mike
Time March 16, 2009 at 11:03 AM
This is outrageous!! THE CHUTZPA! Let him not visit, who needs him??? If Chief Rabbi went to vatican, do you think they stop their activities, absolutely not.
3. Comment from volohzin
Time March 16, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Thank you Rabbi Rabinowitz for standing up for the Torah community to daven at the Kotel on a 24/7 basis.
4. Comment from Avi Kolko
Time March 16, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Why does he have to go the kosel let him go onto the temple mount.
5. Comment from thegratefulyid
Time March 16, 2009 at 3:18 PM
i think the pope should protest this
he is a man of…. religion and should not want to stop prayer ant the most Holy site for Jews
thegratefulyid
6. Comment from Anonymous
Time March 16, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Why do you say “for the first time since the site was restored to Jewish rule some 60 years ago” if later you say “Jews have been davening at the Kosel for almost 42 years”.
A bit of accuracy, please.
Of course it’s outrageous either way…
1. Comment from Mordechai
Time March 16, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Why would anyone want to go next to that Avi Avos Hatumah anyways ?