Western Wall Heritage Foundation Denies Approval for Mass Christian Prayer Event Amid Online Controversy

A letter and posters circulated online recently claimed that thousands of Christians would participate in a mass prayer event at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem. The materials, shared notably by the Libah Center, alleged a joint Jewish-Christian prayer involving about 5,000 Christians over 24 hours between September 26 and October 2. This sparked public uproar and calls from the letter's initiators urging Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, to deny permission for the event, emphasizing the site's unique sanctity for the Jewish people.

However, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation categorically rejected these claims in a statement to Channel 7, clarifying that no authorization has been granted for any mass Christian prayer at the Western Wall plaza. They confirmed that no sound systems or logistical arrangements for such a large gathering have been approved. The Foundation reiterated that the Western Wall remains open to all visitors regardless of religion or denomination, as has been the practice for decades, but no mass prayer event as described has been sanctioned.

Furthermore, the Foundation noted that according to the original publications, the initiative does not involve a physical gathering at the Western Wall. Instead, it is a digital event planned for October 7, aiming to connect millions of Christians worldwide with the Western Wall in a show of solidarity and support for the residents of Israel.