Jerusalem’s Old City Rabbi Retracts Protest Letter, Supports Western Wall Chief Rabbi

Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzal, the chief rabbi of Jerusalem's Old City, initially issued a strong letter opposing a joint Jewish-Christian prayer event at the Western Wall. However, he has now published a clear retraction, requesting that no use be made of his previous letter. The original protest was based on incorrect information suggesting a mass Christian prayer would take place at the site. In reality, the event was a live broadcast from the Western Wall intended to connect millions of Christians worldwide in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people on the day of the October 7th tragedy.

After Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, the Western Wall and Holy Sites Chief Rabbi, provided Nebenzal with full details about the event, Nebenzal issued a new letter affirming his trust in Rabinovitch. He praised Rabinovitch’s longstanding efforts to preserve the sanctity and purity of the Western Wall and to prevent desecration. Nebenzal also asked that his clarification be shared with all rabbis who had signed the initial protest letter, concluding with a call for truth and peace.

This development follows a sensitive period after the October 7 attacks, highlighting the importance of accurate information and unity among religious leaders in Jerusalem.