Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzal Retracts Previous Letter on Western Wall Event Misunderstanding

Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzal, a senior rabbinic authority and chief rabbi of Jerusalem's Old City, issued a clear retraction regarding a previously published letter in which he protested against what was described to him as a "mass Christian prayer" planned for the Western Wall plaza on October 7. The initial letter was signed after Rabbi Nebenzal was presented with incorrect information suggesting a Christian prayer event would take place there. However, it was clarified that no such prayer is scheduled; instead, a live broadcast from the Western Wall will connect millions of Christians worldwide in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people on that day.

Following a detailed explanation from Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Nebenzal published a new letter explicitly requesting that no use be made of his previous letter. He expressed full trust in Rabbi Rabinovitch's stewardship of the Western Wall, praising his wisdom and longstanding efforts to maintain the sanctity of the site and uphold Jewish religious law. Rabbi Nebenzal also asked that his clarification be shared with all rabbis who had signed the initial letter, concluding with a call for truth and peace.

This correction addresses concerns about the nature of the October 7 event at the Western Wall and reaffirms the religious leadership's commitment to preserving the holiness of the site while fostering unity.