Obama places note in Western Wall
Photo: Reuters
Western Wall rabbi apologizes for publication of Obama’s note
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz sends letter to US Democratic presidential candidate expressing his regret for extraction of Obama's private note from wall, says it has been returned to its rightful place
The rabbi overseeing the Western Wall, Shmuel Rabinowitz, sent a letter on Tuesday to US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, in which he expressed his sorrow over the removal of the note written by Obama from the wall and its subsequent publication in local media.
In addition, the Yeshiva student who removed Obama’s note from the Wall also apologized and asked for Obama’s forgiveness. He said the note had been returned to its place with Rabinowitz’s help.
Religious Sites
Democratic presidential hopeful rounds up visit to Israel by praying at holiest Jewish site, meeting with Wall's rabbi. America, he stresses, will continue to look out for Israel's security needs
In the letter, Rabinowitz wrote that as the Western Wall and Holy Sites Rabbi he deeply regrets the aberrant act.
He also said that many people visit the Western Wall; Jews and non-Jews alike and their honor and the honor of their prayers are top priority.
Expressing regret over the “sacrilegious” actions of the young man, the rabbi said that it is unfortunate that the Wall's sacred atmosphere did not touch the young man's heart as it touched Obama’s.
Rabinowitz reassured the Democratic senator that his prayer has not been harmed and is not damaged by the publication. He also wished Obama that all his prayers come true.
The rabbi signed the letter with a blessing that Obama may be a loyal representative of the Creator of the universe and for those who work for and see to Jerusalem’s wellbeing.
The note that Senator Obama put in the Kotel said, “Lord - protect my family and me. Forgive my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will."
