Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, chief rabbi of the Western Wall and Israel's holy sites, issued a statement on Monday asking all visitors to the Western Wall to refrain from kissing or otherwise touching the stones of the wall due to the spread of the coronavirus.
The rabbi’s request came after he consulted with Health Ministry professionals, who advised that the public should maintain personal hygiene by avoiding unnecessary physical contact in order to help halt the spread of coronavirus.
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A visitor at the Western Wall wears a mask against coronavirus
(Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation, which oversees the site’s everyday operations, stated that activity within the prayer square is ongoing while ensuring that visitors follow directives.
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The Western Wall's prayer plaza is almost empty amid the coronavirus spread
(Photo: Courtesy)
The foundation said that the number of worshipers does not exceed 10 people according to Health Ministry’s guidelines, which also require a distance of at least two meters between any two visitors on the site.
On Monday several Bar Mitzvahs were held at the Western Wall, although in a limited format, with families of the celebrant making sure that the number of participants did not exceed 10 people.