This evening (Monday), Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana returned one of the ancient stones of the Western Wall, which fell during the destruction of the Second Temple, to its historic place in a unique ceremony.
How to make the most of the Hanukkah days? Travelers: All about shows, tours, workshops • Previously
The stone, which weighs about five tons and was dropped by Titus's Tenth Roman Legion during the destruction of the Second Temple, has been displayed in recent years at the Knesset building, and was recently loaned for display at Ben Gurion Airport.
The decision to return the stone was made after a discussion held by the Knesset Speaker in his office with the Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Places, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, in the days before Rosh Hashanah. At the end of the discussion, Amir Ohana decided to return the stone from the Western Wall to its natural place - alongside the other Western Wall stones that are stored there with their due respect.
The ceremony was attended by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Knesset Director General Moshe (Chico) Edri, Knesset Officer Yuval Chen, Director General of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation Mordechai (Soli) Eliav, and Director General of the Israel Antiquities Authority Eli Escozido.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana: "If stones could speak, this heavy stone, with thousands of years of history on its back, would tell the story of generations of Jews who came to pray in the Temple. It was placed for about 16 years on the Knesset plaza, tangible evidence of the connection between the Knesset and the past of our people.".
""There was concern that it would become a source of controversy, and on the eve of Rosh Hashanah I made a decision, after consulting with all Knesset officials, the Rabbi of the Western Wall, and the head of the Israel Antiquities Authority, that the stone would be returned to its historic place, and 2016 will be, with God's help, a year of reconciliation and unity. We seek to close the chapter of its wanderings, and place it in a permanent place, where it can tell its visitors the stories it saw in the old and new times of the people of Israel in their homeland.".
""May this stone stand here as a warning sign of the destruction that threatens us when we are divided, and as a guide to our mighty strength when we are united, and the blessing of the Shekhinah above our heads.".
Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Places: "The return of this stone to the bosom of its sisters, the stones of destruction that have stood here for 2,000 years, is a great correction. It is a declaration that we, the sons and daughters returning to our border, do not forget the holy stones, do not forget our past, and preserve their sanctity - we will continue to preserve the sanctity of the Western Wall both physically and in terms of customs and traditions.".
Join the Haredim 10 Facebook page >>
Join the X page of Haredim 10 >>
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
