What Happened

Ben-Gurion Airport has unveiled a new exhibit featuring archaeological artifacts, including a five-ton stone originally from the Western Wall. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, responsible for the Western Wall, has expressed his demand for the stone to be returned to its rightful place.

Why It Matters

The Western Wall holds significant spiritual and cultural importance for the Jewish people. Rabbi Rabinowitz emphasizes that while sharing Jewish history is valuable, the integrity of this sacred site must be preserved.

The Big Picture

The display at the airport highlights an array of historical artifacts, including tools from the Hasmonean era, a coin hoard, and artifacts mentioning King Ahab of northern Israel. With the exhibit running until 2026, it poses an ongoing concern for those advocating the return of the Western Wall stone.

The Next Steps

Rabbi Rabinowitz appealed to key figures, including the Knesset Speaker and Israeli officials, to respect the sanctity of the Wall by reuniting the displaced stone with its original setting.

Conclusion

Maintaining the sanctity of the Western Wall is vital for the preservation of Jewish heritage. The call to return the stone underlines the broader effort to protect cultural sites in Israel.

This story was first published on jpost.com.