As part of their respective official visits to Israel, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Senator Dave McCormick visited the Kosel, where they prayed and expressed their unwavering support for the State of Israel and the Jewish nation during these difficult times.
As part of their respective official visits to Israel, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Senator Dave McCormick visited the Kosel, where they prayed and expressed their unwavering support for the State of Israel and the Jewish nation during these difficult times.
Secretary Noem arrived at the Kosel on Sunday night, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife, Mrs. Janet Huckabee. They were welcomed by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Kosel and the Holy Sites, along with Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, Director of the Kosel Heritage Foundation. The Secretary received an explanation of the Kosel’s deep spiritual, historical, and national significance as the eternal center of Jewish identity.
During the visit, Secretary Noem and Rabbi Rabinowitz offered prayers in memory of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, who were tragically murdered last week. They also prayed for the swift and safe return of all those still held hostage.
Before departing, Secretary Noem placed a note between the stones of the Kosel and wrote in the Guest Book: “Israel is the chosen nation, and the U.S. stands with you. You are not alone!”
On Tuesday morning, Senator Dave McCormick and his wife, Ms. Dina Habib Powell, also visited the Kosel, where they were greeted by Rabbi Rabinowitz. He shared with them the enduring importance of the Kosel as a place of prayer, faith, and Jewish continuity through the generations, and expressed appreciation for the senator’s steadfast support of Israel and the Jewish people.
Senator McCormick was especially moved by the sight of a group of young children celebrating their Siddur ceremony in the Kosel Plaza—a powerful symbol of the vibrancy and resilience of Jewish life.
At the conclusion of his visit, Senator McCormick remarked: “The support of the United States—and my own—for Israel is stronger and more steadfast than ever. Especially in these times, having visited shortly after October 7 and the outbreak of the war, I recognize the critical importance of strengthening the deep bond and alliance between our two nations.”
Photo: Western Wall Heritage Foundation
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