In a pair of notable visits to the Kosel, two prominent American officials—General Michael Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command, and Mr. Steve Witkoff, U.S. envoy to the Middle East—davened at the holy site and expressed deep solidarity with the Jewish people.

In a pair of notable visits to the Kosel this week, two prominent American officials—General Michael Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command, and Mr. Steve Witkoff, U.S. envoy to the Middle East—davened at the holy site and expressed deep solidarity with the Jewish people.

General Kurilla, who is nearing the end of his term, visited the Kosel on Friday morning. Though it was his 40th time in Eretz Yisroel, it was his first visit to the Kosel.

He was welcomed by the rov of the Kosel and the holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and by Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, who explained the site’s eternal connection to the Jewish people as a place of tefillah and hope throughout the generations.

Together they davened for the safety of the soldiers and security forces of both Israel and the United States, for the return of the hostages, and for peace in both countries. Rabbi Rabinowitz shared heartfelt words with the general, telling him that Hashem would surely repay him for his consistent assistance to Klal Yisroel. The general was visibly moved and replied, “My mother always told me that for my support of Israel—God will repay me.”

The general also toured the newly opened “Gateway to Heaven” presentation and viewed the latest archaeological discoveries beneath the Kosel Plaza, which date back to the times of the Second Beis Hamikdash. Before leaving, he inserted a note between the stones of the Kosel and signed the guestbook, writing, “Thank you for a fantastic visit to the Western Wall. May you find peace.”

Earlier in the week, Mr. Steve Witkoff arrived at the Kosel after walking on foot from his hotel. His visit came ahead of Tisha B’Av and was likewise centered around tefillah and support for the hostages and the State of Israel. He was greeted by Rabbi Rabinowitz, who shared the deep spiritual meaning of the site, especially in the current situation. The rabbi thanked him for his diplomatic efforts and his work for the release of the hostages, which he described as one of the greatest mitzvos.

Mispalelim present at the Kosel Plaza warmly received Mr. Witkoff and thanked him for his steadfast support. He also toured the “Gateway to Heaven” exhibit, and at the conclusion of his visit, he davened at the Kosel, placed a note between the stones, and wrote in the guestbook: “I pray for the hostages and for the end of the war.”

Photos: Western Wall Heritage Foundation