As the fast of Tisha B’Av drew to a close, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Mr. Mike Johnson, arrived at the Kosel together with a congressional delegation for a special visit of prayer and solidarity.

As the fast of Tisha B’Av drew to a close, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Mr. Mike Johnson, arrived at the Kosel together with a congressional delegation for a special visit and tefillah at the remaining wall of our Beis Hamikdash—on the very day when Klal Yisroel mourns the destruction of both Batei Mikdash.

The delegation was greeted by the rov of the Kosel and the holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and by the director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, who expressed appreciation for their unwavering support of Eretz Yisroel and their strong stance against antisemitism worldwide.

During the visit, the members of the delegation were given an overview of the Kosel’s deep spiritual and historical importance to the Jewish people, particularly on this day of national mourning. They also toured the new “Sha’ar HaShamayim” (Gateway to Heaven) presentation in the Kosel Tunnels, which brings to life the eternal bond between the Jewish people and Yerushalayim through the ages.

At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation members placed personal notes between the stones of the Kosel. Speaker Johnson signed the guest book with a heartfelt message: “May G-d continue to bless and protect the people of Israel—and her great friend and ally, America!”

Photo credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation