From Iran to Israel: Tens of Thousands of Prayer Notes Removed from the Kotel Ahead of Pesach

As part of the annual pre-Pesach tradition, tens of thousands of prayer notes were removed from between the ancient stones of the Kotel on Sunday to make room for the millions of visitors expected during the upcoming Pesach holiday. This is usually done just a few days before Pesach, but it was decided to do it now, to take advantage of this time that the Plaza is closed to visitors. There is a haunting stillness to the Western Wall plaza right now; seeing this area so desolate is deeply unsettling.

A Global Cry for Peace!
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation reported a significant trend this year. Amidst the ongoing regional challenges, thousands of notes have arrived from every corner of the globe - not only from Jewish communities but also from citizens of hostile nations, including Iran, Iraq, and Yemen.

These messages, often sent via the Kotel’s online portal, carry a common theme: a plea for peace between nations, safety for all peoples, and an end to the current conflict.

Prayers for the Soldiers
Alongside personal requests for health and livelihood, many of the notes removed today were dedicated to:

IDF Soldiers: For their safety and success in defending the State of Israel.

U.S. Military Personnel: Prayers were specifically offered for American troops standing by Israel to counter regional threats.

The Hostages: Urgent pleas for the swift and safe return of those still held in captivity.

In accordance with Halacha, the notes are never thrown away. Instead, they are collected using wooden tools, to avoid using metal on the holy stones, and transferred to a special Genizah on Har Zeitim.

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Kotel and Holy Sites, said "In these days, when Am Israel faces immense challenges and seeks Heavenly mercy, we see how the Kotel remains the 'beating heart' of the world. From Israel to Iran, thousands of people reach out to the Creator, seeking safety, brotherhood, and a future of peace."

Picture credit: Western Wall Heritage Foundation