Wailing Wall e-notes from PH delivered to Israel

MANILA – Thousands of e-notes for the Western Wall, also called the Wailing Wall, from Filipino pilgrims have been sent to Israel, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism said Friday.

The ministry started the “Western Wall e-note” initiative during the Lenten season for Filipinos who were not able to visit the Holy Land due to the pandemic and travel restrictions.

The notes were submitted online and were received by the Ministry of Tourism in Jerusalem to be placed in the cracks of the historic wall.

“We want to thank everyone who sent their messages in the Western Wall and inform those who sent their e-note that it had been delivered. We have received thousands of notes from the Philippines and believe that Israel is close to the hearts of the Filipinos. We hope to see you soon,” said Sammy Yahia, Israel Ministry of Tourism director for India and the Philippines.

Before the pandemic, visitors could write a prayer or wishes on a piece of paper and slip it in between the cracks of the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, the only remaining fragment of a retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount, the site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem.

“We are amazed at the number of notes that were sent to us and I am delighted to place those notes on behalf of the Filipinos. We hope that all your notes will be answered,” said Katie Gordon of the Israel Ministry of Tourism-Asia Desk.