Western Wall

The Kotel controversy

'Coalition should have collapsed on Reform Kotel'

Ex-Minister Yishai slams haredi and religious parties for not saying 'no' to new prayer space, calls Reform 'disappearing Judaism.'

The Western Wall compromise: A small bit of clarity in the dark

Historic letter by leading rabbis forbids Kotel division

In light of new Reform prayer space, letter from top rabbis in early 1970s published, revealing fierce opposition to division into sections.

Non-Orthodox prayer

What is the impact of the decision to allow egalitarian services at the Western Wall on Jewish tradition?

Netanyahu blasts minister's attack on Reform Jews

PM stresses Reform Jews are 'part and parcel' of Jewish people and deserve respect after Yariv Levin slams them for assimilation.

Will the Palestinians thwart Reform Kotel plaza?

PA religious leadership strongly condemns planned new non-Orthodox prayer section at 'Muslim site,' calling it breach of international law.

Deri vows: Reform Movement will never get gov't recognition

Shas leader opposes gov’t decision to expand non-Orthodox mixed prayer section. 'Although they are Jews, they will not get recognition.'

Women of the Wall celebrate gov't approval of egalitarian prayer

At a press conference at the Western Wall, the women say: ‘All Jews in Israel can pray together at the Kotel.’

Government approves egalitarian prayer section at Western Wall

Government approves egalitarian prayer section near Robinson's arch, promises to make it respectable and accessible to all.

MK Ariel: Reform prayer at Kotel an attack on 'Jewish tradition'

Ahead of cabinet vote on allowing egalitarian prayer services at Kotel, Uri Ariel says initiative will only spur 'conflict and division.'

Jewish Home divided on Reform prayer at Kotel

Uri Ariel blasts change to 'status quo' at Kotel while Bennett and Shaked appear primed to vote in favor of proposal to allow Reform prayer.

Government to acknowledge Reform movement for first time

Government expected to accept recommendations on Kotel: 'The Jewish Home should be raising a rumpus."

Terror victim Naor Shalev celebrates Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel

Two months after nearly losing his life in brutal Pisgat Ze'ev stabbing, Naor Shalev is called up to the Torah at the Kotel.

Teen terror victim to light eighth candle at Kotel

Naor Shalev, critically injured in a stabbing in Pisgat Ze'ev, will light the final candle of Hanukkah in public Kotel ceremony.

Rabbi Stern lights 4th candle at Kotel

Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem lit Hanukkah candles alongside MK Yitzhak Herzog. 'Lighting in this place represents victory.'

Kotel and 'Al-Aqsa' top Facebook’s ‘check-in' list

Binyamin Netanyahu is 10th most talked about politician according to Facebook

PA government claims: Israel implementing a 'bi-national state'

PA government blasts Israel and the city of Jerusalem for "defiling" the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Women of the Wall light Hanukkah candles at Kotel

Group succeeds in lighting candles for Hanukkah at the Kotel in defiance of traditional practice.

Abbas opposes construction at the Kotel Plaza

PLO Executive Committee condemns 'Beit Haliba' construction plans, calling them attempt to seize 'Islamic holy site.'

Netanyahu: Israel is a candle in the darkness

PM Netanyahu lights first Hanukkah candle in Jerusalem, says Israel is fighting for its existence and independence.

Kotel rabbi opposes women Hanukkah lighting

After deputy state attorney calls to integrate women in state lighting ceremony, rabbi asks why special section not being used.

Biggest Jewish event ever: 5 million to pray together

This coming Sunday, group hopes to get five million people all over the world to say the 'Tikun Haklali' together.

Palestinian cleric: The Western Wall belongs to the Muslims

Palestinian Arab claims Muslims are the legal owners of the Western Wall and no other person or entity are entitled to it.

PA Drops UNESCO Kotel Bid - Partially

PA backs down on claiming Kotel as a Muslim site, but is still trying to claim Cave of Machpelah and Rachel's Tomb.

Lapid to British FM: UNESCO Bid Part of PA's Incitement

Yesh Atid chairman asks Britain’s Foreign Secretary to thwart PA initiative to pass resolution on Kotel at UNESCO.

UNESCO Chief Blasts PA Attempt to Claim Kotel as Muslim Site

Director-General issues statement 'deploring' proposal, backed by Arab states, to claim Kotel as part of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Diaspora Jews Livid at PA Bid to Claim the Kotel at UNESCO

Jewish leaders in the United States, Europe condemn proposal to claim Western Wall as Muslim site as 'an affront to Jews everywhere.'

American Lawmakers Urge Action Against UNESCO Kotel Resolution

Reps Nita Lowey and Ted Deutch ask ambassador to UNESCO to work to block the PA from claiming Kotel as its own.

'Arafat's Legacy of Lies Continues with Abbas'

Foreign Ministry officials confirm to Arutz Sheva an active fight against the PA's push to claim the Kotel as their own.

De Blasio Prays 'Emotionally' at Western Wall

NYC mayor tours Kotel Tunnels with large Jewish delegation after nighttime prayer at Western Wall.

PA Tries to Claim Western Wall at UNESCO as 'Muslim Site'

Proposal, likely to pass due to Muslim majority, would have Kotel renamed Buraq Plaza and made part of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Defiance through prayer

Watch: Worshipers, Visitors Not Deterred by Jerusalem Violence

Jewish worshipers at the Kotel this morning tell Arutz Sheva why last night's terrorist attacks only strengthened their resolve to come.

Watch: Chief Rabbi Leads Prayer Rally at the Kotel

Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yosef calls prayers to show defiance after stabbing attack, urges Jews to turn out at site in demand for security.

Arab 'Screamers' Harass Officials Visiting Kotel

Arab women wail at Jerusalem officials visiting the Western Wall through the Damascus Gate route.

PA Media: Birkat Kohanim? Jewish 'Desecration of Al-Buraq Wall'

Forget the Temple Mount - Palestinian Press Agency says Western Wall is Muslim, Jewish Priestly Blessings 'desecrate' it.

Thousands Flock to Kotel for Birkat Kohanim, Hakhel

Security forces have reinforced the Old City since dawn as thousands expected to attend special ceremonies.

Not Europe 1939 - Jerusalem 2015

Watch: Terrified Jewish Children Hounded by Muslim Mob

Difficult to watch: Children cry as Arab mobs target Jewish families on the way to the Kotel in Old City of Jerusalem over Sukkot.

Before Yom Kippur, 100,000 Attend Selichot at the Western Wall

Jews from across the religious and demographic spectrum gathered in Jerusalem for last penitentiary prayers before Yom Kippur.

Watch: Selichot at the Kotel

Hundreds at Selichot at the Western Wall in the presence of Chief Rabbi David Lau, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu of Tzfat, ministers and MKs.

Jewish Home MK: Israelis Are Afraid to Visit the Kotel

Arab terror preventing Israelis from coming to Western Wall to pray, says MK Smotrich - and something must be done.

PA Claims 'Western Wall is Muslim'

PA claims Temple Mount and Kotel as 'Muslim holy sites,' as PA mufti calls for 'physical' response to possible ban of Muslim rioting groups.

Watch: Thousands at the Kotel for First Night of Selichot

Sights and sounds: Worshipers flock to Western Wall for first night of penitential prayers leading up to High Holy Days.

Women of the Wall's Elul 'Secret Mission'

Radical feminist activists successfully smuggle in Torah scroll, rams horns after police yield to their protestations.

Watch: Torah Scroll Dedicated at Kotel to Three Murdered Teens

Father of slain teen tells Arutz Sheva about 'complicated' dedication event, says last summer's unity will overcome.

Arabs Busted over 'Protection' Scheme for Kotel Visitors

Just like in old Chicago, Israelis visiting the Kotel have been forced in recent months to pay up, or risk damage to their cars, or persons.

Questions to the Enemies of Israel

Tisha B'Av - Destruction of the Temple

Tonight and tomorrow the Jewish people commemorate the destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem.

Leftist Journalist Blasts Hotovely Over Diplomats' Kotel Visits

Journalist Ben Caspit says that requiring foreign diplomats to visit the Kotel is like being forced to visit a church in New York.

Hotovely: Kotel to be Part of Official Diplomatic Visits

International guests in Israel on official visits will be taken to the Kotel as part of their itinerary, the Foreign Ministry has decided.

Cops: Charges Reduced for Teens Who Urinated on Section of Kotel

Had it been Jews who urinated on an Arab holy site, 'Jerusalem would be in flames,' said a prosecutor who decried the cops' decision.

Moving: Holocaust Survivors Celebrate Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel

After more than half a century, survivors finally undergo ceremony denied to them by the Nazis

'A great miracle'

Moving: Hero Soldier Who Survived Stabbing Prays at Kotel

Prayers of thanks and surprises by unit for officer released from hospital, who was critically wounded by Arab terrorist in Old City.

'Women of the Wall Smuggled Torah to Kotel in Blankets'

Witness reveals she saw WoW smuggle scroll in violation of regulations hidden in a bag, reports police threateningly indifferent.

Watch: Hundreds Pray at Western Wall on Jerusalem Day

Major rabbis and popular Israeli singer hold special prayer session honoring Israel's sovereignty over the capital.

Watch: Arabs Try to Ruin Independence Day Festivities

Groups of Arabs attempted to incite confrontation with Israelis celebrating Independence Day in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Hundreds Flock to Kotel for Independence Day Prayers

Rabbi Uri Sherki, who ended shiva for his murdered son, leads emotional prayer session to bridge Memorial, Independence Days.

Women of the Wall 'Almost Caused Bloodshed' with Torah Stunt

Kotel Rabbi slams provocateurs who took Torah scroll into women's section, sparking scuffle and police intervention.

Elections 2015

Netanyahu at the Kotel: Moved by the Weight of Responsibility

Netanyahu visits Western Wall and notes on historical meaning of holy site, vows to act for every citizen of Israel.

Bennett Calls for Unity at Last-Minute Kotel Visit

'We are strong together,' Jewish Home chairman urges, less than 24 hours before the vote.